RV Friendlies & Events

The quaint township of Cowell is located on the beautiful Franklin Harbour on the eastern side of the Eyre Peninsular, just 493 kilometres north-west of Adelaide. Franklin Harbour was first sighted in 1802 by Matthew Flinders who mistook the natural harbour for a lagoon. In the early 1840s Governor Gawler investigated the Harbour and named it in honour of Sir John Franklin, the Governor of Tasmania. Coincidentally, Franklin was the midshipman on the exploration when Flinders decided that the ‘lagoon’ was not worth naming. Cowell was surveyed in 1880 and was first established to service the developing farm lands in the mid 1880s. The shallow harbour made it difficult for shipping, but despite this problem professional prawning fleets returned for many years. Today this coastal town has a population of around 800 people, plenty of shopping amenities, tourist attractions, and two hotels. Many tourists are being drawn to Cowell for its abundant blue swimmer crabs and excellent fishing. For those looking to cast a line, there is a secure boat launching facility and a long jetty at the end of the main street. Oyster production is another growing industry attracting tourists from near and far.Cowell offers visitors to the area parking at Cowell Motorhome Park for a cost of $10 per vehicle per night. Stays are limited to 14 days and vehicles must be self-contained vehicles. A dump point and potable water are conveniently located together on Brooks Drive.For those after something a little bit different, Cowell is famous for its jade, particularly the black jade which is extremely rare worldwide. The Cowell Jade Factory is run by the Gemstone Corporation of Australia Ltd and it is best to call ahead to confirm viewing times, however the associated store is open weekly and has a wide range of beautiful jade jewellery. The town is also home to an incredible yesteryear museum located on the highway displaying photographs, memorabilia and furnished rooms from the turn of the century. The museum can be opened on request by contacting the District Council Office next door.Tourist/Visitor Centre       Institute Building, 6 Main St, CowellPh: 08 8629 2588Casual Parking       South Terrace & High St, parking permits up to 4 vehicles within shopping hoursShort & Long Term Parking        Cowell Motorhome Park, $10 pvpn, self-contained vehicles only, (max 14 days)Dump Point  Sportsground, Brooks Drive near North TerracePotable Water          Sportsground, Brooks Drive near North TerraceHospital        South Terrace, Ph: 08 8629 2001Doctors Surgery     South Terrace, Ph: 08 8629 2504Pharmacy     Main St, Ph: 08 8629 2064Supermarket            IGA, Main St, Ph: 08 8629 2125

Powered site $25 per vehicle per night and unpowered $20 per vehicle per night. Negotiable time limit applies. Access to toilets, showers, covered seating, and water available. Pets on a lead permitted.

Snowtown is situated 145 kilometres north of Adelaide, en route to Perth. It is located between the Mt Lofty Ranges and the Barunga Ranges in the mid-north of South Australia. The town lies east of a cleft in the Barunga Range, named Bumbunga Gap. The excess rainfall from these hills collects at Lake Bumbunga which lies south of the township. The vegetation is populated by saltbush and other salt tolerant flora. The salt lakes just outside the town, which once formed part of the upper reaches of Gulf St Vincent, and the Fauna and Wetlands Park, are the outstanding features of the local landscape. Locals claim they can predict upcoming weather conditions from the colour of the salt lakes. The lakes are said to take on a blue colour in fine weather and change to a pinkish hue when bad weather is on the horizon. The road linking Lochiel and Ninnes to the south provides stunning views of inland lakes and the countryside.Those visiting Snowtown can find short-term parking at Centenary Park (camping area), North Terrace. Parking is free, however stays are limited to 72 hours. Visitors can also find a dump point and potable water at the park.  Snowtown is a historic town that is definitely worth visiting. The town's main street, Fourth Street, is characterised by a number of historic buildings, notably the Snowtown Memorial Hall (1919) which is attached to the Old Institute (1889) and St Canice's Catholic Church. Snowtown Wind Farm is another point of interest. It is located upon a north-south trending ridge of the Mount Lofty Ranges. A display of the Wind Farm can be found in the centre of town. Tourist/Visitor Centre       Snowtown Newsagency12 Fourth St, SnowtownPh: 08 8865 2273Casual Parking       W side of railway, Terrace EastShort Term Parking           Centenary Park (camping area), North Terrace (72hr)Dump Point  Centenary Park, North TerracePotable Water          Centenary Park, North TerraceDoctors Surgery     Railway Terrace, Ph: 08 8865 0100Pharmacy     Newbery Chemist, Fourth St, Ph: 08 8865 2298Supermarket            Railway Terrace, Ph: 08 8865 2070