Whether flying with Rex Airlines or road tripping along the Coral Coast, no trip is complete without spending a few days (at least!) in Carnarvon.
The coastal town is really unlike any regional town. Home of juicy fruits galore, towering cactus gardens, historical space exhibits, rare burrowing bees, relaxing waterside restaurants and hidden pools, Carnarvon offers a hodgepodge of unique attractions unlike anywhere else.
Have a taste of what Carnarvon is all about with this two-day itinerary that will get you started on the right foot.
Day 1
Morning
Kick start your day by grabbing a coffee or bite at one of Carnarvon's centrally-located cafes along the main strip, Robinson Street. Trust us, you will need that extra energy for your upcoming urban walkabout! Head to either Gascoyne Bakery Café, a carb-lovers delight; Old Post Office Cafe, a heritage hangout; or Fascine Coffee Lounge, a local favourite.
After your pitstop, it's now time to stretch those legs and explore Carnarvon's changing scenery by heading along the Old Tramway Walk Trail, an easy yet intriguing 3km one-way trek along flat turf. Starting from the heritage-listed Tramway Bridge in the town centre, the trail crisscrosses islands, following railway tracks of yesteryear, passing mangroves, rare flora and fauna and retired machinery to arrive at One Mile Jetty.
The impressive 1897-built jetty stretches nearly 1.5km out into the Indian Ocean and forms part of the Heritage Precinct. Although the bridge is currently closed due to structural and cyclone damage, you can still admire it from afar or discover more of the region's history at its on-site One Mile Jetty Interpretive Centre.
The state-of-the-art centre touches on Carnarvon's rich past, Indigenous culture and Carnarvon's connection to the WW2 German HSK Kormoran shipwreck. Highlights include the Kormoran lifeboat recovered from the ocean floor in unbelievably pristine condition.
Head next door to the Railway Museum, a time warp with its old machinery and the jetty's 1950's tram.
Afternoon
After satisfying your curiosity, it's now time to satisfy your hunger. Enjoy lunch with a view of the jetty at the centre's Sunsets Café before heading back into town.
Next up is one delicious destination, driving along Carnarvon's zestiest roads.
Along North and South River Roads is The Fruit Loop Drive Trail: a horticultural haven where you will find lush banana plantations, fresh produce, and local vendors such as Bumbaks selling homemade preserves and ice creams. Yum!
Make sure not to miss the many peculiar sights along your tasty travels, including having a photo with a larger-than-life Humpty Dumpty along the North River Road. And of course, no trip along the trail is complete without an Insta-worthy moment at the famous Cactus Garden on South River Road. Its Californian desert meets Carnarvon oasis with the towering cacti garden a novel sight. Don't forget to check out the whale bones nearby, adding to the surrealness of it all.
Evening
Reward yourself with an epic sundowner by heading to the Fascine. The dotted palm-tree foreshore is not only a beautiful place to watch the sunset but also boasts lively bars, including Carnarvon Hotel and The Good Paddock Restaurant & Bar at the Gascoyne Hotel, which both offer delicious pub grub.
Day 2
Morning
Grab a small bite at the Gwoonwardu Mia - Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre's café before heading into the museum to discover the region's Aboriginal heritage.
The award-winning exhibition reflects the culture and stories of the five Aboriginal language groups of the Gascoyne region; Yinggarda, Bayungu, Malgana, Thadgari and Thalanyji. The centre also features touring exhibitions, an artist-in-residence and displays of Carnarvon's unofficial mascot that sets the town abuzz, the burrowing bees.
Afternoon
The learning continues after lunch with a visit to Space.
The Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum celebrates Carnarvon's role in NASA's space programs and in the Australian satellite communications industry.
Expect to spend a few hours touring Space as there are five exhibits in the interactive centre, suited to both young and old to geek out over old consoles, NASA memorabilia, full-size Gemini and Apollo capsules, a Planetarium and even an Apollo Experience.
Head outside to get up close and personal to Carnarvon's unusual skyscrapers: OTC Satellite Earth Station, which you can enjoy a walk under its large satellite dish and Casshorn antenna, dubbed 'sugar scoop'.
Evening
Treat yourself to one of Carnarvon's finest eateries, Sails Restaurant. The licenced a-la-carte restaurant is located within the Hospitality Carnarvon and offers a seasonal menu to make the most of its local produce. Or catch the sunset and grab a coastal bite at Mare E Sol Cafe Bistro along the harbour. Carnarvon's newest foodies destination not only features Australian classics such as gourmet fish and chips or numerous parmigiana mains but is also influenced by the flavours of Portugal. Yum!
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