Making the most of Cowes
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships are not able to dock here, you will be tendered ashore to the center of town.
The chief place on the Phillip Island, Cowes (pop. 2400), on the north coast has sheltered beaches which are safe for children, craft shops, entertainments, restaurants and many motels and caravan/camping parks.
- Go swimming at one of Victoria's few north facing beaches
- Have a picnic on the foreshore – scenic beachfront picnic spots and free electronic barbecues are available at Mussel Rocks, Erehwon Point and Red Rocks
- Enjoy one of two walks along the beach from the end of Thompson Avenue. Turn west to walk past Mussel Rocks, the yacht club and Richardson Point. At the boat ramp at Anderson Street you can return along the beach or walk along Anderson Street to Church Street, turn left and walk back into town. The eastern walk takes you past Erehwon Point along Lovers Walk, which ends at Dunsmore Road. Continue along Stradbroke Avenue and then follow the beach road back to Cowes or continue on to Observation Point
- Enjoy the view as you dine at one of the excellent restaurants along the Esplanade
- Take a charter boat out to see the seals at Seal Rocks or the koalas on French Island
- Take a fishing charter out into Western Port or hire a boat
- Watch the Penguin Parade at sunset at nearby Summerland Beach
- Visit the Phillip Island Heritage center and Museum on Thompson Avenue to see exhibitions and a video of the history and wildlife of the Island.
Getting around
Cruise out to seals rocks to see over 6,000 Australian fur seals. It’s a 2-hour cruise which includes; commentated tour around Phillip Island’s northwest coast, a visit to seal rocks getting up close within meters of seals, afternoon tea and a variety of activities for the children on the way home.
Phillip Island visitor information center.
Money
Australian Dollar
Opening Hours and
Shops and services are generally open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and until lunchtime on Saturday. In cities and larger towns, many shops stay open late on Thursday or Friday evening - usually until 9pm - and all day on Saturday. Shopping malls are often open on Sundays as well.
In remote country areas, roadhouses provide all the essential services for the traveler and, on the major highways, are generally open 24 hours a day. In tourist areas, even ones well off the beaten track, tourist offices are often open every day or at least through the week plus weekend mornings; urban information centers are more likely to conform to normal shopping hours.
Tourist attractions such as museums, galleries and attended historic monuments, are often open daily, though those in rural communities may have erratic opening hours.