Carnarvon WA 6701 (Pop 7 500)

Carnarvon is an important Coral Coast town on the Gasgoyne River located 903 km north of Perth. The town, named after Lord Carnarvon and gazetted in 1883 began life as a port and supply depot. Carnarvon gained national attention when NASA operated a tracking station nearby between 1964-74. Today fruit and nut plantations sustain Carnarvon’s economy with the water drawn from the Gascoyne River’s water table (aquifer) below the river sands as it is the only place on Australia’s coastline where the desert reaches into the sea. The town is surrounded by fruit plantations and spectacular coastal scenery. Markets 1^st Sat each month (May-Dec). Fremantle-Carnarvon Yacht Race (May even numbered years), Carnarfin (June), Carnavon Festival & Rodeo (Aug), Gascoyne Showcase Gala Concert (Aug).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Robinson St is Carnarvon’s main street which was made 40 m wide to allow the early camel teams transporting wool to turn around. Pioneer Park, Olivia Tce pretty picnic spot.

Nearby: 
Babbage Island (3 km west) joined by a causeway and home of the One Mile Jetty (1897) (1 493 m) and excellent Lighthouse Cottage Museum open (2pm-4pm) daily. Carnarvon Space Tracking Station (8 km east) contains a museum in the pedestal of the Big Dish (29 m reflector) with fascinating memorabilia relating to the moon landing era. Bibbawarra Artesian Bore (16 km north) hot water at 65 deg C, nearby picnic area and Bibbawarra Trough (180 m) believed to be the Southern Hemisphere’s longest. Miaboolya Beach (22 km north) great fishing, crabbing and swimming. Rocky Pool (55 km east) stunning deep billabong for swimming and picnic area. Blowholes (73 km north) number 20-30 have a large warning sign “King Waves Kill” as over 30 people have died here. Red Bluff (143 km north) famous surfing beach with huge seasonal waves. Cape Curvier (103 km north) where the ‘Korean Star’ sank in 1988 cyclone.

Accommodation:
Carnarvon has half a dozen hotel/motels, a resort, 3 B&Bs, holiday apartments/cottages, a backpackers and 7 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Civic Centre, Robinson St. Tel (08) 9941 1146.

Airport:
Carnarvon Airport (CVQ), James St. Tel (08) 9941 1394.

Hospital:
Carnarvon Hospital, Cleaver St. Tel (08) 9941 0555.