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Carnarvon

Prawn-fishing boat, Ken Stepnell

Population 5283

Carnarvon is a large coastal town at the mouth of the Gascoyne River. The river and the fertile red earth surrounding it are crucial to the town's thriving agricultural industry. Plantations stretching for 15 kilometres along the riverbanks draw water from the aquifer of the river basin to grow a host of tropical fruits such as bananas, mangoes, avocados, pineapples, pawpaws and melons. Carnarvon gained national prominence when a NASA tracking station operated nearby at Browns Range from 1964 to 1974.

Visitor Information

Civic Centre, 21 Robinson St; (08) 9941 1146

www.carnarvon.org.au

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In Town

Robinson Street In 1876 the region's founding fathers, Aubrey Brown, John Monger and C. S. Brockman, overlanded 4000 sheep from York. Carnarvon was gazetted in 1883 and developed into the centre of an efficient wool-producing area. Camel teams, driven by Afghan camel drivers, brought the wool to Carnarvon from the outlying sheep stations. This is the reason for the extraordinary width of the town's main street, which, at 40 m, gave the camel teams enough room to turn around.

Pioneer Park: good picnic spot; Olivia Tce. Murals: up to 15 buildings in the town, including the Civic Centre, are adorned with murals painted by local artists. Heritage walking trail: 20 historic landmarks around the town; contact visitor centre for map.Gwoonwardu Mia The Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre celebrates the history and culture of the five indigenous language groups of the Gascoyne region. It houses an exhibition gallery, local indigenous art and crafts for sale, and a café that serves lunches with a regional bush tucker flavour. Gascoyne Food Trail Follow this self-drive tour of the plantations, orchards and fresh produce outlets in Carnarvon; contact Visitor Centre for brochure. Bumbak’s Plantation Tours Learn just what it takes to grow bananas, grapes, and mangoes at one of the oldest family-run plantations in Carnarvon. The shop sells delicious home-made preserves, jams, fruit icecreams and other treats. 449 North River Rd, tours at 10am daily.

Nearby

Carnarvon Heritage Precinct On Babbage Island, and connected to the township by a causeway, this heritage precinct incorporates the One Mile Jetty. Built in 1897, this is the longest jetty in WA's north, stretching for 1493 m into the Indian Ocean. It offers excellent fishing and a jetty train runs its length. Other attractions include the Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage museum, prawning factory at the old whaling station (tours in season, check times at visitor centre) and Pelican Point, for picnics, swimming and fishing. Blowholes Jets of water shoot up to 20 m in the air after being forced through holes in the coastal rock. When you arrive at the Blowholes, you are greeted by a huge sign declaring 'KING WAVES KILL' – a cautionary reminder that this picturesque coastline has claimed the lives of over 30 people in freak waves. 73 km N. Nearby, a sheltered lagoon provides good swimming and snorkeling (1 km S). A further 7 km north of the blowholes is a cairn commemorating the loss of HMAS Sydney in 1941.'The Big Dish': a huge 29 m wide reflector, part of the old NASA station, with views of town and plantations from the base; 8 km E. Bibbawarra Artesian Bore: hot water surfaces at 65° C and picnic area nearby; 16 km N. Bibbawarra Trough: 180 m long, believed to be the longest in the Southern Hemisphere; adjacent to bore; 16 km N. Miaboolya Beach: good fishing, crabbing and swimming; 22 km N. Rocky Pool: picnic area and deep billabong ideal for swimming (after rains) and wildlife watching; Gascoyne Rd; 55 km E. Red Bluff: world-renowned surfing spot with waves 1–6 m, depending on the time of the year; 143 km N. Mt Augustus: considered the biggest rock in the world, twice the size of Ulur ¯u. It is known as Burringurrah to the local Aboriginal people. This 'monocline' is over 1750 million years old, cloaked in thick scrub, and offers many interesting rock formations, caves and Indigenous rock art. Camping and powered sites are available at Mt Augustus Outback Tourist Resort; (08) 9943 0527; road conditions vary; 450 km E; see also Gascoyne Junction. Fishing: excellent fishing for snapper or groper and game fishing for marlin or sailfish; charter boats available from Williams St. Also excellent fishing off One Mile Jetty.

