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Cowes information and attractions

Introduction:

Cowes is the administrative centre of Phillip Island, linked to the Mornington Peninsula by a ferry service to Stony Point and by road to Melbourne via San Remo.

The commercial centre of Cowes extends along Thompson Avenue and The Esplanade, overlooking the foreshore and sandy beaches which front Western Port Bay. The town's tree-lined streets feature a large selection of restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops, catering well for the large numbers of tourists and visitors who flock to the area.

The focal point on the Cowes foreshore is the town's jetty, which is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and is the departure point for several ferries and tourist boat cruises. The foreshore itself features large expanses of grassy shaded spots, complete with BBQ areas, shelters and pathways. The beach around the jetty is the most busiest, with large expanses of sandy and inviting calm waters.

Phillip Island is one of Melbourne's most popular holiday resorts with a combination of surf and sheltered swimming beaches, wildlife parks, abundant bird life, the famous penguin parade, and the island also plays host to the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

 
Attractions:

A Maze'N Things
An array of intriguing activities including mini golf, a maze, and interactive games, illusions, puzzles and challenges complete with cafe and BBQ areas
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
Includes a visitor centre, History of Motor Sport collection, gift shop, cafe, and hosts regular motorcycle and car racing events including Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Superbike World Championships and the V8 Supercar Series
Nobbies Centre
This marine attractions features a centre with educational films, cafe and kids play area, while outside visitors can stroll along the scenic boardwalk with its spectacular views of the rugged coast with its cliffs and sea caves
Penguin Parade
One of Australia's most popular natural wildlife attraction where visitors can observe penguins emerging from the sea and waddling across the beach to their sand dune burrows at sunset

Art & culture:

Mingara Gallery
Exhibiting modern and contemporary art including Australian paintings, sculpture, jewellery and pottery

Festivals & events:

Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix
The three day MotoGP event showcases the world's best motorcycle riders as they compete for the world championship

Local tourist guides:

Visit Phillip Island
Tourism association guide for attractions, activities, events, shopping and accommodation for Phillip Island
Walkabout - Cowes
A travel guide with information on the history of the area and things to see

* All the above links are external and open up in a new window

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