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Carnarvon Visitor Centre

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Carnarvon Visitor Centre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Sat - Sat 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
• (0.11 km) Fish & Whistle
• (0.19 km) Carnarvon Sea Change Apartments
• (0.18 km) Carnarvon Backpackers
• (0.23 km) The Gascoyne Hotel
• (0.50 km) Carnarvon Motel
• (0.02 km) Curry Flower
• (0.13 km) Port Hotel Motel
• (0.15 km) Fascine Coffee Lounge
• (0.15 km) Leahys Gascoyne Hotel
• (0.12 km) The Coffee Cup

Destination Carnarvon

Tourism Western Australia acknowledges Aboriginal peoples as the traditional custodians of Western Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal West Australians and honour their continuing connection to Country, culture and community. We recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by First Nations peoples across many generations in shaping Western Australia as a premier destination.

Carnarvon Tourist Bureau

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21 Robinson St

Carnarvon Western Australia 6701

About the Business

You can settle in for the holidays or come and go, using Carnarvon as a base for exploring the wonders of the region. …

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Browse Carnarvon Western Australia

Carnarvon Western Australia

A tropical town with an outback vibe which is the hub of the Gascoyne Region, famous for it's fresh produce. It has grown is stature over the years as a popular base to sample locally grown crops and seafood, which is clean and grown by world's best practice.

At a Glance

Carnarvon is also a renowned fishing spot and has great surrounding coastal scenery.

The best way to book Carnarvon

• Carnarvon accommodation
• Carnarvon car hire
• Carnarvon tours & things to do

Western Australia regions

• Coral coast
• Golden outback

Where is Carnarvon?

Carnarvon is 904 kilometres north of Perth .

Carnarvon is situated in the northern and isolated area of Australia's Coral Coast tourist region. Carnarvon faces west to the Indian Ocean and the Gascoyne River flows through Carnarvon to the ocean. The town is surrounded by banana and other crop plantations. One of the best ways to get to Carnarvon is hiring a car from Perth Airport , or flying to Carnarvon airport.

Things to see in Carnarvon

One mile jetty.

Walk or take the 'Coffee Pot' train along this historical jetty stretching over one mile into the Indian Ocean. Renowned for great fishing, the water is fairly deep by the time you get to the end and so some big catches are often reeled in. The jetty is a remarkable landmark and is a must see.

Located 70km out of town, the trip is definitely worth taking. Powerful ocean waves are forced through sea caves which project jets of water high up into the air to heights of up to 20 metres. A protected cove, surrounded by coral reef lies just one kilometre south of the Blow Holes.

Image © Australia's Coral Coast

Gascoyne Food Trail

Allow your taste buds to be treated to the exotic tropical delights served to visitors of the region, including fresh crayfish and succulent seafood, fine meat and the freshest fruit and veg you'll find in Australia & fresh fruit cocktails. Pick up a brochure at the Visitor Centre on your arrival in town. 

What's the weather like?

Carnarvon has a moderate, tropical climate. The weather in this part of the region makes the area ideal for growing many kinds of fruit and produce including mangoes and bananas. Most rainfall occurs in the monsoon season. In Summer (December to February), the average maximum temperature is 32°C with an average minimum temperature of 27°C. In Winter (June to August), the average maximum temperature is 22°C with an average minimum temperature of 12°C.

Tropical Cyclones are a prevalent part of this region between December and April. It is essential that you understand the steps and the procedures in place for Tropical Cyclones when entering this beautiful part of the world.

Get to know Carnarvon's history

The town, named after Lord Carnarvon, the British Secretary of State (1866-74), was founded in 1883 and for most of its early life it served as a port and supply depot for the surrounding pastoral industry. Carnarvon became the centre of an efficient wool producing area. The wide main streets can be attributed to the early uses of camels as a means to transport goods. The economic nature of the town changed from the 1930's as it was discovered that the Gascoyne River was a great area for supporting crops such as avocados, coconuts, dates, mangoes, pawpaws, pineapples, melons and especially bananas.

The biggest event in recent history was the establishment of the NASA tracking station in 1964 and which played a major role in relaying messages for the Apollo Missions. On July 20, 1969 when (the late) Neil Armstrong stepped out of Apollo 11, his famous words "That's one small step for man. One giant leap for mankind" were relayed via the tracking station at Carnarvon.

Looking for visitor and tourist information, maps and brochures, booking assistance and local expert tips in Carnarvon? Check out the Carnarvon Visitor Centre !

Top Things to Do in Carnarvon

Things to do in carnarvon.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum

2. Carnarvon Blowholes

3. Kennedy Range National Park

4. The Fascine

5. Gwoonwardu Mia - Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Culture Centre

6. OTC Satellite Earth Station Carnarvon

7. Carnarvon Visitor Centre

8. One Mile Jetty

9. Homestead Hampers

10. Gascoyne Growers Market

11. Carnarvon Heritage Precinct

12. Carnarvon Yacht Club - Marina

13. Carnarvon Speedway

14. Bush Bay

15. H.M.A.S. Sydney II

16. Gnarloo Station

17. carnarvon aquatic centre, 18. carnarvon skate park, 19. baxter park water playground.

