Four Days in Carnarvon

Posted on by Miriam

There’s something about the West coast of Australia that draws you in like a magnet. A warmness that invites you to stay longer. It’s the same in Carnarvon. We’re practically on the most western side of Australia, thousands of kilometres from Victoria, yet I feel so at home here.

With a population of just over 5000 it’s not a huge town, yet it’s got everything you need. We’ve met a heap of like minded people, I joined a local group at the market, we got to know the supermarkets and the mechanics and had our car problems sorted. I had a much needed hair cut and colour, (oh boy, did that feel good) and we met up with our new friends from Yardie. It felt more like a haven than a holiday.

Still, there’s plenty here for the traveller who wants to explore. Here’s a run down of our four days and five ways we spent our time in Carnarvon.

The Blow Holes at Quobba

The blowholes blew my mind. A stunning natural phenomenon with a campground nearby so you can stay the night. There’s even a coffee van and donuts onsite. We stayed a night at the Blowholes Campground before arriving in Carnarvon, an easy day trip from the town. It was a great overnighter and, in our typical adventurous manner, we almost got the Dmax bogged on the soft sand when we took a detour coming back from the lighthouse!

But it’s the blowholes that are the star attraction here, powerful ocean swells that force water through sea caves and up out of narrow holes in the rocks, where jets of water erupt in the air. At sunset Mother Nature ramps it up a notch. It’s truly a spectacular sight and sound show that never ends. The trick is to not stand too close to the front!

Space Station Museum

Speaking of shows, how about getting lost in space? Here at the Space Museum you can propel yourself into outer space and learn all about Carnarvon’s role in NASA’s Apollo Moon landings and early space programs.

It’s a great place to easily spend a couple of hours and we felt like big kids again as we went into simulators, and launched to the moon, played on space invader machines and learnt about the space era and all things space related.

One Mile Jetty

The One Mile Jetty Historic Precinct was just down the road from where we stayed at Pelican Point (and that’s a hidden gem in itself). The one mile long jetty can’t be accessed these days as recent cyclones have destroyed parts of it. But at the precinct you can read all about former bustling days at the port and explore all the old machinery. It’s a fascinating place.

Drive the Fruit Loop Trail

Foodies will love this one! The fertile area around Carnarvon is known as the “Food Bowl of WA” and the trail is a delicious way to spend half a day or longer, stocking up on local fresh produce at barn doors and roadside stalls. We picked up a bounty of fresh produce including preserves and jams, the sweetest bananas, fresh tomatoes, asparagus, gorgeous salad leaves, eggplant, chocolate coated strawberry ice creams and mango smoothies from Bumbaks! We also checked out a quirky cactus farm.

Did you know that Carnarvon was the first place in Australia where bananas were grown? These days the area is recognised as the place where the tastiest and sweetest bananas are grown.

What made the day even more enjoyable was sharing it with our new friends Sue and Steve, who we met at Yardie Homestead and who were also in town.

Our secret camping spot

Okay, I know, it won’t be a secret if I write about it, but it’s too good not to share. Out at Pelican Point, between the canal and the sea, lies a gem of a place. It’s not advertised but we were told about it by the Visitors Centre. The Beach Retreat has room for just three vans and we were the only ones there.

There’s power and water, views over the canal and on the other side of the road is the ocean. There’s oysters to shuck from the canal right in front of us, an alfresco lounge area to relax in with new friends (who kindly gave us fresh fish off their boat). It’s quirky, rustic, like a tiny secluded fishing oasis and we loved it.

The most beautiful things in life aren’t things. They’re the people we meet, the places we go, the memories we make and the pictures we take. They’re all about connections, feelings, moments, and sharing laughs and good food.

There’s so much more to Carnarvon, I feel as though I’ve barely skinned the surface but what we saw and tasted we loved.

Maybe home is simply where the heart is. I’m finding that wherever we lay our hat, park our van and connect with like minded people it feels “right”. In those moments I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. It’s that inner compass that keeps us on track and makes me believe that nothing is random and everything happens for a reason.

