Carnarvon is a picture-perfect town in Western Australia, known as the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef.
Just under three hours drive north, the reef is a great place to try swimming with whale sharks between March and July each year, or humpback whales between July and October. It is also a popular spot for kayaking, with the chance to spot turtles, rays and colourful fish in the surrounding water.
Back in town, the fascinating history of the region can be explored at the Gwoonwardu Mia Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre, which celebrates five Aboriginal language groups of the Gascoyne region. It features an interactive exhibit – Burlganjya Wanggaya: Old People Talking – which tells the story of these language groups through images, films, oral histories and artifacts. The award-winning skydome recreates the story of Janguna, the emu, who lives in the night sky and guides people on when to take food from the land.
On the banks of The Fascine, Carnarvon’s main waterway, you will find grassed barbecue areas, a swimming pontoon, and a children’s playground. As you continue along the path, there’s even a memorial to the HMAS Sydney II, featuring 64 plaques to commemorate the sinking of the ship in 1941.
To learn about Carnarvon’s role in space exploration, check out the Space and Technology Centre, which helped to relay the first steps of man on the moon to televisions across Australia alongside the Parkes Observatory. The museum is now full of interactive displays and experiences, including an Apollo simulation, planetarium movies, NASA memorabilia and more.
Carnarvon is also known as the ‘food bowl’ of Western Australia, and produces around 80 percent of the state’s fruit and vegetables. The annual Gascoyne Food Festival hosts several events in town, including long lunches, talks and more. Visitors can follow the Gascoyne Food Trail, known locally as ‘The Fruit Loop’, to discover local produce stores and working plantations in the region. The 26km drive showcases the best ice creams, preservatives and fresh fruit around.
The weekly Gascoyne Growers Market, which takes place of Saturdays between May and October, is another great place to sample the delicious produce available in the region. Vendors often sell tropical fruits, homemade ice-creams, herbs, honeys, cakes, plants, homemade crafts, and so much more.
About 55 km east of Carnarvon, in the Gascoyne Hinterland, is Rocky Pool. This popular swimming spot is a freshwater pool with a year-round warm climate, perfect for a refreshing dip. Waking around the site, you can spot stunning ghost gum trees, and search the shallow pools for fossils washed in from the Kennedy Ranges. Make sure to bring a picnic, or make use of the barbecues provided. If you’re lucky, the emus may come out to play too.
There are plenty of other rugged landscapes surrounding Carnarvon, too. Gnaraloo Bay is a world-class surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing and fishing spot. The dramatic size of the waves and impressive swell means the water is only suitable for experiences surfers, but well worth it anyway for breathtaking views and relaxing beach strolls.
About 80 kilometres north of Carnarvon is Quobba Station, a working pastoral station combining desert with coast. On site, you will find camp accomodation with Red Bluff. This eco retreat offers diving, stargazing, sunset and surfing experiences for all. While there are only unpowered sites at Red Bluff, visitors also have the option to book beachfront and powered campsites at Quobba Station. When staying on the beach, common sightings include leatherback turtles, humpback whales, manta rays, kangaroos, rock wallabies, echidnas, and more.
To read about more things to see and do in Carnarvon, click here.
