Cowes, Coastal administrative center in Bass Coast Shire, Australia.
Cowes is the northern settlement on Phillip Island, positioned across the water from French Island and the Mornington Peninsula. The town spreads along its waterfront with beaches, while cypress-lined streets shape its character and appearance.
The settlement was named in 1865 by surveyor Henry Cox, who chose the name after the English seaport town of the same name on the Isle of Wight. This naming choice reflected the British roots of early European settlement in the region.
The township maintains its connection to the sea through sailing events and local markets held throughout the year, where regional products take center stage. These gatherings shape how people experience and celebrate their ties to maritime traditions and local community life.
The town sits about two hours by car from Melbourne and can be reached via coach services or a passenger ferry from Stony Point. Visitors will find exploring and shopping most comfortable on weekdays outside holiday periods when the town is less crowded.
The place functions largely as a weekend retreat for Melbourne residents, with roughly 70 percent of homes owned by people from the city. This structure gives the town a split personality, with its pace and energy shifting dramatically between quiet weekdays and busy holiday periods.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
