Cowes Beach, Phillip Island

Welcome to Cowes Beach, where the sand is golden, the water is crystal clear, and the seagulls are always on the lookout for unsuspecting tourists to steal their fish and chips. Yes, folks, this is the place where you can soak up the sun, splash in the waves, and dodge those pesky seagulls all at the same time.

As you stroll along the shoreline, you’ll notice that the beach is divided into two distinct sections. On one side, you’ve got the laid-back, family-friendly area where kids build sandcastles, parents attempt to fly kites, and grandparents doze off in their beach chairs. It’s all very picturesque and heartwarming, until little Timmy’s sandcastle gets washed away by a rogue wave and grandma wakes up with a sunburn that rivals a lobster’s hue.

On the other side of the beach, things get a bit more lively. This is where the thrill-seekers come to play. You’ll see surfers riding the waves like they’re auditioning for a remake of Point Break, kayakers paddling furiously to avoid getting swept out to sea, and jet-skiers zipping around like they’re in a high-speed chase. It’s like a real-life action movie, except with more sunscreen and fewer explosions.

But let’s not forget about the wildlife here at Cowes Beach. If you’re lucky, you might spot a pod of dolphins frolicking in the waves, or a seal sunbathing on a nearby rock. And of course, there are the aforementioned seagulls, who seem to have a sixth sense for detecting when someone has just opened a bag of chips. It’s like they have a hotline to each other: “Hey, Barry, we’ve got a live one over by the lifeguard tower! Get your squad over here ASAP!”

Now, if you’re feeling peckish after all that beachside excitement, fear not. Cowes Beach is conveniently located near a plethora of cafes and restaurants where you can refuel and recharge. Whether you’re in the mood for fish and chips (just watch out for those seagulls), a gourmet burger, or a refreshing ice cream cone, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. And hey, if you’ve had one too many ice cream cones and need to work off some of those calories, just head back to the beach for a brisk walk or a game of beach volleyball. You’ll be back in fighting shape in no time.

Of course, no trip to Cowes Beach would be complete without taking in one of the stunning sunsets that this place is famous for. As the sun sinks below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the water and turning the sky into a masterpiece of pinks, oranges, and purples, you’ll find yourself feeling grateful to be alive and experiencing such natural beauty. Or maybe you’ll just be thinking about how great your Instagram post is going to look with that sunset as the backdrop. Either way, it’s a win-win.

So there you have it, folks. Cowes Beach: where the sun shines, the waves crash, and the seagulls are always ready to swoop in for a snack. Whether you’re here for some adrenaline-pumping water sports, a relaxing day of sunbathing and sandcastle-building, or just a good old-fashioned sunset gazing session, this place has got it all. So grab your sunscreen, pack your sense of adventure (and maybe a spare bag of chips), and get ready for a day of fun in the sun at Cowes Beach in Victoria.

See more Phillip Island travel guide