20. Rocky Pool, Carnarvon

21. Bumbak's

22. Carnarvon Tackle & Marine

23. Carnarvon Bus Charters

24. Coral Coast Helicopter Services

25. Wooramulla Eco Cultural Journeys

What travellers are saying

• Carnarvon Blowholes
• Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum
• Kennedy Range National Park
• The Fascine
• Carnarvon Visitor Centre
• Carnarvon Yacht Club - Marina
• Carnarvon Skate Park
• Baxter Park Water Playground
• OTC Satellite Earth Station Carnarvon
• Coral Coast Helicopter Services

Western Australia Expert

Carnarvon Guide + The Best Things To Do in 2024

The Carnarvon region is your perfect destination if you’re looking for a place to experience natural wonders, extraordinary local history, and enjoy an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood while learning about the Gascoyne region’s Indigenous and colonial pioneering heritage.

Did you know that Carnarvon produces the majority of Perth’s fruit and vegetables in the winter?

Find out what to do in Carnarvon, when to visit, and how to get there.

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.

Gwoonwardu Mia, the Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre

Such a fascinating cultural centre and very moving. Well worth the small entrance fee to learn more about Australian Aboriginal history and culture.

Things to do in Carnarvon

Carnarvon is a thriving town with an abundance of natural beauty and attractions. So, if you’re interested in exploring all that Carnarvon has to offer, find out what are the best things to do there.

Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre

Gwoonwardu Mia, the Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre, was our favourite attraction in Carnarvon. This multipurpose centre celebrates the five Aboriginal language groups of the Gascoyne Region and features a permanent exhibition, touring exhibitions, café, gallery, Artist-in-Residence program, conference and meeting rooms, an ethnobotanical garden and gift shop.

The permanent interactive exhibition, Burlganyja Wanggaya: Old People Talking, unites and reflects the culture and stories of the five Aboriginal language groups of the region; Yinggarda, Bayungu, Malgana, Thadgari and Thalanyji.

The Aboriginal history of the region has long been a part of its rich and vibrant history. This is recognised in this exhibition that features:

• The Skydome, which is made up of time lapse night footage taken from different areas showing how our first astronomers were Aboriginal people.
• A light table with an interactive experience presenting animation, information images and sound.
• Artefacts such as shields and grindstones, which date back thousands of years, and a replica of a 33,000 year old shell necklace found in the area (the original can be seen in the Western Australian Museum in Perth).
• The Burrowing Bees are big hairy bees unique to the Gascoyne area. Known as Mungurrgurra or Jurrabarri, they are one of the world’s largest bee species.
• Dreamtime stories on how the land was made, which have been passed down through generations to keep the culture alive.
• Stories and memories of working on the Stations.
• How settlers moved or took traditional items that appeared to be left, but were actually still in use and important to the Aboriginal people.

We were lucky enough to speak to the manager, Keneth Phillips, who gave us an insight into the cultural centre and gardens. He was fascinating to listen to and we learnt so much from him in addition to the exhibition.

The building is shaped like a Willy Willy, a whirlwind or dust storm, and the courtyard has five alcoves representing the five language groups.

It is free to enter Gwoonwardu Mia , but entry fees apply to the Permanent Exhibition, which includes any touring exhibition. It was A$25 for our family, and well worth the money. It was interesting to learn about the Aboriginal culture and history, but sad to read what they had to endure from the settlers.

The Heritage Precinct

The Heritage Precinct, including One Mile Jetty and the Shearing Hall of Fame, prove how rich in history Carnarvon really is. You can also see an old residence built around 1900, which was once used by lighthouse keepers, but has since been converted into a museum full of memorabilia from days past.

One Mile Jetty

From the late 1800s, as pastoralism developed in Carnarvon, residents pressured the government to build a port for them. In 1897 the jetty was constructed and became the first livestock export port in Western Australia. The jetty head was added in 1904 and later widened due to increased traffic and passengers.

The One Mile Jetty transport system and diesel locos on the tramway stopped in 1966 when road train transport commenced. Therefore, the jetty was neglected until 1998 when the community came together to preserve the longest jetty in the northern part of WA.

Unfortunately, the jetty is currently closed due to damage from Cyclone Seroja in April 2021. However, you are able to walk through the mangroves to Dwyer’s Leap and visit the One Mile Jetty Interpretive Centre.

The Railway Station Museum

The Railway Station Museum houses the last steam train to operate in the North West, the Kimberley Steam Train, which was brought down from Broome in the 1950s.

Shearing Hall of Fame

This is the first Shearing Hall of Fame in Western Australia and where you can learn about Gascoyne’s shearing industry in the 1950s.

Lighthouse Keepers Cottage

This 1900s cottage once housed the lighthouse keeper and his family and has now been restored. The museum features historic memorabilia.

From here you can take the 5 km (return) Tramway Walk Trail into Carnarvon town.

OTC Dish and the Carnarvon Space & Technology Museum

The OTC Dish and the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum are on most visitor’s itinerary.

Opened in 1966, the OTC Satellite Earth Station featured the Casshorn antenna locally known as the ‘Sugar Scoop’. This was used to relay Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon from NASA’s Honey Suckle Creek Tracking Station to Perth’s TV audience, the first live telecast into WA.

In 1969, a larger antenna was built for improved communication between the NASA Tracking Station and the US.

