🔍

Cowes

VIC 3922 • Rest of VIC

6,593
Population (2021)
$53,352
Median Household Income
20.53 km²
Area
$331/wk
Median Rent
CoastalFamily-FriendlyTourism HubIsland LivingScenic

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

State
Victoria
Postcode
3922
Urban Area
Bass Coast
LGA / Council
Bass Coast
Federal Electorate
Monash
State Electorate
Bass (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.47°, 145.23°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
20.53 km²
Elevation
26m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

Median sale prices in Cowes for the June quarter 2025. Median sale prices published by the Valuer-General Victoria.

🏡House
$820K
8 sales · ▼ 6.3% YoY
🏢Unit / Apartment
$425K
6 sales · ▼ 39.3% YoY

Source: Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report. Medians are for the latest quarter; the change shown is the official 12-month movement. Suburbs with very few sales in a quarter can be volatile.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$331
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,550
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
55 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.9%

30 state housing + 21 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Stony Point
12 km
Ferry + walk

Bus Services

  • Route 795 — Wonthaggi via San Remo 40 mins
  • Island local bus — Newhaven / San Remo 20 mins

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
141 km
By Bus
2 hours 30 mins (bus + train from Stony Point)
By Car (Peak)
2 hours 15 mins
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hour 45 mins

🛣️ Passenger ferry operates between Cowes and Stony Point. V/Line coach services available. Car is the primary transport mode.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Town centre along Thompson Avenue is walkable with shops, beach, and dining; car needed for wider island attractions

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    112-114 Thompson Avenue Cowes 3922 VIC
  • Woolworths
    117-133 Thompson Avenue Cowes 3922 VIC

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Bass Coast Local Government Area, which contains Cowes. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
385.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 18.3%
Motor vehicle theft
160.2 / 100k
2yr Up 66.9% 10yr Up 41.1%
Non-FV assault
259.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 10.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
2.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 62.3%
Steal from vehicle
349.7 / 100k
2yr Up 24.5% 10yr Down 13.3%
View all offence subgroups for Bass Coast →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
4,839
Census 2021
6,593
▲ 36.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$25,376
Personal Income 2021
$30,472
▲ 20.1% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$30,472 / yr
$586/wk
Household
$53,352 / yr
$1026/wk
Family
$69,628 / yr
$1339/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,819
Born Overseas 1,312

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)

English 2,868
Australian 2,347
Scottish 794
Irish 781
Italian 277
German 238
Dutch 158
Chinese 84
Greek 69
Indian 69

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,672
Both parents born in Australia
1,688
Both parents born overseas
761
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
46.8%
Christianity
42.4%
Buddhism
1.0%
Hinduism
0.8%
Sikhism
0.7%
Islam
0.3%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
275 (4.2%)
5-14 years
659 (10.0%)
15-19 years
237 (3.6%)
20-24 years
182 (2.8%)
25-34 years
529 (8.0%)
35-44 years
630 (9.6%)
45-54 years
732 (11.1%)
55-64 years
1,036 (15.7%)
65-74 years
1,305 (19.8%)
75-84 years
710 (10.8%)
85+ years
284 (4.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cowes known for? +

Cowes is the main township on Phillip Island in the Bass Coast Shire of Victoria, located approximately 141 kilometres southeast of Melbourne CBD. Cowes offers an enviable coastal lifestyle with its north-facing beach ranked among Australia's best for safe swimming and family-friendly conditions.

How far is Cowes from Melbourne CBD? +

Cowes is approximately 141 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 169-254 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Cowes have public transport? +

Cowes has limited public transport options. V/Line coach services connect some regional towns, but a car is the most practical way to get around in this area.

What is the population of Cowes? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cowes has a population of approximately 6,593 residents, reflecting a well-established community. The suburb falls within the Bass Coast (Shire) local government area.

Is Cowes a good place to live? +

Cowes is highly appealing to those seeking a coastal lifestyle, with easy access to beaches, waterways, and outdoor recreation. It suits families, retirees, and sea-changers looking for a relaxed pace of life close to nature.

What is the postcode for Cowes? +

The postcode for Cowes, VIC is 3922. This postcode covers Cowes and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Cowes? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Cowes is about $586 per week (around $30,500 per year). The median household income is $1,026 per week and the median family income is $1,339 per week.

What is the median house price in Cowes? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $820,000, down 6.3% year-on-year, and the median unit/apartment price is $425,000, down 39.3% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Cowes? +

The median age in Cowes is 55. The largest age group is 65–74 (1,305 residents, around 20%). Around 18% of residents are under 20 and about 35% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Cowes a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cowes is part of the Bass Coast LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Cowes? +

In Cowes, the median weekly rent is $331, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,550 (2021 Census).