Day 156 - Cowell, 30th November 2025

We are getting used to and really enjoying these sleep ins. Had a lazy morning before setting off for Lucky Bay. 

We stopped on the way to have a look at the silo art. This one tells the story of Lionel Deer, a farmer and shearer from the area who in his early 30s developed a fascination for camels. He reared camels of his own and formed an unforgettable bond with them. They were paraded down the Main Street in the Christmas parade and were used for camel rides to raise money for the hospital. The Ring-Neck Parrot represents the journey the community is on together rising above the challenges they share. Pretty spectacular.

We continued on and had high expectations because of our gorgeous Lucky Bay in WA but there was no comparison. It didn’t help that it was pretty windy and overcast for most of the morning.






We left Ian to do a bit of fishing and I went back into town with Rach and Shaun. We had a coffee at Sassy’s Cafe, built in the early 1900s and then went across the road to get our photo with The Black Stump. A New Year’s prank in 1972 saw the original stump placed in the middle of the main road between the two hotels.



This hotel is the Commercial Hotel, built in 1910. 


The Franklin Harbour Institute was completed in 1893 and has been used for council offices, social functions and musical performances.



The whole Main Street is filled with gorgeous old buildings.


The Council Chambers were built in 1912 and was used as a National Bank.


The old Post and Telegraph Office and Post Master’s residence was built in 1888 and has been transformed into a museum.


The Franklin Harbour Hotel was built in 1881 (the second storey added in 1907).  It is a magnificent old building, the inside filled with photos from around the time it was built.



We stopped for a drink before heading to the Crap Art toilets, a public toilet filled with art for sale., that has become a tourist attraction.




We headed back to the caravan, stopping for a pic at the Police Station built in 1911.


Back at the van, I caught up on a few phone calls and sat outside enjoying a cuppa. I was joined by a friendly local, Chase, who spent the rest of the day with us.



The wind set in and it looked like it might rain but then the sun came out and gave us a beautiful sunset.











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