As our journey continues and decisions are made on future plans I’ll be guided by, not just what’s in front of us, but by my heart. May you also feel the same guidance, inner strength and freedom, wherever in life your journey takes you.

Sending you lots of love and light

Life can be prickly but it’s also so beautiful

53 thoughts on “Four Days in Carnarvon”

  1. Oh, Miriam. Those photos…gahhh, it’s impossible they’re real! Wow. At every stop, you are met with outrageous beauty, and I can’t express enough how excited I am for you and your husband. You must be in a perpetual state of blow-away. So awesome! I know my country is beautiful, and I do believe I live in the most stunning place in Canada, but Australia is on a whole other level. It’s like a made up place. I can’t wait to one day see it for myself. Hopefully I don’t run into any pancake-sized spiders while I am there! 😳😂 big hug and lots of love, my friend. ❤️

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    1. Oh, you make me smile Tanya, especially with those “pancake spiders” they’re not that common you know, lol.
      But I do hope that you’ll make it out here one day, I’d love to show you around! By the way, your beautiful Canada has long been on my bucket list of places to visit too so, who knows … I guess in the meantime we’ll have to keep virtually touring. Thank you for your lovely words and yes, you’re right, I’ve lost track of the amount of times on this trip I’ve said “wow”. Love it! Sending big hugs and lots of love back my gorgeous friend. xx ❤️😊

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  4. Beautiful photos. It looks like great fun. Blow holes do blow you mind. We have telescope here called the Very Large Array (VLY) that is a bunch of radio telescopes that look similar to the dish in you photo. They can be spread out or bunched together depending on whether they need wide and or telephoto radio telescopy. Those cacti look a little like the Saguaros in Arizona.

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  5. What an epic adventure you and your husband are having! I agree that what really makes it’s special is meeting and sharing with people along the journey. Your posts are reminding me of the wonderful times I had traveling to the US National Parks in my camper van. Hopefully, I can have another grand adventure like yours.

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    1. I really hope so Brad. Put it out there, see yourself doing it again and who knows what the Universe will deliver. We’re having such a fabulous time, I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to do it! 💜🙏

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  8. It’s wonderful to travel with you, Miriam. The blow-holes look like the geyser in Yellowstone here. Lovely sights and food alone your way. I think the west coast of Australia is less traveled and visited compared to the east coast. I’m glad you get to do this to travel this route. Enjoy all the food along the way.

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    1. You’re right, WA is definitely quieter and less travelled than the other states, or maybe it’s just that it’s so big that the crowds disperse. We’re loving it here. Thanks for coming along with me Miriam. xx

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  10. We’ve got really fond memories of Carnarvon too, also because they fixed our car problems too! They obviously have good people there. We loved the NASA museum too, so fascinating. Loving being able to re-live our time in WA and looking forward to returning one day.

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    1. They do have good people here but they’re busy ones too! All the mechanics were booked out and no one could look at our car. In the end we got the equivalent of the RACV out and he fixed it! Glad my posts are bringing back happy memories Glenys, it’s such an amazing state. 😊

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  12. I’m going to have to check out that camping spot. It looks amazing. We’ve stayed in Carnarvon several times, but never know this existed. It’s probably to late now to suggest you journey up from Quobba to Red Bluff, and Gnaraloo. The roads rough, but it’s worth the trip.

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    1. We’ve been on so many rough roads, it wouldn’t have fazed us. But yes, I knew about both locations, so many great options, just can’t do them all. 😀

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  15. I would love to see those blow holes! And the fruit loop trail sounds wonderful too. I’m so glad you’re sharing your trip with us…I love seeing the photos, hearing the stories, and most of all, seeing how you are find so many positives in these crazy times. You’re a great example for us all!