The station closed after assisting in tracking Halley’s Comet in 1987 but is now the site of the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum, which is operated by volunteers and is mainly self funded.

Access to the OTC Dish is free, but there’s a charge to enter the museum.

Due to its geographical advantage, Carnarvon’s fertile plantations and farms supply Perth with most of its fruit and vegetables during the winter months. However, if you visit in summer, the riverbed is all dried up as it only flows after rains inland. The Gascoyne River is known as an ephemeral river, meaning it only exists for a short amount of time.

Although fresh produce grows year round in Carnarvon, the main plantation season is from May to October. You can take a drive along the scenic North and South River Roads, also known as “The Fruit Loop”, past working plantations. We read that some have roadside stalls with honesty boxes where you can pick up preserves and fruits. However, when we drove past, not many were selling produce.

If you’re on Instagram, you’ll recognise the Cactus Garden along the Fruit Loop on South River Road. Stop here if you want to snap a few photos for your social media!

Did you know that Carnarvon was the first location in Australia where bananas were grown?

Produce Season

Bananas & Papayas – Year round

Tomatoes, Chilies, Cucumbers, Butternut Pumpkin – Year round

Winter Vegetables – May to August

Melons – October to April

Mangoes & Tropical Fruit – November to March

Grapes – November to January

Seafood – Year round

The Fascine

Carnarvon’s central waterway, known as The Fascine, is an ideal spot to watch the sunset over a beautiful natural landscape. Along this stretch there are grassed picnic areas with BBQs where you can enjoy local produce while catching up on family time. You will also be able to see the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, featuring 645 plaques which commemorate the lives lost aboard the ship on 19 November 1941.

The Fascine Town Beach is a safe beach where you can swim to the pontoon and fish anywhere along the crescent-shaped beach or from the footbridge.

There are some fantastic places to fish along the Carnarvon coastline. Some of the best are Pelican Point, Miabooyla Beach, Carnarvon Jetty and Teggs Channel, a purpose built fishing spot for anglers.

Bird Watching

Carnarvon is a great place for bird watchers, where you might spot whistling kites, wedge-tailed eagles, little eagles and brown falcons. The best places are Chinamans’s Pool, Miabooyla Beach and New Beach Bush Bay. 

Rocky Pool is a freshwater pool near Carnarvon that provides an inviting day trip for the whole family looking to swim or just relax. Let the kids explore the shallow pools for fossils that have been washed down from the Kennedy Ranges.

Carnarvon Blowholes

About 75 km north of Carnarvon, on the Quobba coastline, is the Quobba Blowholes. Like the ones in Albany , powerful ocean swells force water through the sea caves and up out of narrow holes in the rocks, creating jets of water erupting into the air up to 20 metres high!

Caution is needed here, though, as lives have been lost due to king waves crashing over the top of the rock ledge.

The Aquarium, Point Quobba

Just 1 km before the blowholes is Point Quobba where there’s a calm coral-filled lagoon known as the ‘Aquarium’. We haven’t been there yet but it’s apparently an excellent snorkel spot filled with fish, starfish, giant clams, stingrays, and even turtles, eels & octopus. Definitely on our list for next time when the weather is warmer!

Kennedy Range National Park

Kennedy Range National Park, near Gascoyne Junction, is a stunning national park located about two hours inland from Carnarvon. It consists of vast, rugged and remote landscapes, boasting spectacular red rock formations, lush spinifex plains and deep gorges carved by millions of years of weathering.

This extraordinary park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including birds, reptiles, and mammals. The area’s unique environment also supports an array of plants such as acacia, grevillea, everlastings, and banksia.

Visitors can explore this magnificent landscape on foot or four-wheel drive vehicle along various trails throughout the park. Hiking trails follow usually dry, rocky waterways (rock pools are seasonal and not fit to drink). Avoid hiking in hot weather – the best months are May to August – and keep hydrated

Read this Kennedy Range National Park brochure for more information.

Mount Augustus – Burringurrah

Mount Augustus is the world’s largest monocline, rising 715 metres above the surrounding plain, making it almost twice as high as Uluru. The mountain has plenty of sites to explore, including rock formations, spectacular gorges, and Australian Aboriginal art and engravings. Mount Augustus is known as Burringurrah – or ‘Island Mountain’ – to the Wadjari people.

The area around Mount Augustus is home to a wide variety of wildlife, such as kangaroos, mulga parrots, emus, bustards, goannas, red kangaroos, and eagles. For those looking to hike, there are various walking trails, including the one to the summit. Some trails allow you to explore ancient rock formations and Aboriginal engravings, and take in breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscape

Emu lookout has stunning views of Mt Augustus and is a great spot to watch the sunset. Whereas, Yalaweerie lookout is good to watch the sun rise.

Read this Mount Augustus National Park Burringurrah Visitor Guide for more information.

The best time to visit Mount Augustus is during the dry season, which runs from April to October.

Where is Carnarvon?

Carnarvon  is 904 km north of Perth and 1461 km south of Broome , on Western Australia’s Coral Coast . It lies at the mouth of the Gascoyne River on the Indian Ocean. The Shark Bay World Heritage Area  is to the south of the town and the Ningaloo Reef and popular tourist town of  Exmouth  lies to the north. 

