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, Cowell

Ph: 08 8629 2588

Casual Parking       

South Terrace & High St, parking permits up to 4 vehicles within shopping hours

Short & Long Term Parking        

Cowell Motorhome Park, $10 pvpn, self-contained vehicles only, (max 14 days)

Dump Point  

Sportsground, Brooks Drive near North Terrace

Potable Water          

Sportsground, Brooks Drive near North Terrace

Hospital        

South Terrace, Ph: 08 8629 2001

Doctors Surgery     

South Terrace, Ph: 08 8629 2504

Pharmacy     

Main St, Ph: 08 8629 2064

Supermarket            

IGA, Main St, Ph: 08 8629 2125