Cowes

Overview

Cowes is Phillip Island's principal township and is on the north coast of the Island.  This popular beachside town can be reached by the Phillip Island Tourist Road via the bridge connecting the Island with the mainland at San Remo, or by passenger ferry from Stony Point, on the Mornington Peninsula.
 
The entrance to Cowes is framed by an avenue of golden cypress trees.  The Esplanade at Cowes contains very scenic and safe beaches.

History

The first inhabitants of Phillip Island were the aboriginal Bunurong tribe based around Westernport. Originally known as Mussel Rocks, the town was renamed Cowes by Henry Cox, the Government Surveyor, in 1865. The township of Cowes was named after the holiday retreat on England’s Isle of Wight. The town jetty was built in 1870 and was the main point of arrival for ferry passengers from the mainland before the bridge linking San Remo and Newhaven was opened. By 1870 the Isle of Wight Hotel had also been built at Cowes.

Places of interest

Jetty and jetty shed
Golden cypress tree Avenue of Honour
Foreshore Promenade
Historic Isle of Wight Hotel
Stony Point / French Island Ferry

Accommodation

Cowes is serviced by all types of accommodation including luxury apartments, hotel, motel, caravan parks, B&B’s, private house rentals and back packers. For accommodation and other information go to www.visitbasscoast.com or phone 1300 366422.

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