A Guide to Carnarvon – A Tropical Food Paradise

Carnarvon is a tropical oasis and the food centre of WA, where the area produces 80% of WA’s food.  Visiting Carnarvon gives the opportunity to experience a range or tropical fruits, vegies and seafood as well as seeing some natural & historical beauty.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Walk Trails – the weather is ideal for exploring Carnarvon on foot.  There are 3 dedicated Trails for taking in the various surrounds that Carnarvon has to offer.  The Old Tramway Walk Trail is 2.5km trail taking the path the old tramway used to go which shows off the flora and fauna of the area.  The Mangrove Board Walk is 400m and meanders into the mangroves to the Gascoyne River Mouth.  The Fascine walk is a Carnarvon unique word for the waterfront.  

(Carnarvon Fascine – Photo Credit: My Focused Photography)

Beach – Town beach is a safe beach for swimming.  Swim out to the pontoon and back.  Or sit on the grass and enjoy your lunch and tea.

(Carnarvon Fascine Town Beach – Photo Credit: Regan Turner)

Cacti Farm – Take the bus and then walk the rest of the way to the Cacti Farm in Carnarvon. 

(Catci Farm Carnarvon – Photo Credit: Australia’s Coral Coast)

Jetty Interpretive Centre – Historic moments are captured in time at the centre with photographs from throughout the 20^th century and many museum artefacts that have significance to the area.  The centre also has an exhibition relating to WWI and the battle and sinking off the coast of the submarine HMAS Sydney.  The Centre is not just a museum as it also holds a mini theatre-ette and the 1 Mile Restaurant.

(One Mile Jetty Interpretive Centre – Photo Credit: Australia’s Coral Coast)

Heritage Precinct – This area covers the One Mile Jetty (closed due to damage by cyclone Seroja), the Shearing Hall of Fame, Railway Station Museum and Lighthouse Keeper Cottage.  There are also Camel Wagons, Water Tower Lookout, The Scale Adjuster’s Van, The Kimberley Tender and The Little Dirk.

(Carnarvon Heritage Centre – Photo Credit: TripAdvisor)

Carnarvon Space & Technology Museum – The museum’s focus is on the history of the Carnarvon Tracking Station and the OTC Satellite Earth Station.  See how Carnarvon played a role in the manned space program.

(The OTC Satellite Dish – Photo Credit: Australia’s Coral Coast)

Street Art – Art in Carnarvon shows the area’s Aboriginal Heritage.  This can be seen by viewing the street art in the main street, by joining one of the guided tours, visit the Jubilee Hall or the Carnarvon Library & Art Gallery.

Carnarvon Street Art  (Credit: Jason Smith)

Gascoyne Food Festival –The yearly Festival run by the Gascoyne Food Council has a program of delicious events featuring top chefs ranging from BBQ’s, Long Table Lunches, Gourmet Meals and Beer Tasting.   Check the program and choose the events that suit you and travel up for the appropriate times.   The Festival runs during August and September each year.

(Gascoyne Food Festival – Photo Credit: Australia’s Coral Coast)

WHERE TO STAY

Carnarvon has backpacker hostels, camping at caravan parks, hotels and motels. 

HOW TO GET AROUND IN CARNARVON

Passengers can travel around in Carnarvon using the TransCarnarvon Bus Service.  The service can take you to places like One Mile Jetty, The Heritage Centre etc.

Bookings can also be made with Carnarvon Taxi’s for travel that falls outside of the bus timetable.

HOW TO GET THERE AND BACK

Express tickets can be purchased for those that wish to do point to point travel ie: direct from one destination to another and Hop on Hop off passes as ideal for travellers who wish to stop here as one of many destinations or for workers who wish to bus in and bus out between home and their workplace.

Carnarvon to Perth and Carnarvon to Geraldton

Integrity Coach Lines have a bus that travels from Carnarvon to Geraldton to Perth 3 times a week.

Carnarvon to Karratha, Hedland and Broome

Integrity Coach Lines have a bus that travels from Carnarvon to Karratha and Hedland three times a week and Carnarvon to Broome twice a week.

Perth to Carnarvon

Integrity Coach Lines have a bus that travels from Perth and Geraldton to Carnarvon 3 times a week

Broome, Karratha and Hedland to Carnarvon

Integrity Coach Lines have a bus that travels from Broome to Carnarvon twice a week and from Hedland and Karratha 3 times a week to Carnarvon.

Pick Up and Set Down point in Carnarvon

Carnarvon Visitor Centre

WHAT TO EXPECT ON AN INTEGRITY COACH LINES JOURNEY

1) Short comfort stops approx. every three hours.  This allows you to stretch your legs, use facilities at the roadhouses (there is also a toilet on the coach) and purchase food and drinks if you wish.  You may also wish to bring dry snacks or meals that do not have distinctive odours such as eggs and tuna onto the coach. And, of course, your water bottle is most welcome. 

2) Capture glimpses of various towns along the way if you are using an Express ticket (point to point ticket).   If you are using a Hop on Hop off pass then you may wish to stop and enjoy other towns for a couple of days rather than just pass through.  The choice is yours!

3) Friendly, Personal and Knowledgeable Drivers.   Drivers are knowledgeable on all locations and can provide tips and hints as needed.  Two professional drivers per trip ensures they are well rested to get you to your destination safely.   Best of all, they are a friendly crew that are very approachable.  

So, why not catch a bus from Perth to Carnarvon, Geraldton to Carnarvon, Karratha, Hedland or Broome to Carnarvon.  Carnarvon is appealing for those who have an appetite for tropical fruit and vegies and seafood.  Call Integrity Coach Lines now on 08 9274 7464.