Cowaramup: Things To Do & Guide
Are you looking to escape city life and stay somewhere different? Cowaramup (or Cow Town as it’s affectionately known) is a popular tourist attraction because it offers visitors a unique experience with its cow-themed streets and record-setting feat of having the most people dressed up as cows at one time!
Whether you want to explore the streets or taste award-winning wines in one of the many nearby beautiful vineyards, this quirky country town shouldn’t be missed.
As locals, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 tourist attractions near Cowaramup so that you can experience enjoyable activities during your stay.
This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.
Top 10 Cowaramup Attractions & Activities
1. Cowaramup Cows
The first thing most visitors do when they arrive in Cowaramup is take photos with some of the nearly life-sized 42 fiberglass cows that line the streets and parks. These bovine sculptures have become a beloved local landmark and tourist attraction, each uniquely decorated by a different artist.
2. Lions Park & Cowaramup Oval
Lions Park has barbecues, toilets, and grass for a picnic at the south end of town. The oval has a BMX track and skate park if you have older kids.
3. Cowaramup Brewing Co
This family-owned Cowaramup brewery is a great spot to visit for an afternoon and offers a wide variety of craft beers and ales, as well as cider, spirits, and soft drinks.
Visitors can book a tour of the microbrewery to explore the production area and learn more about the brewing process.
A kids’ play area is adjacent to the shaded decking and grassed area, and it’s also a great place to eat, boasting tasty food options like burgers, pizzas, and salads.
One of the best breweries in Margaret River.
4. Molly Moo Cow
Send the kids on a hunt to find Molly Moo Cow hidden around the town.
5. Roast on a Post
This fun tongue-in-cheek nod to the ‘Chick on a stick’ piece of artwork at ex-winery Laurance was made from one of the remaining cows from Cow Parade.
6. Hit the Beach
Cowaramup Bay in nearby Gracetown is an ideal spot for swimming and surfing.
The bay offers surfers plenty of waves, with North Point being the premier break. The powerful swell can be over 3 meters and is for advanced surfers only.
On the other side of the bay, South Point is for intermediate to advanced surfers and is protected from southerly winds.
Surf Life Saving Australia provides no services at this beach, so swimming is at your own risk.
7. Wine Tasting & Local Produce
Vasse Felix
Visitors looking to explore the wineries near Cowaramup can start with a visit to Vasse Felix Winery. Established in 1967 by regional pioneer Dr. Tom Cullity, Vasse Felix Winery is the founding wine estate of the Margaret River region.
Here, its primary focus is on the ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay varieties, Shiraz, and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends. All the wines are estate-grown and made and can be tasted at the winery’s state-of-the-art facility. The Cellar Door, restaurant, and art gallery are open daily and provide a wonderful opportunity to explore the region’s rich winemaking culture.
Howard Park
Howard Park Winery is a renowned winery set amongst stunning natural surroundings and produces some of the most exceptional wines in the area.
Visitors are greeted with lush green vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, providing an idyllic backdrop for wine tasting. The winery is impressive, with a modern and stylish tasting room that exudes elegance and sophistication.
The tasting room at Howard Park Winery offers visitors the chance to sample various wines, ranging from refreshing whites to full-bodied reds. The knowledgeable staff guide visitors through the wines and provide information about the winemaking process.
Juniper
This family-owned and operated winery offers visitors a unique experience focusing on producing high-quality, hand-crafted wines. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with stunning views of the vineyards and the beautiful gardens.
The winery offers paid tastings of their current release wines and has cellared museum wines available to buy.
Margaret River Chocolate Factory
If you’re a chocolate lover, visiting the Margaret River Chocolate Factory should be on your itinerary. This factory is a popular tourist attraction with visitors from all over the world. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by the aroma of freshly made chocolate and the sight of rows of mouth-watering chocolate treats on display.
You can watch the chocolate-making process through large viewing windows where you can see the chocolatiers at work carefully crafting delicious chocolate creations.
There are free chocolate tastings and you can buy a wide variety of chocolates, from classic milk chocolate to more exotic flavours like chilli.
If you’re feeling peckish, the on-site café offers a range of tasty treats like cakes, pastries, and ice cream. You can also pick up some chocolates for friends and family to take home as souvenirs or gifts.
Margaret River Dairy Co
Margaret River Dairy Co. is a premium dairy company known for producing some of the finest artisanal cheese and yoghurt. The company was founded in 1966 by a group of local Italian artisan cheesemakers. Today, Margaret River Dairy Co. is owned by the Chinese company Manassen Foods.
This dairy producer offers a range of yoghurts, soft-ripened white cheese, and waxed crumbly cheddars. Their most popular products include the double cream brie, port club cheddar, and natural yoghurt.
Bettenay’s Margaret River Nougat Company
The Margaret River Nougat Company, owned and managed by Bettenay’s, produces high-quality handmade nougat. Visitors can choose from various gift and souvenir ideas, including their nougat, wine, and liqueur.
8. Golf Gardens
Golf Gardens in Harmans Mill Road, Metricup, is an affordable family attraction that offers an enjoyable golfing experience for players of all skill levels.
The 18-hole mini-golf course is situated amidst a beautiful garden, making it a perfect place to relax and have fun with family and friends.
The Big Ball course is easier and faster, making it ideal for families with young children.
After finishing your round of mini-golf, head over to the onsite café for some refreshments. The Pizza Café serves a range of delicious pizzas and drinks, including coffee.
9. Wadandi Track
The Wadandi Track is a scenic walking and cycling trail from Cowaramup to Sebbes Road (a 5-minute drive south of Witchliffe). It covers 31 kilometers and winds its way past vineyards, farmland, and natural bush.
