Cowes Beach Phillip Island

In Cowes, Cowes Beach is the beach that showcases the coastal charm of this area. It’s a great spot for families with kids as it has a sandy beach, gentle waves and resort vibes. Cowes Beach is known for good swimming and family friendly so most tourists and locals go there.
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Cowes Beach History

Cowes Beach was named after the town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight in England and has been around since the late 1800s. Originally a small fishing village, it became a popular holiday resort when Phillip Island became a tourist destination. Today Cowes Beach is part of the island that grew into a hot spot for tourists.
Cowes Beach History
trip from Melbourne

How to Get There

The trip from Melbourne takes about 2 hours by car via Monash Freeway (M1) and Bass Highway (A420), which is 140 km from Cowes Beach. Buses from Melbourne go to Cowes if you don’t want to use your own car. Alternatively, you can take the scenic ferry ride over Phillip Island on a fun Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour.

Unique Coastal Environment

The coastal environment along its coast makes Cowes Beach unique with its bay beaches, clear blue water and coastal views. The gentle waves and calm waters allow you to swim or paddle board at your own pace here. This spot has lovely sand dunes and thick forests surrounding it, making it more interesting. Among them are Ventnor Beach, just near Silverleaves Beach, which is part of the Cowes Foreshore.

Cowes Foreshore
Cowes East Foreshore

Cowes Beach Activities

Family Beach Games

Cowes Beach is a family friendly beach with many fun activities for kids and adults. Classic beach games like volleyball or frisbee can be played on the sand or in the water here. The beach has good waves for kids to boogie board with their parents or fly kites with others around. Cowes East Foreshore is perfect for family picnics and the surrounding area has interactive sports events so Cowes Beach is one of a kind during summer.

Water Sports and Rentals

If you want to try out different water sports at Cowes Beach, there are many options available. The calm waters and beautiful coastal views make paddleboarding very popular here, and they have rentals for all types of boards, including surfboards, bodyboards and stand-up paddleboards (SUP). Jet skiing adds another level of excitement to this beach experience and will drive every thrill seeker mad while enjoying the sun-kissed sea shores on their holiday days here. Paddle boards and jet skis are some of the equipment you can always rent from here as they have rental facilities that offer such services, making it easy to access these equipment.

Cowes Beach Chill and Soak

Chill and Soak

Cowes Beach is the place to be if that’s what you’re after. The beach has calm waters and beautiful sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. Cowes Beach is the best spot to read a book, take a nap or enjoy the quiet sea front if you’re in a contemplative mood. Soft waves and whispering shoreline creates a peaceful atmosphere and guarantees your relaxation.

Sails at Sunset

One of the features of Cowes Beach is the sunset views. It becomes a canvas of warm colours as the sun dips below the horizon and you get beautiful coastal views. Take a walk along the beach or just sit and watch it from land because this moment of the day is magic. The sunset at Cowes Beach will be one of your favourite memories as it marks the end of an epic day.
Sails at Sunset Cowes beach
Ventnor Beach

Nearby Cowes Beach

Around Cowes Beach, there are heaps to see and do. Smiths Beach and Ventnor Beach are nearby, each with its own vibe. A sailing club which is frequented by yachties and those who love yachting and associated activities is near our town as well as many shops where you can buy food, restaurants that serve different types of cuisine, accommodation places, small boutique hotels on the main street in Cowes — all these are part of local culture dot Melbourne among others. The Phillip Island Nature Parks are a must-see for anyone who wants to have wildlife experiences including watching the famous Australian fairy penguins besides offering similar activities in their farm.

Discover the magic of a Melbourne penguin tour! Experience the enchanting sight of fairy penguins as they waddle ashore at Phillip Island. Join us for an unforgettable wildlife adventure!

FAQ

Flat water with ripples is perfect for swimming and families at Cowes Beach. This section has good swimming and is family-friendly.

Yes, there are some unpatrolled areas of Cowes Beach. Be very careful in these areas and always follow the beach rules.

Cowes beach has shell collecting, paddle boarding, jet skiing or just sitting on the sand. There’s also facilities for family friendly activities like beach games and walking on the sand.

You can drive from Melbourne to Cowes in about 2 hours via the Monash Freeway and Bass Highway or take the bus from Melbourne or a scenic ferry to Phillip Island.

Nearby attractions include Phillip Island Nature Parks (especially the Penguin Parade), Seal Rocks, French Island, Churchill Island Heritage Farm (with sheep shearing) and San Remo township.

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