Carnarvon lies on the Gascoyne River estuary and as a result maritime activities are important to the economy of the town. Due to it's proximity to the tropic of Capricorn, Carnarvon is constantly sunny and many orchards in the area take full advantage of this.

Natural Attractions

Carnarvon has many beautiful beaches for visitors to choose from. Miaboolya Beach, 22 kilometres from the town is particularly noted for its excellent fishing, Bush Bay and New Beach located south of Carnarvon are ideal for sunbathing, surfing and swimming. Nearby Pelican Point is popular with fishermen, swimmers and surfers alike.

Picnic areas such as those at Pioneer Park Chinaman's Pool, Rocky Pool and Rotary Park are located in pleasant surrounds with the added attraction of leafy strolls or refreshing after lunch swims in tranquil pools.

Bibbawarra Bore is north of Carnarvon and was bored in 1905, producing a steady flow of water at a temperature of 65 degrees. Dwyer's Leap provides excellent views of the township and scenic surrounds en route to One Mile Jetty, a popular fishing spot.

160 kilometres to the east of Carnarvon lie the spectacular Kennedy Ranges, remnants of an old erosion surface and renowned for their gemstones, fossils and petrified wood. On the south and east side of the ranges deep canyons and gullies scar the ranges and the small creeks and rivers flowing into the fissures are home to an abundance of native flora and fauna. Beyond the Kennedy Ranges to the east lies the Mt Augustus National Park.

The Blowholes lie 70km north of Carnarvon and are a spectacular sight for visitors as they marvel at the jets of water which can reach heights of up to 20 metres. A few kilometres south of the Blowholes is a small reef which is a haven for a myriad of tropical fish species and shells. Further north is Cape Cuvier a natural deepwater port where ships take on their salt cargo from the nearby Lake Macleod salt evaporators.

Historic Attractions

Just north of the Blowholes stands a memorial to the battle which took place between HMAS Sydney and the German "Kormoran", off the coast of Carnarvon in November 1941. Continuing the maritime theme, the wrecksite of the Korean Star which ran aground off Cape Cuvier in 1988 during Cyclone Herbie.

In the town itself several buildings are worth admiring by the visitor. Jubilee Hall was opened in 1887 and subsequently served as Council Chambers and Shire Offices. Queen Victoria herself donated money towards the cost of construction. Today the Hall has been restored and is home to an Arts and Crafts Centre.

St George's Church of England was built in 1907 and was the site for the ordination of the first Bishop in north west Australia in July 1910. St Mary's Catholic Church proves a favourite subject for artists. Pioneer Park has a number of relics pertaining to Carnarvon's history and development including two huge whale bones.

Other Attractions

Organised tours of the Prawning Factory can be arranged at the local Tourist Bureau. Local plantations also offer tours of their premises, Munro's Banana Plantation allows visitors to observe the daily routine on the banana and mango groves. Westoby Plantation also offer tours and fruit sales.

Scenic flights can be arranged with Paggi Aviation or Tropic Air and are an ideal way to see the countryside. Those wishing to explore on their own can avail of the bike hire service. Several companies run organised tours of the area incorporating natural and historic attractions.

Events

Carnarvon has many festivals and special events held throughout the year so visitors to the town will almost always arrive during festivities. Horse racing is held from May to October, a Tropical Festival is held in May, June sees a Bowling Carnival, a Yachting Regatta is held in March and the Dry River Regatta is held between July and September.

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