Cowes Accommodation

COWES is the major town on the seaside holiday destination of Phillip Island.

It’s a relatively short drive from Melbourne, which makes it popular with day trippers and holiday makers alike.

There are a number of sheltered beaches ideal for young ones to play in, and the Cowes jetty is popular with recreational fishers.

Take a picnic or use a free barbecue and make a day of it.

Cowes is also the ideal island base for trips to the Penguin Parade, exploring Churchill Island, going to the Seal Rocks Seal Life Centre or visiting the koala conservation area.

Phillip Island Wildlife Park includes a large area of wetlands and is home to huge range of animals including dingoes, crocodiles, wedge-tailed eagles, Tasmanian devils and rosellas.

There’s also an 18-hole mini golf course and a waterslide at Grumpy’s Amusements.

Or drive around the island until you find a beach that suits your tastes.

From Cowes jetty take a trip on the ferry to either French Island or Stony Point, which is on the Mornington Peninsula near Hastings.

Alternatively take one of the cruises available such as the Phillip Island Marine Eco Tours through wetlands, a fishing journey or to Seal Rocks.

Other island places worth a visit include the Woolshed Craft Shop and farm, go karts and fun shed with trampolines, slot-car track and bouncing castle and the weekly Cowes market.

Cowes, which was originally names Mussell Rocks, has everything you need for an enjoyable stay including art gallerys, cinema, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

For recreation a leisure centre, golf course, bowling and croquet clubs provide options.

A heritage centre holds exhibitions and has plenty of information about the natural and human history of the island.

It is open on weekends throughout the year and more often during the holiday season.

Phillip Island has plenty of major events over the course of a year with the biggest being the Australian Motor Cycle Grand Prix.

Others include the V8 Supercar Championship, Churchill Island Working Horse Festival and San Remo Channel Challenge.

Cowes is only an hour and a half from Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs and less than two hours from the city.