Carnarvon is a great place to stop on a Perth to Exmouth road trip .

Perth to Carnarvon

International and domestic visitors will fly into  Perth Airport . Find details about visas, prohibited items, currency, and safety in this  Australia Travel Guide  and tips on arriving into WA and other essential travel information in this  Western Australia Travel Guide .

There are car hire booths at Perth Airport , but it’s best to pre-book your car rental. To compare Australian car hire prices, Discover Cars is an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly rated. DriveNow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia. It includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, & Jucy as well as smaller ones. Compare Rental Cars Here .

To drive from Perth to Carnarvon will take you about 9 1/2 hours along the North West Coastal Highway.

Rainfall can close the roads so check with Main Roads who can provide current information on the major roads.

Be careful when driving as you can encounter stray animals on the roads, including sheep, kangaroos, goats, cows and horses.

Travel with plenty of water, food and fuel as services can be limited or in case you break down.

Integrity Coach Lines operate bus services travelling north and south to and from Carnarvon.

You can fly direct to Carnarvon from Perth with REX, which is a two-hour flight time.

Car Hire in Carnarvon

There are two car hire companies in Carnarvon; Avis and Budget – compare prices with Discover Cars .

Weather in Carnarvon

The weather in Carnarvon is usually around 10°C warmer than Perth in winter, making it a popular time to visit to escape the colder south.

February is the hottest month with temperatures averaging 32°C, while July is the coldest at 22°C.

June is the wettest time of year in Carnarvon and November is the driest.

You can see all the average temperatures on the Bureau of Meteorology site .

Despite the cyclone season officially being from 1st November to 30th April, cyclones can happen in any month. You can get up to date cyclone warnings on the WA Emergency site .

How long to stay in Carnarvon

You should allow at least two days in Carnarvon to see everything. If you are stopping as part of your Perth to Exmpouth road trip, you can stay one night and choose your favourite activities to do while there.

Carnarvon Accommodation

Have you booked accommodation? We use Booking.com for most accommodation bookings as they offer free cancellation on many properties and have a price match guarantee. We book through Stayz (part of VRBO) for private accommodation as we find it is often cheaper than Airbnb. Tip : Accommodation gets booked quickly, especially during the WA school holidays . To avoid disappointment, book early.

Carnarvon Hotels & Motels

Carnarvon doesn’t have a wide range of hotels but my pick would be the Carnarvon Motel as it has better reviews than the Hospitality Carnarvon, SureStay by Best Western . Read reviews here .

Carnarvon Caravan Parks

Carnarvon is a pet-friendly town with six out of seven caravan parks allowing dogs.

If you’re looking for great value accommodation, the following caravan parks offer cabins for a reasonable price.

We stayed at the Outback Oasis Caravan Park in a Family Double Room cabin, which was perfect for our nights stay.

Other Caravan Parks that have great reviews are:

Norwesta Lifestyle Park

Wintersun Caravan and Tourist Park

Coral Coast Tourist Park

Private Accommodation

The Carnarvon Luxury Canal Home looks amazing and has 4 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms with a hot tub and a private beach area. See the photos here.

Quobba Station

Quobba Station is located on the Ningaloo Coast in North Western Australia, about an hours drive from Carnarvon, after the Blowholes. The remote location of Quobba Station has enabled it to remain relatively untouched, preserving its remarkable environment and unique wildlife.

The Ningaloo Coast is recognised as one of Australia’s most important coastal areas, providing refuge for a wide variety of marine life including whales, dugongs, manta rays and turtles. In addition to its incredible marine life, Quobba Station also boasts an array of spectacular landscapes with rugged red sandstone cliffs and sheltered coral coves.

The station, established in 1898 and covering an area of approximately 187,000 acres (76,000 ha), is bordered by pristine turquoise waters and is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery and abundance of nature-based activities such as fishing, swimming, surfing, bird watching and bushwalking.

Despite being such a remote destination, Quobba Station has become increasingly popular among travellers looking for a unique experience in an unspoiled natural environment.

Visitors to Quobba Station can stay at a variety of accommodation options ranging from hard deck safari tents to unpowered camp sites. Please note that the accommodation runs on solar power and no power, water, or food is available.

Carnarvon Town

There are shops including a Woolworths supermarket, a liquor store and a chemist at the Carnarvon, Central Shopping Centre and there’s an IGA in East Carnarvon.

Carnarvon Population

According to the 2021 Census, Carnarvon had a population of 4,879.

Thoughts on Carnarvon

I have to admit that Carnarvon isn’t my favourite town, but I was pleasantly surprised by what it had to offer. More towns should have Cultural Centres like Gwoonwardu Mia to pay respect to our traditional landowners and to learn more about their life and culture.

The Fascine is a lovely spot to have a picnic if you’re just passing through and want to break up the journey.

We didn’t allow enough time to see the blowholes or snorkel at the Aquarium, so this will be on our list when we return.

Now you know what to do, when to visit and how to get there, so please consider booking through one of our links. This won’t cost you any more but will help with the cost of running this site. Thank you.

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For other ideas on where to visit in Western Australia along with the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and other essential information, click on the link below.

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AUSTRALIA , Budget Travel Ideas , Oceania

The 10 best free things to do in carnarvon, western australia.

