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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 .