Hitting the pristine white sand on Phillip Island is one of the popular summer rituals for many Victorian families. But getting ready for the beach alone can sometimes feel like a chore. The last thing you want to worry about is prepping a heavy lunch that’s going to get too warm in the car. If you’re planning a trip to Cowes, here is a simple itinerary to keep things fun, safe, and filling.
Morning: Step Back in Time at Churchill Island Heritage Farm
Photo: TripAdvisor
Starting the day with fresh country air can never go wrong. Churchill Island Heritage Farm is accessible via a bridge from Phillip Island. It’s a great spot to learn history while enjoying family activities at the farm, such as cow milking, blacksmithing, or a bit of walking and cycling. To enjoy the full experience, try to arrive by the time the gate opens at 10:00 a.m. Booking in advance is available via Phillip Island Nature Parks, but you can also purchase the ticket on the spot.
Midday: The Easy Lunch Stop at Pika Sushi Cowes
After a morning on the farm, head into 40B Thompson Avenue for a grab-and-go lunch at Pika Sushi. Our sushi menu makes the perfect portable meal for when you have a busy itinerary for the day. Sushi packs are neat, nutritious, and best of all: don’t require cutlery.
If you have hungry kids in the backseat, our Chicken Teriyaki Avocado Handroll or Crunchy Chicken Pack are lifesavers. Grab one of our party platters, such as the Regular Sushi Platter, if you want to sample a bit of everything and want a sharable platter on a picnic rug.
Afternoon: Rock Pool Rambling at the Beach
With lunch sorted, let’s head straight to the beach! Cowes Main Beach is the popular spot you won’t want to miss for summer on Phillip Island. The water is generally calmer than the surf beaches on the south side, so it’s safer for swimming with little ones. Otherwise, you can lay back on the grass near the foreshore, watch your kids on the playground while enjoying your sushi platter.
Photo: TripAdvisor
If you want a slice of adventure by the water, head to Smiths Beach instead. While it’s more popular with surfers, you can explore the rock pools at low tide. It’s a stunning ‘playground’ for curious kids and adults alike. Enjoy hours strolling between the rocks, hunting for crabs, starfish, and shells. Just remember to keep an eye on the tide.
Sunset: Cool Down at the Jetty
Photo: Better Boating Victoria
Here’s for a sweet finish. If you’re staying into the evening, wrap up the day at Cowes Jetty. It’s one of the best spots to watch the sunset. Before you head home, you might want to swing by our store again for a dessert like strawberry or mango mochi and cold drinks. It’s a perfect way to cool down after an afternoon in the sun.
Next time you head to Cowes for a holiday getaway, skip the prep hassle. Pack light, fresh meals at Pika Sushi, and enjoy the break!
