Holiday houses in Cowaramup

In the heart of Western Australia’s Margaret River region, some two hours and 45 minutes southwest of Perth, Cowaramup is a small town with a one-of-a-kind obsession: cows. You’ll find a herd of life-sized fibreglass cow sculptures scattered around town, along with a bevvy of bovine-themed shops and eateries. Cowaramup is also unchallenged in its claim to have hosted the world’s largest gathering of people dressed in cow suits.

But beyond its love affair with livestock, Cowaramup boasts a couple of outstanding beaches, a secluded bay that offers fantastic snorkeling and swimming, and dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking the ocean. On the town’s doorstep sits the famous Margaret River wine region, home to some of Western Australia’s most highly regarded wineries, restaurants, and craft breweries. The region is also known for its quality handmade chocolates, ice cream, organic olive oil and other fresh produce from the many local farmers and makers, so there are plenty of opportunities to indulge.

In summer, the long, sunny days are perfect for enjoying the beach activities in Cowaramup. Make sure you bring sunscreen and a hat as it can get very hot in the middle of the day. The Cowaramup Sunday Sundowners family concert series takes place throughout February each year with outdoor live music, food, and drinks. In spring, the weather is pleasantly warm, and the nights are mild, making the season ideal for enjoying the spectacular displays of wildflowers blooming in the natural bushland surrounding the town. Even winter can’t dampen Cowaramup’s spirits, as the town hosts its birthday event in July, Deja Moo, which is full of fun, food and, of course, plenty of cow-themed activities. Whenever you decide to visit, you’ll find a great range of accommodations in Cowaramup.

The Cows of Cowaramup

Take a self-guided tour through Cowaramup to spot all 42 of the fibreglass cows and calves that graze in the town’s streets, parks, and shops. These sculptures were part of a community project designed to bring a sense of fun to Cowaramup, and the cows are often dressed up for the seasons, so have your camera ready for some truly unique snaps.

Ngilgi Cave

Take the 25-minute drive to the Ngilgi Cave and walk along the boardwalks into the main chamber of this 500,000-year-old cave. On your way to the cave’s central chamber, you’ll see stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations including the Two Tonne Stalactite, known as the white Mother of Pearl Shawl and the spectacular Arab's Tent Shawl. The chamber itself boasts amazing acoustics, which has made it a successful venue for several musical performances.

Gracetown Beach

Head just out of town and spend a relaxing day at the beautiful Gracetown Beach along Cowaramup Bay. The sheltered waters in the bay here are calm and ideal for swimmers of all abilities. Bring a picnic and blanket or pop in a nearby shop for coffee and snacks. If you fancy a go at surfing, to the north and south of the bay you’ll find surfers taking on some of the area’s best breaks, including North Point, South Point, and Huzzas.