Carnarvon Western Australia

Thriving Banana Plantations

Carnarvon is 560 miles north of Perth and on the mouth of the Gascoyne River where it enters the Indian Ocean. Carnarvon is a centre for much of Western Australia's banana and other fruit production (several banana plantations offer insightful tours). Other industries include scallop and prawn cultivation and there is salt mining at Lake Macleod, to the north of Carnarvon.

See Carnarvon Region Map.

The Fascine

Although Carnarvon's position at the junction of a large river and the Ocean is idyllic, it did result in several devastating floods in the early 1900's. To protect the town, a sea wall was constructed on the foreshore which is locally known as the 'Fascine'. As well as protect Carnarvon, the Fascine also provides an ideal location for fishing.

Space Tracking Station

Carnarvon is the location of a former satellite dish which served as a tracking station between 1966 and 1987. Although the station is now mothballed it still represents a unique landmark which played a significant part in space exploration efforts.

Fishing

The area is also renown for its varied fishing but visitors should be aware of large freak waves (King Waves) which can sweep the unsuspecting out to sea. Nearby, there is a hot spring and several blowholes which are coastal rock formations which sometimes vent seawater as waves crash into the semi submerged caves beneath.

There are several wrecked ships offshore, some of which can be still seen from the mainland. The town has a good selection of accommodation

Perth Accommodation

Perth is a popular international tourist destination and its west coast location often makes it the first or last port of call in Australia. There is no shortage of hotels and tourist accommodation. For a full list please visit our Perth accommodation page.