Cowes

Phillip Island, Australia

Home to most of the island's restaurants, plus The Coachman Motel just 2 minutes walk from the town centre, restaurants, the pier and beachfront.

Places in Cowes

Pino's Trattoria Offers a great selection of Italian cuisine, including pasta, pizzas, and salads, accompanied by signature cocktails.
Cafe Omaru Located 3 minutes from Flynn Beach, serving Indian cuisine including rice and curries, as well as vegetarian options.
Cowes pier-side cafes Cafes near the pier and beachfront in the main town.
North Pier Hotel, Bar, Bistro & Accommodation A bar and bistro offering budget-friendly accommodation and dining.

Best time to visit: November through March, when the weather is warm and local wildlife comes out to play, including prime Penguin Parade viewing.
Getting around: The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge and is best accessed by car; Cowes serves as the main town hub for restaurants and accommodation, with the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre and Koala Conservation Centre nearby.
Currency: Australian Dollar (A$)
Language: English. Aboriginal languages are spoken in some communities.
Timezone: AEST (UTC+10, UTC+11 in summer)
Current trends: Phillip Island's status as home to the world's largest little penguin colony continues to drive its year-round Penguin Parade tourism, with Cowes remaining the dining and accommodation hub, while nearby attractions like the Koala Conservation Centre and Smiths Beach round out a wildlife-and-beach itinerary just 90 minutes from Melbourne.

Penguin Parade / Summerland Peninsula — Home to the world's largest little penguin colony, seen crossing the sand at sunset.
Koala Conservation Centre area — Near the Ramada Resort, about 4 km from the conservation centre and 5 km from Smiths Beach.