Carnarvon played a major role in the Space Race in the 1960s and evidence is plain to see at the town’s fascinating Space and Technology Museum. In 1966 the Casshorn antenna – locally known as the Sugar Scoop – propelled Carnarvon onto the world stage when it was used for the first television broadcast from Australia to the BBC in London. On 21st July 1969, the Casshorn antenna relayed Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon from NASA’s Honey Suckle Creek Tracking Station to Perth’s TV audience – the first live telecast into Western Australia. At the museum, built on this lofty spot outside of town, space fans will find a treasure trove of space paraphernalia.
Gwoonwardu Mia is a must-visit if you’re interested in finding out about the local Indigenous culture during your time in the region. The Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre is an award-winning multi-purpose centre which offers an exceptional insight into the extraordinarily rich culture which has rippled through this part of Western Australia for all time. The centre features an interpretive centre, a multi-award winning permanent interactive exhibition that unites and reflects the culture and stories of the five Aboriginal language groups of the region. As you walk through, you’ll explore many themes ranging from stories of the land to the ancient and continuing culture of the region. Learn more about the incredible giant, burrowing bees and marvel at the range of artefacts and objects on display.
Carnarvon’s history as a pastoral hub is reflected in this fascinating step back in time. The Heritage Precinct tells a visual story of how the town evolved to become an important part of WA’s food and wool supply chain. As Carnarvon’s pastoral Industry developed, the One Mile Jetty was built in 1897 for export of livestock and wool to Fremantle and was in use until 1984. The Jetty was destroyed in 2021 by Cyclone Seroja, with only 400m of the Jetty remaining in a damaged state. The Heritage Precinct is home to the One Mile Jetty Railway Museum, The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, and The Shearing Hall of Fame.
Full day
17km
Coastal