10. Cape to Cape
If you are looking for an unforgettable adventure that will have you unplugging from technology and reconnecting with nature, then hike along the magical Cape to Cape track from Gracetown. This iconic walking trail stretches 130 kilometers from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, offering spectacular views of the rugged coastline and lush vegetation.
From novice hikers to seasoned pros, you can walk as little or as much as you’d like.
Cowaramup Accommodation
Looking for accommodation in Cowaramup?
If you’re booking a trip to Cowaramup, we’ve got you covered. There are various accommodation types, including luxury stays, chalets, glamping tents, and private holiday homes.
Below are some of the best accommodation options in Cowaramup 🏩
- Simala Retreat – modern chalets featuring wood fires on 40 acres of forest. Rated 9.7⭐️
- Sage House – pet-friendly 4 bedroom home on the outskirts of Cowaramup. Rated 9.6⭐️
- Ellensbrook Cottages – self-contained spa cottages surrounded by trees and birds. Rated 9.2⭐️
- Olio Bello Glamping – luxury lakeside glamping on 320 acre organic olive farm. Rated 9.2⭐️
- Noble Grape Guesthouse– colonial-style guesthouse with continental breakfast. Rated 9.2⭐️
- BIG4 Taunton Farm – working beef & sheep farm, with self contained cottages Rated 9.1⭐️
- Bettenays Margaret River – villas on 145 acres of farmland, including vineyard Rated 8.7⭐️
Cowaramup Farm Stay
BIG4 Taunton Farm Holiday Park is a great destination for families, offering a range of amenities for guests of all ages. With plenty of space to explore, children can enjoy the daily animal feeding and the fun of a giant bouncy pillow.
This Cowaramup caravan park offers camping and a range of cottages, so you can enjoy the country lifestyle without compromising convenience or comfort.
Cowaramup Glamping
For a bit of luxury, Olio Bello Lakeside Glamping features beautiful luxurious, safari-style bungalows by the lake. The bungalows were designed for minimal environmental impact but maximum comfort, and each one is named after an olive variety on the 320-acre property.
Cowaramup Cafes, Restaurants, and Taverns
As well as these Cowaramup eateries, you will find numerous others at nearby wineries.
Smithereens
Rated 4.7/5 ⭐️
Open from 7 am until midday daily, except Thursdays.
Delicious food, great coffee and friendly service.
Take away available.
The West Winds Distillery & Tavern
Rated 4.7/5 ⭐️
Open from 10 am to 9.30 pm daily.
Trendy spot for tasty food and drinks. This award-winning Cowaramup distillery has tastings of their gin, vodka, and whiskey from 10 am to 5 pm.
The Servo Taphouse
Rated 5/5 ⭐️
Open from 1 pm daily except Tuesday.
The Servo Taphouse is housed inside an old service station, giving it a quirky vibe. The owner, Ryan Nobbs, is passionate about craft beer, so if you’re a beer drinker, you won’t be disappointed with the vast selection on offer.
Cowtown Café & Bookstore
Rated 4.2/5 ⭐️
Open from 7 am daily.
Cute café serving breakfast and bakery items. We enjoyed our pies!
Two Cracks Coffee & Café
Rated 4.6/5 ⭐️
Open from 7 am to 1.30 pm daily.
Coffees are expertly roasted in house for a perfect taste and beans are available for purchase.
Cowaramup French Bakery & Patisserie
Rated 4.4/5 ⭐️
Open from 6 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Saturday.
This Cowaramup bakery offers visitors a taste of France with their delicious croissants and treats.
Cowaramup Shops
Stroll along the streets of Cowaramup, and you will come across quaint shops selling tea, gourmet food, chocolate, aromatherapy supplies, gifts, and much more.
MuKau Giftware & Gallery is a quirky shop selling unique local handmade products. Wander upstairs to view the gallery overlooking a hidden garden.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, pop into Cowaramup Candy Cow to buy high-quality fudge, nougat, and honeycomb sweets and find the perfect souvenirs or gifts.
Where is Cowaramup?
Cowaramup is a quaint town in the South West of Western Australia, 12 kilometers north of Margaret River in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River.
How to get to Cowaramup
The easiest way to get to Cowaramup from Perth is via State Route 2 and National Route 1. The drive is around three hours.
Consider incorporating Cowaramup into a Perth to Margaret road trip.
South West Coachlines stop in Cowaramup on the Perth to Margaret River route via Busselton.
Cowaramup Weather
The hottest months in the Margaret River region are January & February, where the average highs are 26/27°C.
March, April, November, and December have warm 22-25°C days with minimums of around 11°C.
The coldest months are from June to September, when the temperature will be around 16/17°C, with a minimum of 8°C.
The most rain falls between June and August, with February being the driest month.
See the detailed 7-day forecast at the Bureau of Meteorology.
Cowaramup FAQ
What is the Cow Onesie?
The Cow Onesie is an all-in-one jumpsuit with a cow motif, which has gained popularity due to its association with the town’s annual Deja Moo Country Fair and Cow Rally.
Every July, hundreds of people dress up in their Cow Onesies and compete to set the world record for the largest group of people in one place in a Cow Onesie. The image of people wearing Cow Onesies has become synonymous with the town, and the outfit has become an important part of the town’s cow-themed promotion.
Is there public transport available in Cowaramup?
Public transport is limited in Cowaramup, and I wouldn’t rely on it to get around the Margaret River region.
However, South West Coachlines stop in Cowaramup on the Perth to Margaret River route.
What does Cowaramup mean?
The town’s name Cowaramup originates from the Australian Aboriginal word Cowara, the native name for the purple-crowned lorikeet.
