Western Australia Tourism & Accommodation Guide

Carnarvon - The Sun's Winter Home

Carnarvon, the hub of the Gascoyne, has grown in stature over the years as a popular base to shop, sample locally grown produce & fish and to explore outlying areas which provide a diverse range of natural attractions.

Carnarvon is situated 904kms north of Perth on the mouth of the Gascoyne River overlooking a picturesque inlet known as the Fascine. First settled in 1883, the town has had a colourful history and was the first port in Australia, and probably the world, where livestock was transported regularly on a commercial basis by sea.

Banana plantations now form the basis of a thriving agricultural industry. A large range of produce including exotic fruits are available direct from the plantations for you to enjoy. Thriving prawning and scallop industries also operate from Carnarvon. Lake Macleod Salt Mine situated 65km north of Carnarvon producing up to 1.5 million tonnes of salt per year. Local tours are available to several plantations, also to the prawning processing factory and Lake Macleod.

Carnarvon attractions extend far beyond local industry with a wider number of sights well worth a visit.
These include:-

The OTC Dish established by NASA in 1966 as a satellite communications and tracking station. The station was involved in the Gemini and Apollo space missions, Australia's first TV satellite program and also played a role intercepting halley's Comet prior to ceasing operation in 1987.

Chinamans Pool: This billabong is a popular picnic spot boasting an abundance of birdlife.

Pioneer Park: A pleasant picnic spot which provides a glimpse of Carnarvon history including two enormous bones from a Blue Whale which form an arch over the entrance.

One Mile Jetty: Is of significant historical and social importance to the town of Carnarvon and was a favourite fishing spot until damaged in 1988 by fire. Planning is well under way to have the jetty restored for future generations to enjoy as a recreational spot.

Lighthouse Keepers Cottage Museum: Was built around 1900 as the home of the lighthouse keeper and his family and was used until the 1970's when the lighthouse became electric. It is located on Babbage Island near the One Mile Jetty and is open to the public.

Pelican Point Beach: Was originally the southern mouth of the Gascoyne River and is now a popular fishing, swimming and surfing spot.

The Coast: Between the Blow holes, Point Quobba through to Gnarloo Station is well worth viewing. The road is not sealed but can be accessed with a 2WD vehicle though a 4WD vehicle is recommended. This stretch of coast is virtually untouched providing spectacular views of Cape Cuvier and exceptional fishing.

At 3 Mile Camp and Gnarloo Bay you will find pristine beaches with excellent coral outcrops. If surfing is your passion, 3 Mile Beach has been rated by many as having the best left break in the world.

The Backpackers Guide to WA says:-
Carnarvon is serviced by a regular air and coach service. Accommodation for backpackers is provided at Carnarvon. There are several hotels, caravan parks, motels and backpackers hostels to complete the visitor’s choice.

Food outlets in the heart of town are more than adequate with a good choice of economy price takeaways as well as a-la-carte restaurants and counter meals at the four hotels.
Tours of the NorWest Fisheries, which used to be the Whaling Station, but now processing prawns and scallops, can be arranged through the tourist bureau.

While there, tourists will see the one mile jetty which used to be a deep water port for the shipment of local produce to Perth. It is the longest jetty in the north-west but today only represents a great fishing platform.

Carnarvon supplies a large percentage of metropolitan Perth’s fruit and vegetables, which are all watered from a subterranean river under the dry river bed of the Gascoyne River. It provides ample water for the banana plantations and vegetable growers. Visitors are welcome to visit the plantations and a chocolate-coated banana is recommended.

North of town the rugged coastline is a sight to behold. Local tour operators run regular trips to Cape Cuvier and the salt mine operations. The Carnarvon coastline can be very treacherous and extreme caution should be exercised at all times as the area is noted for its king waves, which can crop up at any time and to date they have claimed many lives.

The wreck of the Korean Star which met its watery grave at the base of the cliffs at Cuvier during the height of a cyclone in 1988, can also be seen, but do not attempt to board it.

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