Cowes
VIC 3922 • Rest of VIC
About Cowes
Cowes is the main township on Phillip Island in the Bass Coast Shire of Victoria, located approximately 141 kilometres southeast of Melbourne CBD. With a population of around 6,600, it serves as the island's commercial and community hub. Named after the seaport town on England's Isle of Wight, Cowes was established in 1869 and sits on the northern coast of Phillip Island facing Western Port Bay. The town has a mix of permanent residents and a large seasonal population drawn by its famous tourist attractions.
Cowes offers an enviable coastal lifestyle with its north-facing beach ranked among Australia's best for safe swimming and family-friendly conditions. Thompson Avenue, the main shopping strip, is lined with cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. The town is a gateway to Phillip Island's world-renowned attractions including the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, and the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Families, retirees, and sea-changers are drawn to the relaxed village atmosphere, while a passenger ferry connects to Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula.
Cowes falls under postcode 3922 and is governed by Bass Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bass (Eastern Victoria) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- Route 795 — Wonthaggi via San Remo 40 mins
- Island local bus — Newhaven / San Remo 20 mins
Commute to Melbourne CBD
🛣️ Passenger ferry operates between Cowes and Stony Point. V/Line coach services available. Car is the primary transport mode.
Town centre along Thompson Avenue is walkable with shops, beach, and dining; car needed for wider island attractions
Supermarkets Nearby
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Coles112-114 Thompson Avenue Cowes 3922 VIC -
Woolworths117-133 Thompson Avenue Cowes 3922 VIC
Schools
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Settlement Road
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1770 Phillip Island Road
Housing 2021 Census
30 state housing + 21 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 425
- 2. New Zealand 108
- 3. India 77
- 4. Italy 61
- 5. Scotland 43
- 6. Germany 41
- 7. South Africa 37
- 8. Netherlands 36
- 9. China 25
- 10. United States 25
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)