Things to do in Cowes
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Top 10 attractions in Cowes
Penguin Parade
The penguin parade is located at Summerland Beach on the southwestern tip of Phillip Island, serving as the signature attraction of Phillip Island Nature Park. It occurs daily around sunset: groups of little blue penguins return ashore on the waves after a day of foraging at sea, first gathering in shallow waters and peering around before waddling across the beach along fixed routes to their dune burrows. Spectators can observe this natural "mini parade" up close from viewing stands and boardwalks, often with penguins passing just steps away. The island is home to tens of thousands of little blue penguins. With blue feathers on their backs and snow-white bellies, they stand just over 30 cm tall and weigh approx. one kg when fully grown. Their round bodies and waddling gait make them utterly endearing. They spend their days foraging at sea and return to their nests in groups after dusk, following nearly identical round-trip routes between the ocean and their burrows generation after generation. On-site, you can hear their overlapping calls. There are a few points to note when observing: The eyes of little penguins are highly sensitive to light, so cameras or video recorders are not allowed on site, and quiet waiting is necessary to avoid disturbing them; after sunset, the seaside becomes windy and chilly, so even in summer, it is recommended to bring warm outerwear and arrive early to wait for the penguins to come ashore. This spectacle occurs year-round, with the southern hemisphere's spring and summer seasons (approximately August to February each year) coinciding with the breeding season, when penguin shore arrivals and nest activity become more frequent, typically creating livelier scenes. △ The little penguins leave the island to forage at sea during the day and return to their coastal nests in groups to rest at night. △ These little penguins are the smallest in the world, not only tiny in size but also very timid. Please avoid using flash to prevent irritating their eyes. △ The Penguin Parade can be observed year-round, with warmer weather from September to January coinciding with the breeding season, when penguin activity becomes more frequent, making it an ideal time for viewing.Summerlands · 9.9km from Cowes
Phillip Island
Phillip Island, also known as Penguin Island, is located at the entrance of Western Port Bay in southern Victoria, Australia. It is a true wildlife paradise where you can see koalas, kangaroos, penguins, seals, and many other wild animals. △ The Penguin Parade is one of the most popular attractions on Phillip Island. Here, you can hear the "huffing" sounds of the penguins up close and watch the little penguins waddle from the sea back to their burrows on land. △ Panny's Chocolate Factory is a fun and delicious attraction on Phillip Island, perfect for a family visit. You can watch the chocolate-making process and purchase them as souvenirs. △ Phillip Island Wildlife Park is home to many native species, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, and various birds. Visitors can observe these animals up close, feed kangaroos, and take photos with koalas.Ventnor · 5.3km from Cowes
Phillip Island Nature Parks
Phillip Island Nature Parks was established in 1996, located on Phillip Island, covering an area of 2,750 hectares. It features four main attractions: Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, and the Nobbies Centre. △ The Penguin Parade is a highly popular attraction within Phillip Island Nature Parks, where you can hear the "huffing" sounds of penguins up close and watch the little penguins waddle from the sea back to their burrows on land. △ The Koala Conservation Centre features viewing trails where you can walk along boardwalks to explore the treetop homes of the furry koalas and get up close to wild koalas. △ The Nobbies Centre is surrounded by long, winding cliffside boardwalks. Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the ocean view and gaze out towards Seal Rocks, the fur seal colony. △ Churchill Island Heritage Farm holds significant historical importance, preserving well-maintained traditional sites and serene natural scenery. There are also wonderful farm demonstrations every afternoon.Cowes · 493m from downtown
Cowes Beach
Cowes · 402m from downtown
Arthurs Seat Eagle - Base Station
Arthurs Seat Eagle - Base Station is located on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, offering visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and thrilling experiences. As a signature attraction in the region, the cable car provides breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning coastline and lush forests. Take the cable car and visitors can descend from the summit of Arthur's Seat to the base, covering approximately 1.5 km. The modern cable car cabins feature panoramic windows, allowing visitors to enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding natural scenery. Along the way, visitors can admire the sweeping coastline of the Mornington Peninsula, the waters of Port Phillip Bay, and the distant skyline of Melbourne. Beyond the cable car experience, Arthurs Seat Eagle - Base Station offers a variety of activities. The summit features a viewing platform and cafe where visitors can enjoy both delicious food and stunning views. Additionally, the surrounding trails are perfect for hikers, providing opportunities to explore local flora and fauna.Arthurs Seat · 27.7km from Cowes