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    1. Thanks Ann. To be honest my blogging has turned into somewhat of a travel journal, so that I can remember where I’ve been and what we’ve been doing. Otherwise I think all the experiences would blur into one! I’m so glad that you’re enjoying it. Very happy to share. Stay well. xx

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  18. You’ve created a perfect world of travel, roaming around Australia in a caravan… You are an inspiration for all us readers who hope to do the same one day to see, experience and be thankful of the wonderful world around. The blow hole photo is great, but also enjoyed you both drinking your well deserved smoothie! Safe travels ~

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    1. What a lovely comment! Thank you so much for your kind words. I wish you all the best and hope you’ll get to enjoy your own travels and adventures one day. 😊

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  19. That is amazing you are in Carnarvon on the west coast of Australia, Miriam. How wonderful and sounds like an adventure for you already. The blow holes look stunning, indeed a stunning natural phenomenon and you can camp nearby. You really did look happy in the space station. Never too old to feel like a kid again. Thanks for sharing the fat that Carnarvon is the first place in Australia where bananas were grown. Bananas taste so good. Take care and enjoy your time out there.

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    1. Thanks for dropping by Mabel. Yes, we’re certainly having an a amazing adventure and I feel very grateful for every day. You’re right too, we’re never too old to feel like a kid again! Take care and hope you’re keeping well in these crazy times down south. xx

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  20. Miriam, what a heart centered truly beautiful post. We all have choices to make and you and your hubby are fine examples of how despite all, you can find beauty and adventure. The picture of you and hubby brought a huge smile to my face. I am so so happy for you that you have the ability to go and about and to be truthful there is a place in my heart that gets tugged yearning for the very same. Seeing where God has put me for the time being, I find the joy and magic right where I am. Thank you so much for shining your light and showing the world it is possible to remain free with a very happy heart. Much love to you and hubby!! xoxo

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    1. Your words touch my heart dear Amy. Thank you so much! And yes, it’s true, we’re finding beauty, joy and adventure everywhere these days. No doubt you’re exactly where you’re meant to be too , shining your own light in these troubled times and showing that freedom starts in our heart. I hope the day comes (and it will) when you can venture further and experience more of this worlds amazing beauty. In the meantime I’m sending you lots of love and warm hugs 💜❤️

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      1. You are welcome, dear friend. The day will come when my traveling itch will be scratched but until then, I care for those whose very lives depend on me. And in the windows of time I do have now, I find magic. Sending you in return lots of love and hugs too!! xo

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  21. I’ve been chilling, doing very minimal… and love reading about your travels! So today we’re in WA! Beautiful photos, environment, people, food and you mentioned we have to move on… I would find an excuse to stay every where longer especially when you feel so at home!
    Sending you love and keep enjoying it all❤️
    Consciously creating your reality💃🏼🕺🥂

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    1. Hi Barbara, funny you should mention about finding an excuse to stay longer because I think we have. We’re currently in a big town not far from Carnarvon and it looks like we’ve found our excuse and base for awhile. Hubby will be looking for work and I’ll also be aiming to write more and earn more money so we can stay out here longer. Yes, we’re consciously creating our reality. 🙏
      Enjoy all that chilling my friend. Stay happy and at peace. Sending you lots of love. ❤️ xx

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  22. Just love following your trip all around Australia, Miriam! I think about your free spirit and how you are just so willing to go and explore. Not everyone can do that…some can only do it for a little while. Your country is so beautiful and there are so many things to see! Very close to where I live there is a park on the ocean called “Blowing Rocks,” and if you go at the correct tide you can see the giant spouts of water that blow up out of the rock formations. It truly is a beautiful sight!
    Thanks for sharing all that you find…and thanks for being such a kind hearted soul. Hope the week ahead is filled with wonder and beauty…as I am sure you will find all those things ❤

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    1. Thanks so much Lorrie, for visiting, for immersing yourself in my world and your very kind words and well wishes. I do feel very grateful to be where I am (even though at the bottom my other half is strangely unwell, I’m trusting he’ll come good). Wishing you a beautiful week ahead too. ❤️ xx

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