Carnarvon
Located on the Gascoyne River delta and 904km north of Perth, Carnarvon – with a population of around 5000 – is the regional centre for the Gascoyne region. Carnarvon is well-located between two World Heritage areas – Shark Bay to the south and Ningaloo Reef which begins just north of Carnarvon.
The plantations and farms on both sides of Gascoyne River near Carnarvon supply the majority of Perth’s fruit and vegetables during the winter months. Carnarvon also has a thriving fishing industry.
If you are travelling north from Perth via Carnarvon to the Coral Coast by the Indian Ocean to destinations such as Quobba Blowholes, Quobba Station, Gnaraloo Station, Warroora Station, or Coral Bay, Carnarvon is the town to stock up your food and supplies.
The Carnarvon Fascine
The Carnarvon Fascine refers to Carnarvon’s central waterway linking the Carnarvon community to the Indian Ocean coast. The name “Fascine” comes from a flood protection method using a pile of sticks to hold back floodwater.
The Fascine by the Carnarvon town centre was redeveloped in 2015. Carnarvon waterfront area now has sealed waterfront walk paths lined by palm trees, numerous seats with good views out to the water, a very popular playground, BBQ facilities, and public toilet facilities. All these have turned the Carnarvon waterfront area into a popular spot for family picnic outings.
The Walk
The best time to walk in the Carnarvon Fascine waterfront area is in the evening and you will be rewarded with perfect sunset views. Walk on the Carnarvon Footbridge connecting the town centre and Whitlock Island and admire the views of the Fascine and the palm-tree-lined Carnarvon town centre and waterfront. Walk on the walking path by the water that leads to Baxter Park.
If you are a visitor in Carnarvon from May to October, try to visit the Gascoyne Growers’ Markets held on every Saturday morning at the town centre right outside the Carnarvon Visitor Centre. The markets offer local tropical fruits, homemade ice-creams, cooked food, and a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, honey, cakes, jams, relishes, plants, and homemade crafts. Start or end your walk with a coffee or breakfast at the markets.
The one-way distance between Carnarvon Footbridge and Baxter Park is approximately 1.2 km.
Feeling more energetic? Then continue on Harbour Road, walk past Carnarvon Yacht Club and Carnarvon Boat Ramp to Carnarvon Boat Harbour which is about 1 km from Baxter Park, where you can admire the fishing vessels and have an appreciation of how important fishing industry is to Carnarvon.
Want to discover more great walking locations around Perth? Check out the “By the Waters” blogs.
The Carnarvon Fascine refers to Carnarvon’s central waterway linking the Carnarvon community to the Indian Ocean coast. The name “Fascine” comes from a flood protection method using a pile of sticks to hold back floodwater.