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
Ships cannot berth here, so passengers are tendered to the town centre.
Cowes, the principal settlement on Phillip Island, lies on the north coast and has a population of 2400. Its sheltered, child-safe beaches are joined by craft shops, entertainment, restaurants, many motels and caravan/camping parks.
- Swim at one of Victoria's few beaches facing north.
- Picnic along the foreshore: Mussel Rocks, Erehwon Point and Red Rocks have scenic beachfront spots and free electronic barbecues.
- Choose either beach walk from the end of Thompson Avenue. Heading west takes you past Mussel Rocks, the yacht club and Richardson Point; at the Anderson Street boat ramp, return on the beach or follow Anderson Street to Church Street, turn left and walk back to town. The eastern route passes Erehwon Point along Lovers Walk to Dunsmore Road; continue along Stradbroke Avenue, then use the beach road back to Cowes, or carry on to Observation Point.
- Dine with a view at one of the excellent Esplanade restaurants.
- Take a charter boat to Seal Rocks for seals or French Island for koalas.
- Book a fishing charter on Western Port, or hire a boat.
- See the Penguin Parade at sunset on nearby Summerland Beach.
- On Thompson Avenue, visit the Phillip Island Heritage center and Museum for exhibitions and a video about the Island's history and wildlife.
Getting around
Take a 2-hour cruise to Seal Rocks to view more than 6,000 Australian fur seals. It includes a commentated trip around Phillip Island's northwest coast, a close-up visit within metres of the seals, afternoon tea and assorted activities for children on the return journey.
Visitor information center for Phillip Island.
Money
Currency: Australian Dollar
Opening Hours and
Shops and services usually open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and until Saturday lunchtime. In cities and larger towns, many stay open late on Thursday or Friday, generally to 9pm, and throughout Saturday; shopping malls are often open on Sundays too.
In remote rural areas, roadhouses supply essential traveller services and are usually open 24 hours on major highways. Tourist offices, even in out-of-the-way tourist areas, often open daily or during the week plus weekend mornings, whereas urban information centres are more likely to follow normal shopping hours.
Museums, galleries and staffed historic monuments commonly open every day, though opening times can be irregular in rural communities.