Discover Cowell

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Cowell is a picturesque, small township on the Franklin Harbour, located 489 kms north-west of Adelaide via Port Augusta and Whyalla. It is a very popular place for fishing activities due to its sheltered waters of the harbour. However, there is also plenty to see in this town.







The town has a broad main street with pine trees and many charming old buildings of South Australian architecture. There is the beautiful Franklin Harbour Hotel, originally built as a single-storey hotel in 1881 with the second storey being added around 1907. The Franklin Harbour Institute, also on the main street, was built in 1912. There is also The National Trust Folk Museum which was formerly the old Post Office and Post Master's Residence which was built around 1882. Further down the street is another hotel called the Commercial Hotel, built in 1910.





Also on the main street is a huge 2060-kg black stump. As a New Year prank in 1972, a large stump was placed between the Commercial Hotel and the Franklin Harbour Hotel, and a sign which says 'Best pub this side of the black stump'. The original stump was stolen and a larger replacement was erected in its place and moved up the street as a monument.





Not far from the town centre is the newly developed Cowell foreshore precinct. There is a big park with free barbecues and plenty of lawn and sheltered areas perfect for picnics. There is a brand-new marina with a new boat ramp and a 32-boat berth. This new foreshore precinct will be officially opened in March 2023.





For the energetic, there is a walking trail from the marina to the Franklin Harbour jetty where you can see avid fishermen trying for a catch.





On the opposite side of the jetty is the Franklin Harbour Mangrove Boardwalk which was constructed by volunteers from the Lions Club of Cowell. At the entrance to the boardwalk is a shelter with mosaic art and information signs about marine life. It is an accessible and easy walk to the end where you will have a lovely view of the mangroves and the harbour.





Another attraction is the silo art in the oval which can be seen as you approach the town. It features a man and a bull camel and celebrates friendship, mate-ship, loyalty and humility. There is an information panel on the work and story of the silo art.

Cowell, known as the "Gateway to the Eyre Peninsula", is indeed worth a visit. For those who think it is too far from Adelaide, there is a shortcut by taking the Searoads car ferry from Wallaroo to Lucky Bay which is 15 kms east of Cowell. We did use the ferry one-way and it's efficient, fast and recommended.

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