Cowell & Surrounds

Throw in some delicious local oysters (you can purchase them from the sheds!), jewellery made from local jade deposits, the peaceful boardwalk through the mangroves, the new marina which you can sail into (if that’s your preferred method of travel) and the very popular camping and beaches at Port and Point Gibbon, and you’ve got an ideal getaway.

For something a little quieter, nearby Lucky Bay also has beachfront shacks for rent – and it’s the arrival point for the Spencer Gulf Searoad ferry, which travels between Lucky Bay and Wallaroo on the Yorke Peninsula.

The foreshore is the hottest ticket in town – so hot, even Eyre Peninsula locals have been driving into Cowell to visit the new water playground (including a pretty cool waterslide) and splashpad are free to use and have proved a big hit throughout the summer. A really big hit! The adjacent aquatic area is also perfect for swimming. And for the cooler months, the foreshore includes a basketball court and bouncy pillow as well as BBQ and picnic facilities, and the jetty as a prime fishing location. Lunch and dinner are also close at hand, with both the local pubs and the Lunch Room and iconic Fish Box Kiosk all a short walk away. It’s a perfect day out for the whole family.

Point Gibbon is roughly a 20-minute drive from Cowell and is a popular camping destination for its beachside views, sand dunes and the chance to spot dolphins and sea lions from your campsite. Pack the sandboard and scoot down the dunes or try your luck fishing from the shore.

Bookable online, there are 15 designated sites available along the beachfront, and limited unallocated sites located in the more sheltered dune area. With toilets, bins and Wi-Fi available, as well as showers and a dump point at nearby Port Gibbon (where you can also camp or enjoy a romantic getaway at the off-grid Eco Pods), it’s a great place to stop and explore. Make the most of the ‘Pay 5, Stay 7’ deal and stay a while!