Cowes Main Beaches (Phillip Island)

The only northern facing beaches in Victoria, the Cowes Main Beaches are ideal for swimming and summer fun.

Mussel Rocks Beach lies between Mussel Rocks and the ferry jetty; while the main Cowes Beach is immediately east of the jetty, with Erehwon Point forming the eastern boundary.

Cowes Main Beaches (Phillip Island)

These golden, sheltered, sandy beaches in Cowes are located in Westernport Bay with low winds and gentle waves, making them a popular choice for families. The beaches at high tide offer excellent swimming, and have an abundance of shallow rocks and tidal flats to explore at low tide. The jetty is perfect for fishing and is the departure point for several ferries. You'll also find the Cowes Yacht Club west of Mussel Rocks.

Cowes Jetty to Mussel Rocks is patrolled over the summer period (26 December to 28 January) by Woolamai Surf Lifesaving Club. Lifesavers are only on duty when the red and yellow flags are displayed. Remember to always swim between the flags.

Cowes is the focus of all activities on Phillip Island and where most of the residents and visitors stay. It is located on the middle of the north shore of the island, far enough east for its jetties to be clear of ocean swell, and far enough west to be clear of the tidal flats off Observation Point.

A well-maintained foreshore reserve runs along the northern shore of the town, with beaches lying below the 10 m high bluffs. There are two beaches adjacent to the centre of Cowes: Mussel Rocks; and the main Cowes Beach, next to the ferry jetty. Both beaches are relatively short, face due north and receive low wind waves.

Amenities include toilets, change rooms, cold water outdoor showers, sealed car park and there are many local food stores nearby providing hot and cold food, drinks and coffee. BBQ and picnic facilities are also located at Erehwon Point park and Mussel Rocks.

Cowes Main Beaches (Phillip Island)

Swimming
Two relatively safe beaches close to shore. The only problems to watch are the vessels using the jetty and tidal currents, which run off and parallel to the beach.

Surfing
None.

Fishing
The jetty and the rocks are the most popular locations.

General Hazard Rating: 3/10

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are prohibited at all times.

Review:

Two nice, fairly safe and popular beaches in the centre of Cowes. Mussel Rocks beach is west of the Cowes Jetty (patrolled over the summer period) and Cowes Main beach is east of the jetty. There are plenty of facilities including toilets (at both of the beaches), lots of picnic tables and beach showers. The beaches are close to many shops selling food and drinks.

The ferry between Phillip Island, Stony Point and French Island berths at the Cowes Jetty. There is also a cafe on the jetty (named 'The Jetty') which serves drinks, sandwiches, hot food and ice-creams.