Cowes, Coastal administrative center in Bass Coast Shire, Australia.
The northern township of Phillip Island faces French Island and Mornington Peninsula, with beaches stretching along its waterfront and cypress-lined Thompson Avenue.
The settlement received its name in 1865 from surveyor Henry Cox, who named it after the seaport town of Cowes on England's Isle of Wight.
The town maintains its maritime heritage through regular sailing events, local markets, and festivals that highlight regional products throughout the calendar year.
Visitors can reach Cowes via a two-hour drive from Melbourne, using coach services or taking the passenger ferry connection from Stony Point.
The population of 6,593 permanent residents increases substantially during holidays, with 70 percent of houses belonging to Melbourne-based property owners.
Location: Bass Coast Shire
GPS coordinates: -38.45024,145.23898
Latest update: July 1, 2025 00:49
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
5.9 km
Phillip Island Nature Park
596 m
Nobbies Centre
12.9 km
Mornington Railway
29.3 km
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
26.5 km
Mornington Peninsula National Park
27.3 km
French Island National Park
20.2 km
Mornington Peninsula
18.8 km
Phillip Island Bridge
13.4 km
Cape Schanck Lighthouse
31.1 km
Coolart Wetlands and Homestead Reserve
11.1 km
Devilbend Natural Features Reserve
21.6 km
McCraith House
27.1 km
Pulpit Rock
31 km
Aschombe Maze & Lavender Gardens
18.1 km
North Western Port Nature Conservation Reserve
24.5 km
Red Bluff
8.6 km
Cowrie Beach
12 km
Woolamai Surf Beach
14 km
Coolart
11 km
Former Jetty Cargo Sheds
18.9 km
Flinders-Blowhole
22 km
Flinders World War II Memorial
18.9 km
Dock
8.7 km
The Gurdies
29.8 km
Bridge
13.4 km
Williamsons Beach, Dalyston
28.1 km
Wonderful Surf Beach
24.3 kmReviews
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