Have you ever dreamed of visiting a place where you can experience the wonders of space, the beauty of nature, the richness of history, and the freshness of food? If so, then Carnarvon is the perfect destination for you. Carnarvon is a coastal town in Western Australia, located about 900 km north of Perth. It is the gateway to the stunning Coral Coast region, which includes the World Heritage Areas of Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay. Carnarvon has a warm and sunny climate, with an average temperature of 26°C and more than 300 days of sunshine per year.
Carnarvon is also a town with a fascinating history and culture, as it played a vital role in the space exploration and the agricultural industry of Australia. Carnarvon offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests, from museums and heritage sites to farms and markets, from beaches and blowholes to reefs and parks.
In this article, we will show you the top 10 things to do in Carnarvon. So, let's get started!
Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum
One of the top attractions in Carnarvon is the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum, which showcases the town’s history and role in the space exploration. Carnarvon was the home of the Carnarvon Tracking Station, which was one of the largest and most important tracking stations in the world. It was involved in many NASA missions, including the Apollo moon landing, the Skylab, and the Mariner. The museum displays a collection of NASA memorabilia, such as rockets, satellites, space suits, and moon rocks.
You can also experience the thrill of being an astronaut in the Apollo simulation, where you can control the lunar module and land on the moon. You can also watch planetarium movies, space theatre shows, and learn more about the stars and the planets. The museum is located at the site of the former OTC Satellite Earth Station, which was another significant communications facility in Carnarvon. You can see the giant satellite dish, which is still operational and used for research purposes. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, and the admission fee is $15 for adults, $10 for children, and $40 for families. The museum is located at 565 Robinson Street, and you can contact them at (08) 9941 1146 or visit their website at www.carnarvonspace.com.
Carnarvon Heritage Precinct
Another top attraction in Carnarvon is the Carnarvon Heritage Precinct, which showcases the town’s history and culture. The precinct is a complex of historic buildings, such as the old post office, the courthouse, the police station, the gaol, and the customs house. You can visit the museum, which displays artefacts and stories from the past, such as the shipwrecks, the pearling industry, the Afghan cameleers, and the local Aboriginal people.
You can also visit the railway station, which was the terminus of the longest jetty in the north-west of Australia. You can enjoy a coffee and a snack at the cafe, or browse the gift shop for souvenirs. You can also join the guided tours, which are conducted by volunteers and offer a deeper insight into the history and the heritage of Carnarvon. The precinct is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, and the admission fee is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and $25 for families. The precinct is located at 21 Babbage Island Road, and you can contact them at (08) 9941 3423 or visit their website at www.carnarvonheritage.com.au.
Carnarvon One Mile Jetty
Another top attraction in Carnarvon is the Carnarvon One Mile Jetty, which is the longest jetty in the north-west of Australia. The jetty was built in 1897, and was used for transporting goods and passengers between the ships and the town. The jetty is a popular spot for fishing, walking, and enjoying the views of the ocean and the fascine.
You can also ride the historic tram, which runs along the jetty and offers a scenic and nostalgic experience. You can also visit the interpretive centre, which tells the story of the jetty and its significance for Carnarvon. You can also visit the jetty museum, which displays photos and memorabilia from the jetty’s history. The jetty is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, and the admission fee is $5 for adults, $3 for children, and $15 for families. The tram ride is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and $25 for families. The jetty is located at the end of Olivia Terrace, and you can contact them at (08) 9941 1435 or visit their website at www.carnarvonjetty.com.au.
Carnarvon Fascine
Another top attraction in Carnarvon is the Carnarvon Fascine, which is the waterfront area of the town. The fascine is a beautiful and relaxing place, where you can enjoy a picnic, a BBQ, a swim, or a play. The fascine has a grassy park, a sandy beach, a shaded playground, and a swimming enclosure. You can also watch the stunning sunset over the water, or admire the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, which commemorates the tragic loss of the Australian warship and its crew in 1941. The fascine is a free and public area, and is located along Olivia Terrace. You can park your car at the nearby parking lot, or walk or cycle along the path that runs along the fascine.
Carnarvon Blowholes
Another top attraction in Carnarvon is the Carnarvon Blowholes, which are a natural phenomenon and a spectacle to behold. The blowholes are holes in the rocks, where the seawater is forced through by the waves and the air pressure, creating spectacular jets of water that can reach up to 20 metres high. The blowholes are a fun and exciting place, where you can watch the water show, explore the rock pools, fish, snorkel, or camp. You can also visit the nearby Quobba Station, which is a working sheep and cattle station that offers accommodation, food, and tours.
You can also visit the Red Bluff, which is a stunning cliff that overlooks the ocean and offers surfing, fishing, and camping opportunities. The blowholes are located about 75 km north of Carnarvon, and can be accessed by a sealed road. The best time to visit the blowholes is during high tide, when the water jets are more powerful and frequent. You should also be careful and keep a safe distance from the blowholes, as they can be dangerous and unpredictable. You should also respect the environment and the wildlife, and not litter or disturb the natural habitat.
