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Cowell, South Australia - Oysters, Silo Art and Small Town Charm on the Eyre Peninsula
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Cowell, South Australia - Oysters, Silo Art and Small Town Charm on the Eyre Peninsula
Cowell is a small coastal town on the Eastern Side of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. It is located on the edge of the Franklin Harbour and is known for its thriving oyster industry and laid-back seaside vibe. It is a favourite destination for holidaymakers, anglers, and anyone chasing a quieter slice of coastal South Australia. Located around 490 kilometres from Adelaide, Cowell is the kind of place where time slows down—and there’s plenty to explore.
During our stay in Cowell, we explored the foreshore, jetty and splash park and wandered around the town centre. We also saw the stunning silo art, the Agricultural museum and wandered along the mangrove boardwalk. We drove to Port Gibbon and checked out the RV Park.
Cowell Foreshore, Splash Park & Jetty
The Cowell Foreshore is located at the end of the main street, and is a beautifully maintained space with open lawns, picnic tables and walking tracks—perfect for an easy, relaxed afternoon. A standout here is the free splash park, featuring two water slides and a lively water play zone with sprinklers, a tipping bucket and pop-up jets. Right alongside it, you’ll find an inflatable bouncing pillow, playground, skate park and a full-sized basketball court. With picnic tables, free barbecues, toilets and change rooms, it’s a fantastic family-friendly hub.
From the splash park, it’s a short stroll to the marina and boat ramp. The calm, sheltered waters of Franklin Harbour make it a popular fishing spot, with catches including silver whiting, snapper, squid, mullet, flathead, garfish, Tommy-ruff, snook and blue swimmer crabs.
The historic Cowell Jetty, built in 1882, stretches approximately 146 metres into the harbour and remains a favourite for fishing—especially for whiting, squid, garfish and crabs. Nearby, the Remembrance Park, opened on 11 November 2025, honours 38 WWI and WWII veterans named on the Cowell Cenotaph.
Cowell Town Centre
Cowell’s main street offers all the essentials, including cafés, two hotels, a supermarket, a hardware store, a chemist and a newsagency. It’s also home to a self-guided historic walk, with plaques sharing stories of the town’s past.
The Franklin Harbour Hotel dates back to 1881, originally built as a single-storey building before a second level was added in 1907.
The former Post and Telegraph Office, built in 1888, now houses the local museum, open daily from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
The Franklin Harbour Institute, built in 1893, once hosted social events, performances and church services. Today, it’s home to the Visitor Information Centre and the Cowell Craft Shop, where you’ll find handmade gifts, jewellery, cakes, jams and more. Cowell is also known for its jade, discovered by a local farmer in 1965, and you can purchase locally crafted jade jewellery at the craft shop.
The Post Office was built in 1910 and still operates as a Post Office today.
The Commercial Hotel was constructed as a substantial two-storey stone building in 1910 and quickly became a central meeting place for locals and travellers.
The District Council of Franklin Harbour Council Chambers building was originally the National Bank building, which was built in 1912.
Stunning Cowell Silo Art
The Cowell silos were transformed in 2019 by artist NITSUA into a vibrant mural celebrating local identity. The artwork features Lionel Deer with his camel Diamantina—a beloved local figure known for bringing camels to the town’s Christmas pageant for over 30 years. Also included are a Port Lincoln Parrot and a nearby farmhouse ruin, tying the artwork to the region’s character and history. Close by, a smaller piece by Michael Motteran-Smith showcases an oyster alongside native flowers across a map of South Australia’s coastline.
Step Back in Time at the Cowell Agricultural Museum
Located on the Lincoln Highway, the Cowell Agricultural Museum is a large, free outdoor museum established in 1972. It features an impressive collection of vintage tractors, harvesting equipment and everyday farming items, offering a glimpse into how life on the land has evolved over the decades.
There’s also a historic train on display, once used to transport goods along the jetty when ships arrived in port.
Mangrove Boardwalk
Near the boat ramp, the mangrove boardwalk offers a quieter side of Cowell. Starting at an interpretive shelter, you can learn about the local mangrove ecosystem and marine life before heading out along the boardwalk. The path meanders through the mangroves to a viewing platform overlooking Franklin Harbour—a peaceful spot to pause and take in the scenery.
Cowell Oysters
Cowell’s reputation for fresh seafood is well deserved, with the waters of Franklin Harbour providing ideal conditions for growing premium Pacific oysters. Sheltered from harsh ocean conditions and nourished by nutrient-rich currents, the oysters here develop a distinctive flavour—clean and briny, with a subtle sweetness and smooth, nutty finish.
Oyster farming is not only a key part of the local economy but also a carefully managed and sustainable industry.
Discover Port Gibbon
Just 20 kilometres from Cowell, Port Gibbon offers a beautiful stretch of coastline with open beaches, low cliffs and sweeping views across the Spencer Gulf. It’s a popular spot for camping, fishing, swimming, or simply unwinding by the sea. Campgrounds can be booked online, and facilities include bins, toilets, coin-operated showers and a dump point.
Where to Stay - Caravan & RV Options
The Cowell Foreshore Caravan Park is conveniently located just off the main street, near the Franklin Harbour Hotel. It offers 85 powered and unpowered sites, cabins, BBQs, a camp kitchen, laundry facilities and a dump point. For self-contained travellers, the Cowell RV Park sits about one kilometre from the town centre along Beach Road, with 22 unpowered sites, plus access to water and bins.
Final Thoughts
Cowell might be small, but it packs in a surprising amount—from family-friendly foreshore fun and fascinating history to striking public art and some of South Australia’s finest oysters. Whether you’re casting a line off the jetty, wandering through mangroves, or simply soaking up the coastal views, this Eyre Peninsula gem is well worth the detour.
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