Accommodation in Cowes
Find out more about Cowes
Exploring Cowes
Hunkered down on the northern coast of Victoria’s Phillip Island is the town of Cowes, the main hub of commercial activity of this popular holiday destination. Just two hours’ drive from Melbourne, Cowes offers the perfect weekend escape from the big city. You can get here by ferry from the Mornington Peninsula or by driving the coastal road from Melbourne.
Water dominates life in Cowes, from its sweeping beaches to the jetty that receives boats both large and small. There are wonderful eateries and shops along the waterfront, and cultural attractions like the Philip Island Historical Society Museum in town. Many visitors hire a boat for the day to cruise the bay or to get up close and personal with the creatures that live on Seal Rocks.
Hotels in Cowes
There is a range of options for all travelers. The most popular hotel in Cowes is the Glen Isla House, which has been booked 5 times from our Hotels.com verified guests. Our guests also highly recommended The Waves 344 in Cowes as it has been reserved 5 times.
Sightseeing in Cowes
This wonderful park is one of the few places on earth where you can watch little penguins emerge from the sea and waddle onto the beach. Known as the penguin parade, this daily ritual is one of Australia’s hottest wildlife attractions and is worth planning your day around. The park is also an ideal spot for walks, beachcombing, and other outdoor activities.
One of the most popular excursions from Cowes is the seal-watching cruise to Seal Rocks. Australia’s largest fur seal colony lives here and the boats drift within metres of these fascinating creatures as they frolic around the rocks. This two-hour cruise also features regular dolphin sightings and plenty of sea birds.
Transportation in Cowes
There is a public bus system that runs between Cowes and the other main towns on Philip Island, like Newhaven, Rhyll, and San Remo. You can walk most of Cowes on foot, though many visitors opt to rent a car for their stay to make it easier to get around the island and to explore the other villages. Having your own car also opens up lodging options outside of Cowes, like the Ramada Resort Phillip Island. Another option for getting around is the local taxis, which can be phoned for from any hotel or restaurant for a quick pick up.