Fishing spots near town

Quobba 51 km

The 80 km Quobba coastline, which incorporates Quobba Station, is a mecca for land-based game anglers. However, the rock-fishing can be dangerous and should not be attempted without seeking local knowledge. The... Find out more


Shark Bay 117 km

The drive north to Shark Bay takes about ten hours from Perth, but the fishing lure is so strong here that many an east-coast angler has driven across from Sydney or Melbourne. Most anglers head for the old pearling town... Find out more


Steep Point 147 km

One of the most highly regarded destinations for land-based gamefishing is Steep Point. Anglers fishing here catch huge mackerel, trevally, tuna and even sailfish from the rugged cliffs. It is a specialised sport... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Dolphin-feeding 101 km

Almost without fail, the famous wild bottlenose dolphins visit the beach in front of the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort several times a day, yearround. Under the watchful gaze of national parks rangers, who provide a... Find out more


Beachcombing, Denham 116 km

If you are searching for solitude, examine the countless billions of tiny shells that make up the 110-kilometre Shell Beach near Denham, a great place for a contemplative meander.... Find out more


Indigenous tour - Shark Bay area 117 km

To discover the rich cultural heritage of the Shark Bay area, visitors can embark on an award-winning Wula Guda Nyinda morning, afternoon or night tour. There are creation stories, bush-tucker tastings and demonstrations... Find out more


Snorkelling and diving around Exmouth and Coral Bay 193 km

Coral reefs are found just off the beaches around Coral Bay, providing excellent, easyaccess snorkelling in some spectacular sites, and a safe lagoon between the reefs and the shore. There are around 500 species of fish... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Sails Restaurant

Located within Carnarvon’s Best Western Hospitality Inn, Sails Restaurant showcases superb regional ingredients on its à la carte menu. With a choice of seafood, Mediterranean and vegetarian options... Find out more


Campsites around town

Bush Bay camping area 29 km

Camping at Bush Bay is in a coastal environment just off the beach in a popular fishing area. Bring firewood and drinking water to this camping area 10 km from the North West Coast Hwy, 33 km south of Carnarvon.... Find out more


New Beach camping area 37 km

Carry in firewood and drinking water to this camping area with no facilities, set close to the beach. You’ll find it on New Beach Rd, 33 km south of Carnarvon and 8 km west of the North West Coastal Hwy.... Find out more


The Blowholes camping area 52 km

The Blowholes camping area is off Blowholes Rd, 49 km from the North West Coastal Hwy. It is situated behind the dunes close to a spectacular section of coastline where fishing, swimming, diving and catching a wave are... Find out more


Quobba Station Homestead camping area 60 km

Quobba Station Homestead is at the southern tip of Ningaloo Marine Park. Visitors here can experience excellent land-based game fishing, snorkelling, isolated beaches, world renowned surfing, whales, abundant marine life... Find out more


Bottle Bay camping area 76 km

Bring drinking water to this gas/fuel stove camping area, 39 km north of the Monkey Mia Rd junction, 4 km north-east of Denham. Facilities are basic.... Find out more


Gregories camping area 78 km

Facilities are coastal but basic at Gregories camping area, and you need to bring drinking water and a gas/fuel stove. The camping area is 39 km north of the Monkey Mia Rd junction, 4 km north-east of Denham.... Find out more


South Gregories camping area 80 km

Off the main park road, 39 km north of the Monkey Mia Rd junction and 4 km north-east of Denham, this camping area has basic facilities on the foreshore. Bring along a gas/fuel stove and your own drinking water.... Find out more


Herald Bight camping area 83 km

Herald Bight camping area is 27 km north of the Monkey Mia Rd junction, 4 km north-east of Denham. In a coastal setting, with basic facilities, camping here is gas/fuel stove only and you need to come equipped with... Find out more


Red Bluff camping area 96 km

At Red Bluff you can revitalise your body and mind by immersing yourself in the turquoise waters or relaxing on the beach while you take in one of the most majestic sunsets you will ever see, followed by gazing into... Find out more