Not to be confused with Carnarvon Gorge , over in Queensland, the town of Carnarvon in Western Australia marks – in my mind at least – the end of the Outback and the beginning of a landscape that looks much more like Southern WA.

And you know what, we were really impressed by it!

From the beautiful green colours, which started to replace the red dust, to the lovely regenerated foreshore, Carnarvon felt like a town on the up and we ended up extending our stay there we enjoyed it so much.

So if you’re road-tripping Australia’s Coral Coast and wondering whether to make a stop, then let me help you decide with these 10 best free things to do in Carnarvon.

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#1 Marvel at the Blowholes

The blowholes situated just outside of town are, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best free things to do in Carnarvon.

We planned just to take a quick drive out to see them, but ended up spending hours watching them blow up to 20m in the air!

Created when the ocean is forced through the sea caves here, before exploding out through holes in the rock, the sound of the roaring sea is very impressive.

On your way, make sure you grab a pic of the infamous King Waves Kill sign. It’s kind of morbid, but hard to resist!

#2 Drive the Fruit Loop

The South and North River Road are what is known as Carnarvon’s Fruit Loop, because they really are the epicentre of this town’s agricultural production.

Driving along here and checking out the delicious farm stalls is a great free thing to do in Carnarvon, and if you can afford it – splashing out on some of the local treats (like chocolate-covered frozen mango) is definitely worth it too!

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#3 Enjoy the Markets

Otherwise, why not head to the local Weekly Farmer’s Market and grab yourself some great produce there instead.

Open every Saturday from May to October, the Gascoyne Growers Market springs to life directly outside the town’s Visitor Centre.

With everything from homemade ice creams to organic veggies, listen to local buskers here while you support the community and enjoy a real slice of Carnarvon life.

5 ESSENTIAL PACKING ITEMS FOR AUSTRALIA

#1 Good Camera – You will be pretty much snapping non-stop in Australia and will need a good camera to do this gorgeous country justice. I highly recommend the Sony A6000 , which I use for all my travels and love, not least because it’s light, compact and robust!

#2 Good Walking Shoes – There will be a lot of walking in Australia – from cities to national park! Make sure your feet are comfortable therefore with a pair of New Balance Trainers . Perfect for stylish strollling, I love mine

#3 Good Guidebook – I’m still a massive fan of the Lonely Planet Guidebooks and do think their Australia edition is well put together

#4 Good Water Bottle – Travelling in hot old Australia can be thirsty work, so make sure you have a metal water bottle that you can refill as you go, because tap water is drinkable… and free!

#5 Good Sun Hat – And there’s no denying you’ll need a good sun hat for protection in Australia too. In my opinion, you can’t go past this Hello Sunshine one, which is both gorgeous and ideal for keeping the rays off your face.

#4 Camp at Red Bluff

With some great eco-camping, snorkelling and swimming at this beautiful coral lagoon, checking out Red Bluff, and perhaps spending the night here, is definitely one of the best free things to do in Carnarvon.

About 135km north of the town, bookings aren’t required, but the track can be rough, so do make sure you check the conditions before heading out there.

Campers must be self-sufficient, but you’ll be rewarded with a mind-blowing sunset each and every night!

#5 Explore the Fascine

Carnarvon’s brand new central waterway construction – The Fascine – is a really welcome addition to the town, which has been thoughtfully designed and put together.

A truly public space for all to enjoy – whether it’s a picnic on the grass, BBQs, sunset watching or letting the kids run around in the playground, this is a great free place to explore in Carnarvon.

We stayed at the excellent Wintersun Caravan Park in Carnarvon and absolutely loved it! Highly recommended as the best place to stay in town, you can check out my full review here.

#6 Snap the One Mile Jetty

Built in 1897, Carnarvon’s impressive jetty is actually one of the longest in the Southern hemisphere!

Intended to help export wool and livestock in the region down to the port at Fremantle , it sadly fell into disrepair in 1966.

In 1998 however, the community banded together to save the jetty, and now you can walk the One Mile Jetty if you’re feeling like a bit of exercise.

However I loved photographing it just as much!

This heritage piece has some very beautiful lines and with a dusting of red outback sand, looked delightful when we were there.

#7 Visit the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage Museum

Right near to the One Mile Jetty, in the same Heritage Precinct actually, is the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage Museum.

Showcasing items dating back to the 1900’s, this place is free to enter and a great way to learn a bit more about the town’s history and what life was like in this remote WA outstation at the turn of the last century.

#8 Stroll the Tramway Walk Trail

This 2.5km walking trail connects the centre of Carnarvon with the Heritage Precinct, meaning if you are thinking of checking out the One Mile Jetty or the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage Museum, this is a great way to get there!

Following the line of the old tramway – unsurprisingly! – this delightful stroll gives you a great perspective on the town and is complemented by some excellent signage about the local flora and fauna.

#9 Wander the Cute High Street

With its wide streets, indicative of the times that horses and carriages ruled the cobbles, Carnarvon’s high street is full of character and heritage.

From some cute little cafes, to some interesting little shops, strolling along here, admiring the heritage buildings and the gorgeous shop window displays was definitely one of the best free things to do in Carnarvon we enjoyed most.

