Title: Visit Cowes: Best of Cowes Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.ca [Hotels in Cowes](https://expedia.ca/Cowes-Hotels.d7306.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Cowes](https://expedia.ca/Cowes-Vacation-Rentals.d7306.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Flights to Cowes](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Cowes.d7306.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Cowes Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Cowes.d7306.Car-Rental-Guide)[Cowes Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Cowes.d7306.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Cowes ## Travel Guide ![Cowes featuring a beach and boating](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/189000/189576-Phillip-Island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Cowes featuring a beach](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/189000/189575-Phillip-Island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Cowes which includes camping](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/189000/189641-Cowes.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Cowes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/189000/189642-Cowes.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Cowes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/190000/190135-Fishermans-Point.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Cowes Things to do Reviews #### Splash in the sea and laze on the beach, watch the penguin parade or witness the thrilling races of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Cowes is a quaint little town on the northern shore of Phillip Island, facing Victoria’s Western Port Bay. Cowes is the main township on the picturesque southern island and a popular destination for vacationers and daytrippers from Melbourne. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge and is easy to reach by car. Take a walk down Thompson Avenue, with its broad golden cypress trees, to The Esplanade along the waterfront. Together these streets form the beating heart of Cowes, with shops, cafés and restaurants for your convenience. Come here to enjoy an alfresco lunch on a sunny day and shop for souvenirs. Browse Cowes’ foreshore with its golden beaches and sloping lawns. The bay’s calm waters are ideal for swimming. Afterwards, dine Aussie-style by “throwing a sausage on the barbie” in the public barbecue area. Take in the views from Cowes Jetty and chat with the local fishermen as the sun goes down. Meet some of Australia’s iconic wildlife that calls Phillip Island home. Purchase a bag of animal food to feed the kangaroos and emus as you wander around the Phillip Island Wildlife Park or take the treetop boardwalk to get closer to a koala at the Koala Conservation Centre. Phillip Island Penguin Parade in the evening is an opportunity to watch small penguins waddle back up the beach to their nighttime burrows. A local guide is there to answer all your questions. Time your visit to coincide with one of the racing events at the Phillip Island Circuit. Highlights include the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the Superbike Championship. You only have to follow the sound of the roaring engines to find the venue on race days. On training days you can take a ride in the passenger seat of a real race car while a professional driver zooms you around the track. The History of Motorsport exhibit keeps the less adventurous visitor happy as well. Take a cruise out on the bay for a chance to see the seals at Seal Rocks. Also keep an eye out for dolphins and seabirds. Watch the glowing sun set and the town’s Esplanade twinkle during a romantic twilight cruise. Take this moment to look back on your stay in Cowes and appreciate the many wonderful things this idyllic island town has in store. - Cowes Hotel Deals - Vacation Rentals in Cowes ![North Pier Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2700000/2694800/2694753/5c1a0caa_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### North Pier Hotel 5 The Esplanade, Cowes, VIC CA $139 CA $153 total Oct 20 - Oct 21 includes taxes & fees Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Cowes. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ... 7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews) "It was ok" Reviewed on Oct 10, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=20%2F10%2F2025&endDate=21%2F10%2F2025&selected=2694753&PinnedHotelID=2694753&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=7306) ![Seahorse Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9624300/9624233/b8d76adb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Seahorse Motel 29-31 Chapel Street, Cowes, VIC CA $124 CA $137 total Oct 20 - Oct 21 includes taxes & fees Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Cowes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (953 reviews) "Welcomed on arrival with a good chat, then another good chat on the way out. Room was way above what I thought it may be. I have a new favourite place to book a room now when I stay at the Island. I'd give them more than 5 stars if I could." Reviewed on Oct 10, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=20%2F10%2F2025&endDate=21%2F10%2F2025&selected=9624233&PinnedHotelID=9624233&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=7306) ![Amaroo