Carnarvon Plantations
Another top attraction in Carnarvon is the Carnarvon Plantations, which are the source of the town’s agricultural industry and food culture. Carnarvon is known as the food bowl of Western Australia, as it produces a variety of fruit and vegetable crops, such as bananas, mangoes, tomatoes, capsicums, asparagus, and more. Carnarvon is also famous for its seafood, such as prawns, crabs, oysters, and fish. You can enjoy the fresh produce and the seafood at the local restaurants, cafes, and pubs, or buy them directly from the farmers and the fishermen. You can also join the Gascoyne Food Festival, which is an annual event that celebrates the local food and cuisine, with cooking demonstrations, tastings, markets, and entertainment.
You can also visit the Gascoyne Growers Markets, which are held every Saturday morning from May to October, where you can find fresh and organic produce, homemade products, and artisan crafts. You can also explore the Fruit Loop Drive Trail, which is a self-guided tour that takes you to the various plantations, orchards, and farms, where you can see how the food is grown, harvested, and processed. You can also follow the Gascoyne Food Trail, which is a map that shows you the best places to eat, drink, and shop for local food and products. The plantations are located along the North West Coastal Highway, and you can access them by car, bike, or bus. You can find more information about the plantations, the food festival, the markets, and the trails at www.gascoynefood.com.au.
Carnarvon Gwoonwardu Mia
Another top attraction in Carnarvon is the Carnarvon Gwoonwardu Mia, which is the Aboriginal heritage and cultural centre of the town. Gwoonwardu Mia means “meeting place of the people” in the local language, and it is a place where you can learn about the history, culture, and art of the Aboriginal people of the Gascoyne region. You can visit the exhibitions, which display the stories, artefacts, and artworks of the five language groups that live in the area: the Thalanyji, the Malgana, the Baiyungu, the Yingkarta, and the Inggarda. You can also admire the art gallery, which showcases the contemporary and traditional art of the local Aboriginal artists.
You can also explore the garden, which features native plants and animals, and learn about their uses and meanings. You can also shop for souvenirs, such as paintings, sculptures, jewellery, and books, at the centre’s shop. The centre is open from Tuesday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm, and the admission fee is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and $25 for families. The centre is located at 1 Camel Lane, and you can contact them at (08) 9941 1989 or visit their website at www.gwoonwardumia.com.au.
Carnarvon Art Gallery
Another top attraction in Carnarvon is the Carnarvon Art Gallery, which is the local art and creativity hub of the town. The gallery is located in the historic Woolshed building, which was built in 1920 and used as a wool storage facility. The gallery displays the local art of Carnarvon and the surrounding areas, such as paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and photography. The gallery also hosts regular exhibitions, workshops, and events, where you can see the latest works, learn new skills, and meet the artists. The gallery is open from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, and the admission is free. The gallery is located at 18 Egan Street, and you can contact them at (08) 9941 4178 or visit their website at www.carnarvonartgallery.com.au.
Carnarvon Lighthouse Keepers Cottage Museum
Another top attraction in Carnarvon is the Carnarvon Lighthouse Keepers Cottage Museum, which is a historic building and a maritime museum of the town. The cottage was built in 1897, and was the home of the lighthouse keepers and their families, who operated the nearby lighthouse. The cottage is now a museum, which displays the maritime history and heritage of Carnarvon and the Coral Coast, such as the shipwrecks, the lighthouses, the navigation, and the life at sea. You can also join the guided tours, which are conducted by volunteers and offer a deeper insight into the history and the stories of the cottage and the lighthouse. The museum is open from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm, and the admission fee is $5 for adults, $3 for children, and $15 for families. The museum is located at 3 Olivia Terrace, and you can contact them at (08) 9941 1146 or visit their website at www.carnarvonlighthouse.com.au.
Carnarvon OTC Dish
Another top attraction in Carnarvon is the Carnarvon OTC Dish, which is a satellite dish and a communications landmark of the town. The dish was built in 1966, and was used for transmitting and receiving signals from satellites, such as the Intelsat and the Aussat. The dish was also involved in the Apollo moon landing, as it relayed the voice and the video of the astronauts to the world. The dish is now a tourist attraction, where you can see the impressive structure, learn about the history of communications, and enjoy the views of the town and the ocean. You can also have a picnic at the site, as there are tables and benches available. The dish is located about 6 km south of Carnarvon, and can be accessed by a sealed road. The dish is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and the admission is free. You can find more information about the dish at www.carnarvondish.com.au.
Carnarvon is a town that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you are interested in space, heritage, nature, or food, you will find something to enjoy and explore in Carnarvon. Carnarvon is also the gateway to the stunning Coral Coast region, which includes the World Heritage Areas of Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay. You can easily access these amazing places from Carnarvon, and experience the wonders of the marine life, the wildlife, and the landscapes.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope you have a wonderful time in Carnarvon. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know.