#10 Swim at Chinaman’s or Rocky Pool

Just a short distance outside of town, 2 excellent local swimming holes can be found.

Definitely one of the best free things to do in Carnarvon, heading to either of these spots is a great way to cool down on a scorching summer’s day!

Rocky Pool is 55km east of the town and is a permanent deep water pool and a great picnic spot too.

Chinaman’s is closer to town, but still a peaceful spot with some beautiful river gums framing it and attracting some lovely birdlife.

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it, my list of the top 10 free things to do in Carnarvon, Western Australia.

We really couldn’t believe how much was going on in and around this small town when we were there and we’d love to hear more about things you got up to as well.

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

10 thoughts on “ The 10 Best Free Things to do in Carnarvon, Western Australia ”

From a local of Carnarvon, it would be great of people visited the one mile jetty as it may end up being taken down, there is a little box where you have to give money, also there is donations for it getting fixed at the chemist in town, it would be a shame if one of our oldest tourist attractions was to be teared down because of its old age and damage, it has been burnt down half way and is being eroded by the ocean waves, it is also one lf the best fishing spots in Carnarvon. I hope people visit our jetty or atleast donate to get it fixed.

Hi Danni! Thanks so much for your great comments, it’s always wonderful to hear from a local, even if it is with sad news about the One Mile Jetty. I loved that spot in Carnarvon and it certainly is good to know any small donation can go towards saving it. I sincerely hope the jetty is saved and still there to enjoy by tourists and locals alike for many years to come

Nicely written artcle with some good tips. I do have to disagree a little about the blowholes being “just outside of town” (75 km) and Rocky Pool being ” just a short distance” (55 km). Even by Aussie standards of distance these are rather misleading descriptions.

I will check out the jetty though.

Thanks for this great feedback Jo – really appreciate your thoughts and useful distances given. Hope you enjoyed the jetty 🙂

Hi Jo, I live in Carnarvon and 55km is not a long way. The Blowholes are between 30 & 45 mins depending on your driving. The closest town (Coral Bay) is 2.5 hrs away, so driving a half hour from the highway to see the Blowholes actually is just out of town. There’s no traffic lights holding your trip up here and remember you are 10,000kms away from its capital city. Don’t forget you also get to snorkel in the lagoon and out to the oyster bridge, or laze on a white sand beach that is… not crowded!! It is totally worth it!! I actually think Gnaraloo, Red Bluff and 3 Mile are just up the road and have done many day trips and that’s 150km’s one way. Why travel so far to miss out on some of the most amazing places, all over 50 kilometres!!? Will you ever be that close to the Blowholes again? I hope you enjoyed the One Mile Jetty but I really hope you didn’t bypass some of the most amazing places in the world! Please do not speak for all Aussies, I was born in country WA and I think the Blowholes are just out of Carnarvon. Steph has nailed her review!! Also, can I add number 11. the space museum is pretty cool! Aka the Carnarvon Tracking Station, is 10 kilometres south from Carnarvon (which by the way is still classed as in town) the station was built to support NASA’s Gemini, Apollo and Skylab programs.

Thanks you so much for these really helpful details – we love local input here at Big World Small Pockets! This great advice is sure to help other travellers heading to Carnarvon and I’m really happy you think I’ve nailed my review! Thanks again, Steph 🙂

Thanks Chatt, i just moved here yesterday so am keen to go and have a look at some of these spots and the space museum is top on my list

Great news Louise 🙂

Carnarvon is great little stopover for us in caravans as plenty of caravan parks in town. Most with pools, camp kitchens and other accommodations . Supermarket is city prices to stock up on everything .

Thanks for adding to the info Lindy, much appreciated. Happy travels, Steph 🙂

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Carnarvon: Gateway to the Outback

Carnarvon, where the turquoise waters of the indian ocean meet the rugged beauty of the outback, where the traditions of the gascoyne region blend with modern innovation, where the warmth of the community is matched only by the glow of our star-filled nights. come discover the rich history of our iconic one mile jetty, taste the juicy sweetness of our famous bananas, and explore the wonders of the nearby ningaloo reef. whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or something in between, carnarvon has something for everyone. experience the magic of our corner of western australia - come for the beauty, stay for the hospitality., advertise your business or community group with carnarvon's local directory. you can create ads, events and articles for carnarvon or have us do it for you, search carnarvon, discover carnarvon.

Carnarvon is a town located in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. It sits at the mouth of the Gascoyne River on the Indian Ocean.

The town was established in 1883 and was primarily a port for supplying the local sheep stations. Today, it is a popular tourist destination with attractions such as the One Mile Jetty, which is used for fishing and diving, and the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum.

Carnarvon is also known for its agricultural industry, particularly for its fresh produce such as bananas, mangoes, and watermelons. Visitors can sample these and other locally grown fruits and vegetables at the weekly Carnarvon Growers' Market.

Other notable attractions in Carnarvon include the Blowholes, a natural rock formation that spurts sea water into the air, and the Fascine, a tranquil waterway popular for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

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• 2 Get around

Carnarvon is a town in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia , with a population in 2016 of 4426. Once a port for the shipping of livestock, it's now a fruit & veg growing area and has a small fishing industry. It's the last town of any size before heading north into arid country towards Exmouth and Port Hedland, so for travellers it's a good overnight stop and chance to stock up.

