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Recently I toured Eyre Peninsula. A small triangular section; which covers the townships of Cowell, Arno Bay & Cleve. Unfortunately a lot of tourists drive past on their way to Pt Lincoln. Believe me with the diversity of things to see and do; is worth the effort to stop and take a look.
A left turn off the main Highway takes you into the beautiful township of Cowell overlooking Franklin Harbor. Most facilities are within walking distance from your car park. Cowell Foreshore has been developed to cater for passing tourists requiring a break on their travels; this also includes BBQ areas, adventure playground and facilities for the disabled. A boardwalk has been built to view marine & bird life at close quarters. For visitors deciding to extend their stay; there is a variety of accommodation including hotels, caravan parks, cabins & shacks.
I recommend you contact Bill at the Jade Motel. Bill has a great range of Jade available for purchase. Oysters are another delicacy available from Cowell. The Cowell Area School has its own Oyster lease and Aquaculture program.
The next stop was Arno Bay. The local IGA store is a great place to re-stock and learn a lot about“ what’ s happening in the town”. Opposite the IGA is the Bowling Club. This tourist orientated club welcomes visitors and always leave the welcome mats out. The town has a squash court, which is unique in this part of the Peninsula. When you arrive at the beachfront you will find beautifully laid out area which includes playground, lawned areas with BBQ, toilet facilities, showers and old store shed with a pictorial history of Arno Bay. The beachfront has a caravan park, general store, boat ramps and hotel.
Arno Bay Estuary Board Walk is a feature that rates highly on things to do. The 700 metre boardwalk winds its way through dense mangroves and mudflats. If offers a safe swimming area, recreational fishing, wheelchair access, picnic & BBQ facilities & public toilets. All brought about by the Arno Bay Progress Association & the Cleve Council.
The night was spent in the Arno Bay Hotel and was a pleasurable evening. Bev & David Frick go out of their way to ensure your stay with them is something you will remember. Staff & the locals are friendly and enjoy talking about their town. Bev’ s meals were top class and if you enjoy a game of crib; you will always find David and local Bob Rhen at the bar with the board. Both say they are the champions of Arno Bay; but if you decide to take them on be careful of the“ Arno Bay rules” – they are a little different! The Hotel offers FREE RV parking and can accommodate all types of vehicles.
The next day was spent with Fuzz from Fuzz’ s Fishing Charters; if you want a fabulous day of fishing for Snapper – Fuzz will ensure you will have a great experience. Fuzz( Grant Fennell) has just won a Tourism Award. He prides himself looking after his clients. On the day I went out with him, the water was choppy and fishing was slow. I caught a big one.... but it got away!!! But I came home with a good feed. Check out Fuzz’ s website www. fuzzellfishingcharters. com. au.
Arno Bay has fish hatchery own and operated by CleanSeas Tuna, this was the first land based hatchery for Southern Blue fin Tuna in the world.
Next stop was Cleve, an RV friendly town & has sites within the township itself. The Cleve Council extends from Arno Bay west to the Mountain Ranges of Darke Peake. Township is within walking distance to beautiful parks, shops and a golf course. The Yedulkine Weir and Reservoir was the water supply for Arno Bay & Cowell. This has a beautiful picnic area, BBQ, toilet and walking trails & has RV sites available.
I spent the night at the Cleve Hotel Motel. A wonderful stop over; run & owned by Jane & Chris Tarran, daughter Brooke and son-in-law, Ben. Rooms were great, meals were high quality and you can dine in or have a counter meal. Alternatively you can order a beer and wait for a take away Pizza. I had a few drinks with Jane, Chris, Brooke & Ben, and was introduced to many locals, all who have great stories to share. They mentioned the 2016 field day to be held in Cleve. This is a big local event. I got to talking with Warren Quinn and shearer Paul Peters. Warren asked if I liked lamb shanks. Of course, anyway he extended an invitation to watch him shearing the next morning. What an eye opener for a city guy! After his finished his wool clip – he went and came back with a whole side of freshly killed sheep. Country hospitality at its best.
Thank you to everyone I met on this trip, & who made it so pleasurable. My recommendation is to take the time to visit this triangle area in the mid Eyre Peninsula.