Cowell

Cowell, a sleepy fishing town on the Eyre Peninsula, is the kind of place where the pace of life slows to a gentle crawl. It's a gateway to the untouched beauty of the Spencer Gulf, known for its world-class jade deposits and the eerie, beautiful ruins of the old jetty. This is real South Australia: quiet, authentic, and utterly captivating.

Highlights & What to See

• Franklin Harbour – a vast, sheltered bay perfect for sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The calm waters are ideal for beginners and families.
• Jade Gallery – Cowell is the only place in Australia where nephrite jade is commercially mined. The gallery showcases stunning local pieces and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's geological history.
• Cowell Jetty Ruins – the remnants of the old jetty, destroyed by a storm in 1978, create a hauntingly beautiful silhouette against the harbour. It's a photographer's dream at sunset.
• Lucky Bay – just north of town, this pristine beach is a haven for swimming, fishing, and spotting dolphins. The calm, shallow water makes it a family favourite.
• Mangrove Boardwalk – a short walk through the mangroves along Franklin Harbour, offering a chance to see birdlife and mud crabs in their natural habitat.

Suggested Time to Spend

Cowell is a stopover, not a destination. One full day is enough to explore the town and its immediate surrounds – stroll the jetty ruins, visit the jade gallery, and have a picnic at Lucky Bay. If you're a keen angler or kayaker, consider two days to fully enjoy the harbour. Most travellers combine Cowell with a longer Eyre Peninsula road trip, spending a night here en route to Port Lincoln or the Gawler Ranges.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Whyalla – an hour north, famous for the giant cuttlefish aggregation and the HMAS Whyalla shipwreck.
• Port Lincoln – two hours south; the seafood capital of Australia, with shark cage diving and the Boston Bay wine region.
• Gawler Ranges National Park – a two-hour drive north-west; dramatic volcanic landscapes, wildflowers, and the iconic Organ Pipes rock formation.
• Coffin Bay – three hours south-west; pristine beaches, towering sand dunes, and the Coffin Bay oyster farm.
• Arno Bay – 30 minutes south; a quiet coastal town with a lovely jetty and great fishing.

Please check official sources for current details.