Big Lagoon camping area 101 km

Big Lagoon camping area is 19 km north of the Monky Mia Rd junction, 4 km north-east of Denham. It’s gas/fuel stove only and you need to bring in your own drinking water to this camp with basic facilities on the... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Marloo Retiree/Senior Tourist Caravan Park 3 km

This park specifically caters for retirees and seniors, without any facilities for children. There are lawn camping sites and very good amenities. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Wintersun Caravan and Tourist Park 4 km

Wintersun is a quality park with good amenities and a wide range of facilities, including a lawn bowling green. It is a convenient base for exploring the greater Carnarvon region or simply to relax. Pets are allowed upon... Find out more


Capricorn Holiday Park 5 km

Capricorn is conveniently located at the junction of Highway One and Robinson Street, the main access road to town. This is a convenient park for an overnight stop or an extended stay to explore the area. Bookings are... Find out more


Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort 101 km

Some come to soak up the winter sun, others to catch fish but most to see the famous Monkey Mia dolphins. There are a limited number of powered van sites and these diminish each time additional accommodation is... Find out more


Denham Seaside Tourist Village 116 km

Our favourite place to stay in the area, this well-managed park is located at the end of the main street and has a fabulous panoramic view over the sparkling calm waters of Shark Bay. We recommend this spot to anyone... Find out more


Blue Dolphin Caravan Park and Holiday Village 117 km

This is a smaller park with good tourist facilities. It is close to the heart of Denham and there is a supermarket right next door. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Minilya Bridge Roadhouse Caravan Park 123 km

At the rear of the Minilya Roadhouse is a small neat caravan park with good facilities including TV cables to powered sites. It is a great spot for an overnight stop. Furthermore, the roadhouse serves quality meals.... Find out more


Peoples Park Caravan Village 193 km

Set in a wonderful location across the road from the fabulous beach and close to the coral reef, this park is a great holiday spot. Diving and fishing are very popular along with coral viewing in glass-bottom boats.... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Carnarvon Central Apartments

Offering two bedrooms and all the comforts of home, the Carnarvon Central Apartments makes for a relaxing stay. Located close to the centre of town and many of the region’s attractions, the ideally located... Find out more


The Carnarvon Hotel

Catering to all budgets, The Carnarvon combines motel and backpacker accommodation. Overlooking the waters and stately palms of The Fascine, the bay formed by the southern arm of the Gascoyne River, this is the ideal... Find out more


Wintersun Carnarvon Park

Family owned and operated, the Wintersun Caravan and Tourist Park offers some of the best self-contained accommodation in town. Choose from powered sites, one- and two-bedroom ensuite chalets, and grassed and shady... Find out more


Quobba Station

Experience a real working station at the Quobba Station, 80 kilometres north-west of Carnarvon. The station has been in the Meecham family for 32 years, and runs around 10,000 sheep. With the harsh and jagged Indian... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Edaggee Rest Area 76 km

81 km S of Carnarvon (L) or 43 km N of Wooramel (R) Large area just off the highway in the bush. Limited shade. GPS: S25 27.558 E114 03.502... Find out more


Manberry Rest Area 80 km

50 km S of Minilya (R) or 92 km N of Carnarvon (L) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S24 15.004 E114 02.213... Find out more


Minilya River Rest Area 123 km

1 km S of Minilya (R) or 141 km N of Carnarvon (L) Large area just off the highway among the trees on the riverbank. Good shade. GPS: S23 49.066 E114 00.631... Find out more


Scenic Lookout Rest Area 138 km

25 km S of Wooramel (R) or 51 km N of Overlander (L) Open area well off the highway on top of a small plateau. GPS: S25 59.138 E114 17.899... Find out more


What's on around town

Gascoyne Growers Markets and Courtyard Markets: Civic Centre; Sat mornings May-Oct.

Fremantle-Carnarvon Bluewater Classic: odd-numbered years; April.

Carnafin: fishing competition, May/June.

Taste the Gascoyne: Aug/Sept.

Carnarvon Festival: Aug/Sept.

Carnarvon Cup: Sept.

Kickstarters Gascoyne Dash: Oct.

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