Holiday Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4660000/4651500/4651433/9d4151f3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Amaroo Holiday Park 97 Church St, Cowes, VIC CA $79 CA $79 total Oct 21 - Oct 22 includes taxes & fees Stay at this 3-star holiday park in Cowes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Penguin Parade and Phillip Island Ferry Dock ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (355 reviews) "Very happy with this accommodation. Clean cabin, friendly staff and great location for the price. Will stay there again" Reviewed on Oct 11, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=21%2F10%2F2025&endDate=22%2F10%2F2025&selected=4651433&PinnedHotelID=4651433&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=7306) [See all 701 properties in Cowes](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=19%2F10%2F2025&endDate=20%2F10%2F2025®ionId=7306) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![Phillip Island Apartments](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/570000/564400/564379/c4671962_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Phillip Island Apartments 9-11 Bass Ave, entrance off Chapel Ave, Cowes, VIC Stay at this 4-star apartment in Cowes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Phillip Island Ferry Dock and Silverleaves Beach are ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (450 reviews) "The three-bedroom was a decent size. Unfortunately, it was on the top floor and the other guests I was with had trouble going up the stairs, but we will know for next time. However, the front desk staff were kind to offer us another option to a two-bedroom to accommodate our needs, but my other guests ..." Reviewed on Oct 3, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Cowes-Hotels-Phillip-Island-Apartments.h564379.Hotel-Information) ![Hilltop Apartments Phillip Island - Adults Only](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9625500/9625466/d12cdd33_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hilltop Apartments Phillip Island - Adults Only 124-128 Red Rocks Road, Cowes, VIC Stay at this 4-star apartment in Cowes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Penguin Parade and Ventnor Bushland Reserve are located ... 9.8/10 Exceptional! (293 reviews) "Located close to the Philip Island Conservation Park. Small, quiet complex with parking just outside the door. Very welcoming and comfy. Beautifully decorated with wonderful touches such as throw blankets, movies, and books. Loved the heated mattress! Chris, the property manager was very friendly ..." Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Cowes-Hotels-Hilltop-Apartments-Phillip-Island.h9625466.Hotel-Information) ![The Waves Apartments](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2660000/2650800/2650762/ae88ea5b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Waves Apartments 1 The Esplanade, Cowes, VIC Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Cowes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Silverleaves Beach and Phillip Island ... 9/10 Wonderful! (699 reviews) "Nice comfortable stay." Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Cowes-Hotels-The-Waves-Apartments.h2650762.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Cowes](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=7306&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Cowes hotel availability [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=7306&startDate=2025-10-18&endDate=2025-10-19) [Tonight](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=7306&startDate=2025-10-18&endDate=2025-10-19) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=7306&startDate=2025-10-18&endDate=2025-10-19) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=7306&startDate=2025-10-18&endDate=2025-10-19)[Oct 18 - Oct 19](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=7306&startDate=2025-10-18&endDate=2025-10-19) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=7306&startDate=2025-10-19&endDate=2025-10-20) [Tomorrow night](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=7306&startDate=2025-10-19&endDate=2025-10-20) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=7306&startDate=2025-10-19&endDate=2025-10-20) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=7306&startDate=2025-10-19&endDate=2025-10-20)[Oct 19 - Oct 20](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=7306&startDate=2025-10-19&endDate=2025-10-20) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=7306&startDate=24%2F10%2F2025&endDate=26%2F10%2F2025) [Next weekend](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=7306&startDate=24%2F10%2F2025&endDate=26%2F10%2F2025) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=7306&startDate=24%2F10%2F2025&endDate=26%2F10%2F2025) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=7306&startDate=24%2F10%2F2025&endDate=26%2F10%2F2025)[Oct 24 - Oct 26](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=7306&startDate=24%2F10%2F2025&endDate=26%2F10%2F2025) ### Popular places to visit ![Phillip Island Wildlife Park](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/107395eb76aa195bf1a8f4727409aed9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Phillip Island Wildlife Park Take the family on an outing to Phillip Island Wildlife Park during your trip to Cowes. Wander the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Phillip-Island-Wildlife-Park-Cowes.d553248621532608482.Vacation-Attraction) #### Phillip Island Ferry Dock Explore the waterfront in Cowes with a trip to Phillip Island Ferry Dock. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the spas in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Phillip-Island-Ferry-Dock-Cowes.d6244065.Vacation-Attraction) #### A Maze'N Things Bring your family to A Maze'N Things and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Cowes. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the spas in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/A-MazeN-Things-Cowes.d553248621532608485.Vacation-Attraction) ### Things to do ![Phillip Island Wildlife Tour with Koalas Penguins & Scenic General Viewing](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/190815/ab1770fb-3768-4ccf-83aa-126a51b94ff7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Phillip Island Wildlife Tour with Koalas Penguins & Scenic General Viewing CA $143 per adult **88%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/phillip-island-wildlife-tour-with-koalas-penguins-scenic-general-viewing.a190815.activity-details) ![Penguin Parade: General Viewing Entry Ticket](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48063544/90d78c57-6e51-4ba3-892d-60a14ac0c28d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Penguin Parade: General Viewing Ticket CA $30 per adult **90%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/penguin-parade-general-viewing-ticket.a48063544.activity-details) ![Cape Woolamai Phillip Island](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1403060/87a01e72-294c-4012-b569-914592031e41.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cape Woolamai Sightseeing Cruise from San Remo CA $41 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/cape-woolamai-sightseeing-cruise-from-san-remo.a1403060.activity-details) ![Phillip Island: Penguin Parade and Multi Attraction Pass](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47804948/49cc525b-9ffb-4a75-9cbc-554415be946e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Phillip Island: Penguin Parade and Multi Attraction Pass CA $53 per adult **74%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/phillip-island-penguin-parade-and-multi-attraction-pass.a47804948.activity-details) ![Penguin Parade](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46138307/ba99c90d-5fd9-4f19-b1b0-cd816ed48674.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Phillip Island: Golden Hour Penguin Express Tour w/ Island Pickup CA $110 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/phillip-island-golden-hour-penguin-express-tour-w-island-pickup.a46138307.activity-details) ![The Famed Penguin Parade](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47094684/1f5f0bc8-047d-4ae4-8612-e9cd66e48a7d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Phillip Island Departure Penguin Parade Tour with Winery Feast CA $156 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/phillip-island-departure-penguin-parade-tour-with-winery-feast.a47094684.activity-details) [See all activities in Cowes](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Cowes.d7306.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Reviews of Cowes 4.5 Top destination 5 - Excellent 7 4 - Good 4 3 - Okay 1 2 - Disappointing 0 1 - Terrible 0 ### 4/5 - Good Verified traveller Penquin Parade was great especially the board walk. It was a very cool night so waiting for them to appear out of the ocean took over an hour. ### 5/5 - Excellent Verified traveller Do not miss the penquins parade. One of a kind experience ### 5/5 - Excellent Max Phillip Island is lovely, lot of walks you can do and many places to see nature. Or you can go view the racetrack and museum. ### 5/5 - Excellent Gene Fabulous little town, a call back to the easier days of travel, super friendly people. Phillip Island was the best part of our Australian adventure ## Cities near Cowes ![Rhyll](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/189000/189573-Phillip-Island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Rhyll [](https://expedia.ca/Rhyll.dx6336100) ![Smiths Beach](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/8cfeebb798d9f042ace2d54cd8866d46.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Smiths Beach [](https://expedia.ca/Smiths-Beach.dx6336101) ![Photo by Ian Prain](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/a181addff81c9ff606dd8eaf88cc8efc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Sunderland Bay [](https://expedia.ca/Sunderland-Bay.dx6342750) - Cities near Cowes - Places of interest [Rhyll](https://expedia.ca/Rhyll.dx6336100)[Smiths Beach](https://expedia.ca/Smiths-Beach.dx6336101)[Sunderland Bay](https://expedia.ca/Sunderland-Bay.dx6342750) - [The National Golf Club](https://expedia.ca/The-National-Golf-Club-Cape-Schanck.d553248635975930491.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels and earn double points when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app ![QR code to download the app](data:image/png;base64,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)