Cowell Travel Guide

Discover the best of Cowell, South Australia with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore its cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health tips, and transportation options.


Introduction to Cowell

Cowell is a charming coastal town located in the Eyre Peninsula region of South Australia, known for its beautiful beaches, rugged scenery, and vibrant cultural scene. As home to the largest artificial oyster reef in the southern hemisphere, Cowell is also known for its fresh seafood.

In this travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey of discovery through Cowell’s cultural and natural attractions, its best hiking and biking routes, the best things to do and see, the food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations and excursions you might consider.

List of Places to Visit in Cowell

Cowell’s attractions are diverse and appeal to many interests and preferences. Here are the best places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Cowell Museum: Offers exhibits and tours that showcase the town’s history.

  2. Cowell Jade Centre: Spotlights the town’s unique jade industry, including demonstrations, a retail store, and a museum.

  3. The Shell Walkway: Provides visitors with a fascinating look at the varieties of seashells found on the local beaches.

Natural Attractions of Cowell: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Cowell Beach: Offers golden sands, clear blue waters for swimming, and a superb place for picnics with the family.

  2. Frank’s Tanks: Hidden little enclave of fresh-water tanks that has become one of the most picturesque areas of South Australia.

  3. Oyster Walk: This is a short walk that takes you along the Port Gibbon tidal flats, passing over the Cowell’s Oyster beds, where over 1 million baby oysters grow.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cowell

Cowell is a walker’s and cyclist’s paradise. The golden beaches, the surging surf breaks on the rugged coastline, and the peaceful and scenic back roads are ideal for those seeking some exercise and time in nature.

  1. Narungga Coastal Walk: Follow a trail that links the town to several picturesque beaches.

  2. Frank’s Tank Trail: Follow a circular track through the hinterland near Cowell, passing Frank’s Tanks.

  3. Pildappa Rock Walk: Take a 1 km-long trail through breathtaking geological formations.

Best Things to Do in Cowell: Activities and Tours

Cowell boasts a wide range of activities and tours to suit every interest.

  1. Oyster Farm Tour: Visit Oystervest cowell oyster farm for an up-close look at oyster farming and a fresh seafood meal.

  2. Fishing Charters: Take a guided fishing trip with Cowell Fishing Adventures and try your hand at catching yellowtail kingfish, snapper, southern calamari, and other local fish.

  3. Kayaking and Canoeing: Head out to Cowell to experience the beauty of the town’s waterways from a different perspective.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cowell

A week in Cowell would leave you with enough time to embark on several exciting adventures. Here is an itinerary to get you started:

  • Day 1: Arrival and Self-guided Walking Tour of Cowell.
  • Day 2: Narungga Coastal Walk
  • Day 3: Oyster Farm Tour
  • Day 4: Pildappa Rock Walk
  • Day 5: Fishing Charter
  • Day 6: Frank’s Tank Trail
  • Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Cowell

Cowell’s food and drink scene is abundant with local seafood and wine.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Cowell King George Whiting: Noted for its sweet flesh, Cowell King George Whiting is a must-try dish.

  2. Oysters: Cowell’s industry in oysters is well-known, and the town harvests some of the best oysters in the country.

Local Beverages

  1. Wine: With much of the Eyre Peninsula’s vineyards located in close proximity to Cowell, it makes sense to try some of the local wines.

Where to Stay in Cowell: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cowell has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences.

  1. Frank’s Tanks Camping Area: This spot offers visitors access to the picturesque Frank’s Tanks walking trail.

  2. Cowell Jade Motel & Caravan Park: Has a central location in Cowell, with good accommodation options and amenities.

  3. Coffin Bay Caravan Park: Perfect for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts, Coffin Bay has basic cabins and campsites available.

What to Buy in Cowell: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are plenty of souvenirs and local products to choose from in Cowell. Here are some of the best:

  1. Jade jewelry: The Cowell Jade Centre is dedicated to promoting the town’s jade industry, and visitors can buy a wide range of jade jewelry items.

  2. Local seafood: Visitors who enjoyed Cowell’s fresh seafood can take some back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Cowell

To make the most of your trip to Cowell, it is helpful to know some of the local customs and expectations

  1. Don’t be late, Cowell generally prides itself on promptness.

  2. Wear comfortable shoes or sandals, especially if you plan to go on a hiking or biking tour.

Best Time to Visit Cowell

Cowell experiences a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers that are tempered by sea breezes and the Gulf of St. Vincent. The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is warm and sunny.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cowell

When visiting Cowell for the first time, you will want to know some of the things to do and avoid.

Do:

  1. Depart any trek, or hike prepared with a sufficient quantity of drinking water, sunscreen, and other personal items.

  2. Respect locals’ privacy when hiking or biking on private property.

Don’t:

  1. Swim in prohibited areas, as the current can be dangerous.

  2. Litter or pollute the surroundings.

Safety and Health

Visiting Cowell is a safe and healthy experience. Here are some tips for staying safe and healthy when in Cowell:

Safety in Cowell

  1. There is no need to worry about crime in Cowell; it is a low-crime area.

  2. When swimming in the sea, stick to areas that are supervised by lifeguards.

Health in Cowell

  1. Tap water is potable in Cowell, and the town has a well-equipped medical center to handle minor health issues.

Getting to Cowell: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Cowell is relatively easy for both regional and national travelers.

  1. Airports Near Cowell: Port Lincoln Airport is the closest airport to Cowell.

  2. Bus Stations Near Cowell: Intercity bus services operate along the Eyre Peninsula.

  3. Other Options: Visitors can consider renting a car or using ride-sharing services to get around town.

How to Get Around in Cowell

  1. Walking and cycling are the best ways to get around Cowell, as the town is compact.

Where to Go Next from Cowell: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Cowell makes an excellent base for exploring the many nearby destinations, including:

  1. Port Lincoln: A stunning coastal town, popular for its beaches, nature reserves, cruises, and beautiful national parks.

  2. Whyalla: Offers tourists a beachside lifestyle, steel city heritage, and upscale seafood cuisine.

Conclusion

Cowell is an off-the-beaten-path destination that offers visitors a range of exciting activities, stunning natural wonders, and fascinating cultural attractions to explore. Use this guide to make the most of your visit and enjoy the best that Cowell has to offer.

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