Nobbies Centre
At the southwest end of Philip Island, there is a peculiar rock area called "Seal Rock", inhabited by Australia's largest seal colony. This is the center of Nobbys Point, famous for its seal viewing. See seals and enjoy the view, with wooden walks and observation decks built for travelers along the coast, where you can enjoy the beauty of the bay and wonderful creatures, including various seabirds and penguins. Through the huge windows of the center, you can enjoy a spectacular view of more than 6,000 Australian seals. From October to December every year, the breeding seals like to stay here. If you are tired of watching them on the wooden island, You can also use an underwater camera to get an up-close look at the adorable seals.Summerlands · 12.9km from Cowes
Penguin Plus
Summerlands · 10.3km from Cowes
Forrest Caves
Newhaven · 9.9km from Cowes
Red Rocks Beach
Phillip Island · 3.4km from Cowes
Carlton Gardens
Carlton Gardens covers an area of approx. 26 hectares and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004, together with the Royal Exhibition Building located within the gardens. The garden maintains a Victorian-style landscape, with open lawns and avenues lined with plane trees complementing each other. Multiple tree-lined paths connect historical buildings with leisure areas. The garden features 3 fountains, among which the one designed by sculptor Joseph Hochgertel for the 1880 exhibition is particularly striking, and 2 decorative small lakes are located in the southern part. The garden is planted with various trees, including English oaks, elms, London plane trees, and Moreton Bay figs, offering different scenery throughout the seasons. The Melbourne Museum on the north side forms a sharp contrast with the classical garden through its modern architectural language, and the same area also features a children's playground inspired by the Victorian maze. The garden is perfect for a stroll; people can walk along the tree-lined paths or rest on the lawns to experience urban garden life in Melbourne.Carlton · 75.5km from Cowes
Experiences you can't miss in Cowes
Featured Cultural experiences in Cowes
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Featured Food & drink in Cowes
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Cowes
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Featured Spa & wellness in Cowes
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Free things to do in Cowes
Penguin Parade
Summerlands · 9.9km from CowesImmediate access, Book now for todayPhillip Island
Ventnor · 5.3km from CowesPhillip Island Nature Parks
Cowes · 493m from downtownImmediate access, Book now for todayCowes Beach
Cowes · 402m from downtownArthurs Seat Eagle - Base Station
Arthurs Seat · 27.7km from CowesImmediate access, Book now for todayNobbies Centre
Summerlands · 12.9km from CowesPenguin Plus
Summerlands · 10.3km from CowesForrest Caves
Newhaven · 9.9km from CowesRed Rocks Beach
Phillip Island · 3.4km from CowesCarlton Gardens
Carlton · 75.5km from Cowes
More ways to travel from Cowes
Private Tours in Cowes
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What travellers say about Cowes
_FB***611 October 2026
5.0
Loved watching a group of little penguins head home! It was so sweet seeing them waddle and shake their tails
Penguin Parade
谢颖华24 October 2025
5.0
It's actually not bad. There are a lot of people, and I really followed the online suggestions and bought ordinary seats. There is no need to buy too good seats. They will be close to each other anyway. Overall, this trip is worth experiencing.
Phillip Island
YoYo_1I8Q7O5O7 July 2025
5.0
菲利普岛自然公园是一次难忘的旅行体验。这里仿佛是自然的宝藏，企鹅归巢的壮观场景令人动容，小家伙们摇摇摆摆，萌态十足。还有海豹懒洋洋地晒太阳，与海浪嬉戏。漫步在沙滩，呼吸着清新的海风，感受着大自然的宁静与美好，让人忘却尘世的喧嚣，只想沉浸在这片纯净的天地中。
Phillip Island Nature Parks
WB202116 December 2022
4.0
Relaxing spot in a small village which is a great spot to have a bite to eat with a great bay view. The water isn't the clearest but still a scenic spot.
Cowes Beach
Anonymous user6 October 2026
5.0
Such a beautiful experience! Amazing views, friendly staff, and everything was well organized. Definitely worth a visit!
Arthurs Seat Eagle - Base Station
Journeyyyme28 July 2023
5.0
The area next to the center is a viewpoint. This area is a million-dollar viewpoint. It is very beautiful. The sea is beautiful, but we cannot go down. There is a point to stand and enjoy the view. There is a parking lot and a bathroom.
Nobbies Centre
Mandadadada30 May 2023
5.0
Lovely place to walk past on the way to the Melbourne museum. This time of the year, there’s autumn leaves covering the walkways. There is even a small pond with some ducks in the corner. And right in front of the royal exhibition hall, there is a fountain where sometimes you will catch couples taking their wedding photos here.
Carlton Gardens