The town stands at the mouth of the Gascoyne River. The Inggarda Aboriginal people called this area Kuwinywardu, meaning "neck of water".

The TIC, downtown at 21 Robinson St, is open M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM to noon. In April 2021 Carnarvon was badly damaged by Cyclone Seroja, which swept away the historic jetty, but all the hotels and facilities described here were back in business by 2022.

Get in [ edit ]

Rex Airlines flies twice M-F and once Sa Su from Perth , either direct (2 hr 15 min) or via Shark Bay / Monkey Mia (3 hr). The return flights are direct with no Carnarvon to Shark Bay service. Neither Qantas nor Virgin Australia (the former Southwest) fly here.

By road, you approach on the NW Coastal Highway, and know you're close when you see the OTC Dish pointing into space.

Integrity Coaches run twice a week from Perth (12 hours) via Geraldton, and continue north towards Exmouth (4 hours) and Broome. TransWA buses don't run this far north.

Get around [ edit ]

The town's sights are a little way out, within range of a hot dusty hike, but think about the coming back and then hire a car. Avis and Budget have rental offices here.

Gascoyne Taxis (+61 477 757 977) and Carnarvon Taxis (+61 8 9941 1499) are both sound and reliable.

See [ edit ]

• The Fascine is the name of the promenade along Olivia Terrace. A footbridge crosses from its north end to Whitlock and Babbage islands.
• -24.869 113.704 1 OTC Dish ( Space & Technology Museum ), Mahony Ave , ☏ +61 8 9941 9901 . Daily 10AM-2PM . The prominent OTC - Overseas Telecoms Centre - tracked the Gemini and Apollo space missions, as did Parkes NSW (the one featured in the film "The Dish".) It closed in 1987 and was going to be demolished, until finding a new role as a museum. It's all a bit dated: the "Apollo Simulator" feels like the inside of a badly-maintained lift, and the "Planetarium" is an inflated canopy. But the staff know their stuff and it really recaptures the 1960s / 70s space era. Adult $18, conc $12, child $10 . ( updated Feb 2022 )
• -24.899 113.64 2 Pelican Point is a nature reserve at the south tip of Babbage Island. The road to the island starts at the north side of town, crosses the channel bridge to the foot of One Mile Jetty, then swings south. You can also short-cut across the footbridge, which was once a tramway. The Point has sand hills and windy beaches for kite-surfing.
• -24.88 113.617 3 One Mile Jetty on Babbage Island was wrecked in 2021 by Cyclone Seroja, but had been derelict for years before. The sea off Carnarvon is shallow, so they had to build a very long jetty to moor ships to export livestock. The stock was brought to the jetty by narrow-gauge railway, then sent down a race to the ship; later the railway was extended down the jetty. Improved roads in the late 20th century meant that stock went south by truck, but the jetty was kept on as a tourist attraction, with the little "Coffee Pot Train" rumbling down its length. But it fell derelict, and now seems unlikely to be repaired. You may still be able to look in on the Railway Museum and the Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage at the foot of the jetty, but hours are uncertain.
• See Red Bluff for Point Quobba, "The Blowholes", the memorial to HMAS Sydney, Red Bluff and the surf resort of Gnaraloo. This road north is a dead-end with no onward route to Exmouth.

Do [ edit ]

• Look up at the night sky especially if you come from a cold northern country where the skies are a smear of city light pollution and sleet. The moon and band of the Milky Way will be familiar but the constellations won't be. Check online beforehand what's likely to be in view and where: probably one of the giant planets, perhaps the International Space Station whirling west to east - look up times on Spot The Station .
• Golf: Carnarvon GC is south edge of town off HMAS Sydney II Memorial Drive. Parkland? Greens? Hell no, this is authentic WA dirt.
• Carnarvon Speedway has clay-track races about once a month Feb-Aug. It's 1 km east of the Dish.
• Gassy Dash is a motor rally held around April along the dried-up bed of the Gascoyne River. Originally it was a white-water boat race held in Sept/Oct, but the volume and timing of the river flows were too variable for a scheduled sports event, whereas when that river's dry, it's reliably ever-so-dry. So nowadays the Dash is a race along sand and grit, involving two days each of some 200 km, for cars and for motorbikes. Main base for The Dash is the small town of Gascoyne Junction, but accommodation in Carnarvon will be sold out while it's on. The 2024 event has been cancelled but it is hoped to resume in 2025 - see website for updates.

Buy [ edit ]

• Woolworths is the main store, corner of Robinson and Alexander, open daily 7AM-8PM.
• Growers' Market is held behind the Visitor Centre on Saturday 8-11:30AM.
• Fuel: Amphol filling station is open 24 hours, at the junction of Hwy 1 and Robinson St. Don't leave town with less than half a tank. North, your next chance is 140 km away at Minilya by the turn-off for Exmouth. South it's 200 km to Hamelin Pool at the Shark Bay / Monkey Mia turn-off.

