Carnarvon WA 6701(Pop 7 500)
Pic by by Nachoman-au
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. Carnavon gained national attention when NASA operated a tracking station nearby between 1964-74. Today fruit & 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 1st Sat each month (May-Dec). Fremantle-Carnarvon Yacht Race (May even numbered years), Carnarfin (June), Carnavon Festival & Rodeo (Aug), Gascoyne Showcase Gala Concert (Aug).
Nearby:
Babbage Island (3 km west);
Carnarvon Space Tracking Station (8 km east);
Bibbawarra Artesian Bore (16 km north);
Rocky Pool (55 km east);
Blowholes (73 km north) number 20-30 have a large warning sign “King Waves Kill” as over 30 people have died here.
Accommodation:
Carnarvon has half a dozen hotel/motels, a resort, 3 B&Bs, holiday apartments/cottages, a backpackers & 7 caravan parks.
Visitor Information Centre:
Civic Centre, Robinson St. Tel (08) 9941 1146.