Carnarvon, the hub of the Gascoyne, has grown in stature over the years
as a popular base to shop, sample locally grown produce and fish and to
explore outlying areas which provide a diverse range of natural
attractions.
The town 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 town. Lake Macleod
Salt Mine situated 65km north produces 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.
Attractions extend far beyond local industry with a wider number of
sights well worth a visit.
These include:-
A Spacecraft Tracking Station was built by NASA in 1963 on the southern
end of Brown's Range, and was in operation until 1974. The main
building was was then used by radio Australia. A different Satellite
Tracking Station was built by OTC (Australia) on the northern end of
Brown's Range in 1966. This station was in operation until about 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 locally. Several hotels, caravan parks,
motels and backpackers hostels are available 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.
The area 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 coast can be very treacherous and extreme caution
should be exercised at all times as the area is noted for its king
waves, which can happen at any time and have to date claimed several
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. You should however not attempt to board it.
Accommodation
in Carnarvon
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