Eat [ edit ]

• Gascoyne Bakery Cafe by the Visitor Centre is open M-Sa 6AM-3PM.
• West Coast Fish & Chips is a takeaway within the central shopping mall, open W-Su 11:30AM-2PM, 4-8PM.
• Chicken Treat at 72 Robinson St is not the fastest of fast food.
• -24.899 113.649 1 Mar e Sol , 131 Harbour Rd , ☏ +61 8 9941 2302 . M-Sa 11AM-7:30PM . Pleasant harbour-side bistro, dog-friendly. ( updated Feb 2022 )
• -24.892 113.662 2 A Taste of Thai by fon , 17 Hubble St , ☏ +61 4 0991 1198 . M-Sa 11AM-7:30PM . Excellent Thai food; fon is the owner / chef. ( updated Feb 2022 )
• -24.846 113.729 3 Bumbak's , 449 North River Rd , ☏ +61 4 0991 8006 . Daily 9AM-4PM . This tropical fruit plantation has a highly-recommended farm shop and cafe - the mango smoothies and ice creams are famous. Plantation tours are sometimes available. ( updated Feb 2022 )

Drink [ edit ]

There isn't a stand-alone bar, head for the hotels and restaurants.

Bottlemart (Al's Liquor Store) is at 435 Robinson St and open daily 10AM-8PM.

Make sure to have ample drinking water. There's a free water faucet at the Information Bay on Hwy 1, 50 m south of the junction with Robinson St.

Sleep [ edit ]

• -24.892 113.655 1 Hospitality Inn , 6 West St , ☏ +61 8 9941 1600 . Good motel, clean and spacious, with on-site restaurant. Double (room only) $160 . ( updated Feb 2022 )
• -24.888 113.656 2 Carnarvon Hotel , 121 Olivia Terrace , ☏ +61 8 9941 1181 . Decent mid-price hotel. Most people just come for the food, which gets so-so reviews. Double (room only) $120 . ( updated Feb 2022 )
• Backpackers Inn further along Olivia Terrace didn't open in 2021/22.
• -24.881 113.653 3 Carnarvon Motel , 34 David Brand Drive , ☏ +61 8 9941 0600 . Clean friendly well-run place. Double (room only) $150 . ( updated Feb 2022 )
• -24.883 113.657 4 Port Hotel-Motel , 35 Robinson St , ☏ +61 8 9941 1704 . Eating place with rooms in town centre. ( updated Feb 2022 )
• -24.879 113.661 5 Coral Coast Tourist Park , 108 Robinson St , ☏ +61 8 9941 1438 . Clean welcoming place at edge of town. Cabin $300 . ( updated Feb 2022 )
• The junction of Hwy 1 and Robinson St into town has a cluster of caravan parks, including Wintersun (below), Big4 Plantation and Capricorn . A little closer to town are Carnarvon Caravan Park , Norwesta , Outback Oasis and Gateway Motel .
• -24.864 113.696 6 Wintersun Caravan Park , 546 Robinson Street , ☏ +61 8 9941 8150 . Park with chalets and camping / caravan pitches, clean and dog-friendly. Cabin $110, hook-up $50 . ( updated Feb 2022 )

Connect [ edit ]

As of Jan 2022, Carnarvon has 4G from Telstra, and if you're lucky from Optus, but there's no signal from Vodafone. Telstra cover extends north up the highway to Minilya (the turn-off for Exmouth), but to the south is dead. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next [ edit ]

• Geraldton is 480 km south, a solid day's drive. Stop overnight somewhere in this area before attempting to reach Perth.
• Kennedy Range is a National Park 200 km east, accessed via Gascoyne Junction.
• Red Bluff and Gnarlaroo is a surf destination up a side-road north. You'll need to be self-sufficient.
• Exmouth is 365 km north. Fill up at Minilya roadhouse just before the turn-off from Highway 1, fuel is sparse and pricey from there on.

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Communities of Xhosa moved up to the Orange River as early as 1795. One group subsequently settled at Schietfontein, which was served by a Rhenish mission, and a village named Harmsfontein was established in 1860.

In 1874, it changed its name to honour the British Colonial Secretary, Lord Carnarvon. The district is well-known for its corbelled houses, built between 1811 and 1815. Carnarvon is set among flat-topped hills and is one of the region’s busiest farming centres.

Town information

Blikkiesbar

A large collection of beer cans and whiskies can be seen at the Carnarvon Hotel.

A donkey and man combine forces to produce bricks.

Corbelled Houses

Small domed roofed houses built of flat stones for lack of wood for roof trusses by the Trekboers. The cement was a mixture of chaff and soil mixed with water and kneaded to the correct texture. Floors were of smeared earth coloured a rich red by a mixture of fat and oxblood polished with a smooth stone.

On top of Carnarvon Koppie and used between 1899-1902, the only one in the region.

Museum & Corbelled House

Old Church Hall.

Nature Reserve

A wide variety of wildlife can be seen. Tel 053 382 3012.

Tortoise Reserve

60 Mountain tortoises can be found here. Some respond to their name and will come for a titbit when called. Tel 0533822 ask for 3002.

Tours and Crafts at Oukraal

Unique handmade local Karoo crafts. Tours: Anglo-Boer War tours, 4×4 and 4×2 self-drive tours and marked farm trails. Tel 053 382 3029.

CITIES, TOWNS AND NEIGHBOURHOODS

Museum & corbelled house.

Ou Kraal Travel Centre Tel +27 (0)53 382 3029 / +27 (0)83 230 8412

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