RV Friendlies & Events

Their website says it all... "We welcome travellers and are RV and Caravan friendly".  They offer camping for self contained RVs and caravans behind the pub. Please advise the bar of your intention if you are planning to stay.  The new owners, Ken & Jan, would love to meet you as you pass through.  Enjoy a meal and a cold beverage while you're here.  The hotel has undergone significant renovations and upgrades to the bar, dining room, accommodation & the beer garden.Ten recently refurbished "pub-style" rooms provide budget accommodation for travellers.  From $30 per person twin share including a continental breakfast.The hotel's bistro is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week.Cost: Call at bar for site allocation.  Fee of $25 which then is a voucher for you to use in the hotelParking: Room for up to 20 vehiclesHours: Sunday – Thursday: 10am till late, Friday & Saturday: 10am till late

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

The Pondering Frog Tearoom is located on the Tasman Highway, (11km south of Bicheno), 400 metres from the Coles Bay turn-off and approximately 177 kilometres north-east of Hobart. The tearoom is open every day and offers homemade ice creams, Devonshire teas, lunches and snacks. Jams, chutneys, pickles, fruit wine and liqueurs are also available for sale. The majority of produce is sourced locally to provide a true taste of Tasmania.The Pondering Frog allows self-contained vehicles to park on their grounds for up to 96 hours with payment via a donation box on site. Pets on leads are permitted, and bins and water are accessible.There is an abundance of natural beauty to explore in the Bicheno area. Freycinet National Park and the famous Wineglass Bay are close by, perfect for kayaking and walks along the peninsula. No visit to Bicheno would be complete without taking an evening Bicheno Penguin Tour, an up close experience with penguins in their natural habitat.Cost: $10 per vehicle per nightParking: Self-contained vehicles only, 96hrs, pets on lead, some mobile coverage, bins, waterOpening Hours: Tearoom - Summer: 8am – 7pm; Winter: 9am – 5pm. Tearoom is licensed