Sites & Attractions
Blowholes
Discovered in 1911, the Blowholes are located 73km from Carnarvon. The turnoff is 24kms north via the North West Coastal Highway and then its 49kms to the coast on all bitumen road. A powerful jet of water is forced with enormous pressure through holes in the rock, sometimes to a height of 20m. One kilometre south of the Blows lies a pristine beach protected by a coral reef. A small pool adjacent to the island known by locals as the "nursery" contains tropical fish and shells.
Please note that fishing is prohibited within the Blowholes Reserve Area.
No fresh water is available at the "blows" so ensure that you have plenty before you leave Carnarvon. Danger: although this is a beautiful spot, parts of the area can also be dangerous so keep a wary eye on the tides and beware of KING WAVES! Camping is permitted at a nominal fee.
One Mile Jetty
The historical one mile jetty was built in 1897. You can either walk the 1.6km or take the "Coffee Pot" train out to the end where you can view mangrove and marine life, beautiful sunsets or throw in a line and try your luck. The One Mile Jetty is renowned for Mulloway, Tailor, Brim all year. Blue manor crabs can be caught between March and July and mud crabs all year.
For enquiries ring the jetty kiosk on (08) 9941 3423 or the Carnarvon Tourist Bureau on (08) 9941 1146.
Heritage Precinct
The precinct is located at the original port of Carnarvon and first developed in 1897 with the installation of a lighthouse and jetty. At the precinct you can enjoy the jetty walk, ocean tramway, Kimberley Steam Train, walktrails, fishing, railway station and rolling stock and the Lighthouse Cottage Museum.
For enquiries on fees and opening times and other information contact the Jetty Kiosk on (08) 9941 3423 or the Carnarvon Visitors Centre on (08) 9941 1146.
The Overseas Telecommunications Dish
The Overseas Telecommunications Base is situated on Brown's Range and ceased to operate as an earth satellite base on 31st March 1987. Carnarvon was the site of Australia’s first earth station for satellite communications and during the "Gemini" and "Apollo" space missions, it was the station that transmitted the first live TV from Australia to the outside world (to London) on 25 Nov 1966 and the station that relayed the first live TV into WA on 21 July 1969.
This second event was Neil Armstrong's first steps on the Moon received in Canberra and transmitted via a Pacific communications satellite to the Carnarvon station and along a new coaxial cable to Perth TV stations and into the homes of West Australians.
For enquiries and other information contact the Carnarvon Visitors Centre on (08) 9941 1146.
Prawning Factory
Norwest Seafoods is privately owned and restricted to organised tours with the Carnarvon Visitors Centre. The tours are seasonal, usually April to mid October. Both prawns and scallops are processed here and are available for sale during the season. Dampier Salt & Lake MacLeod
Dampier Salt is located 65km north of Carnarvon. The lake occupies 2072 square kilometres separated from the Indian Ocean by coastal dunes and outcrops of rock. Both gypsite and salt are mined.
Tours can be arranged by contacting the Carnarvon Visitors Centre on (08) 9941 1146.
Plantation Tours
The Carnarvon Plantation area includes approximately 1020ha of cropped horticultural land. Plantations line the banks of the Gascoyne River and total 161 with an average size of 10.7ha. There is a diverse range of tropical fruits and vegetables grown on the plantations which you can purchase from the stalls or sheds.
Please contact the Carnarvon Visitors Centre for more information.
Coral Bay
Coral Bay is less than 3hours drive north of Carnarvon on the North West Coastal Highway. The Bay offers a myriad of water based activities such as scuba diving, coral viewing (glass bottom boat) and feeding of the fish. All levels of accommodation are available.
For enquiries and other information contact the Carnarvon Visitors Centre on (08) 9941 1146 or visit the website www.gta.asn.au.
The Northern Coastline
For information on these sites and more contact the Carnarvon Visitors Centre on (08) 9941 1146:
- HMAS Sydney Memorial Avenue
- Rocky Pool
- Gascoyne River
- Pelican Point
- Miaboolya Beach
Outback Sites and Travelling
If you are travelling by vehicle in the outback, you are reminded that the vast area has limited facilities so therefore you should always plan ahead by taking enough water, have a good road map, notifying someone of where you are going, checking on road conditions and making sure that your vehicle is in good running order. Always get permission from the Station owners prior to venturing onto their property.
There is also an abundance of wildlife which traverse our highways and roads so always be on the lookout for kangaroos, emus, sheep, goats and cattle. Never go off the beaten track unless you have permission from Station owners and always make sure that you leave gates the way you found them. Try to avoid lighting fires where possible and always take your rubbish with you. Should you have any pets,please keep them on a leash.
Road condition reports can be obtained from:
- Main Roads WA (08) 9941 0711
- Shire of Carnarvon (08) 9941 0040
- Shire of Upper Gascoyne (08) 9943 0509
Mount Augustus
450kms east of Carnarvon lies Mt Augustus, named on 31st August 1858 by F T Gregory and brother Augustus who were then leading an expedition in search of the remains of Dr Leichardt. Mt Augustus is 1,150m above sea level and 858m above the surrounding plain. The main difference between Ayers Rock and Mt Augustus is that the former is a monolith and the later is a monocline. Mt Augustus is twice the size of Ayers Rock but is clad in low scrub. The granite rock which lies beneath the surface is between 1650 to 1750 million years old.
Mt Augustus is located 37km from Cobra Station. Accommodation is only 5km from the base of the Rock at the Mt Augustus Outback Tourist Resort ()8)99430565. Road conditions vary from season to season and up to date information can be sought at the Main Roads Department at Carnarvon or the Gascoyne Junction Shire Office.
Kennedy Ranges
The Kennedy Ranges is approximately 163km east of Carnarvon and running north from Gascoyne Junction. The ranges are 75km long and up to 30m wide. A tourist road leads to a picnic site by the cliffs where fossils can be found. If you are a gemstone collector Opalite, Mookarite, Chalcedoney, Petrified Wood and fossils can be readily obtained.
Petrol can be obtained from Gascoyne Junction at the southern end of the ranges and at Minilya at the northern end. Remember to take plenty of water and make sure that your vehicle is in good condition.
Station Stays
There are many stations throughout the Gascoyne that cater for the tourists. If you wish to see an outback cattle or sheep station take advantage of the station stays offered. You will see how a station is run while enjoying the comfortable accommodation and wholesome home cooking prepared by your hosts. Some stations offer personalised tours or will provide directions on where to explore some of the most beautiful country in Australia.
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