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. The town has all the facilities of a thriving summer tourist and holiday industry.
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. 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. At high tide the beaches are relatively narrow and steep; while at low tide, they become exposed with shallow rock and tidal flats extending out toward the jetty.
Beach Length: 0.25km
General Hazard Rating:
3/10
Patrols
There are currently no services provided by Surf Life Saving Australia for this beach. Please take the time to browse the Surf Safety section of this website to learn more about staying safe when swimming at Australian beaches.
Click here to visit general surf education information.
SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate.