C is for CARNARVON (The town itself)

Carnarvon is situated on the western coast of Western Australia just south of the Tropic of Capricorn. It lies at the mouth of the Gascoyne River on the Indian Ocean and takes two days to drive the 904 kilometres from Perth on the North West Coastal Highway.  At the 2011 census Carnarvon had a population of 4,559.

The town was founded in 1883, initially as a port and supply centre for the sourrounding region.  The town site was officially gazetted on 4 June, 1891 and named after Henry Herbert, 4th Earl of Carnarvon, Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Original settlers in Carnarvon drove 4,000 sheep from York east of Perth seeking warmer agricultural land.  By 1883, Carnarvon had enough settlers for it to be gazetted as a town.  Some of Australia's largest sheep stations were set up and the jetty (1,493 metres) became the first port in Western Australia, and perhaps the world, to regularly export livestock.

Ships and then camels were used to transport supplies and stock;  Carnarvon's roads are an impressive 40m wide in order to allow the long camel trains to turn and change direction whilst carrying a full load.  Roads of similar width are also features of Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie, for the same reason. Today the wide streets of Carnarvon still remain with beautiful hibiscus,  tall palms and bright bougainvilleas growing along them.

Carnarvon's hinterlands produce superb fresh fruit and vegetables; avocadoes, mangoes, pineapples, paw paws, melons, beans, dates, jojoba, macadamia nuts, tomatoes and pecans.  The constant supply of water from the Gascoyne River helps row these crops, undoubtedly some of the best tasting produce in the world.  Bananas in particular are, and always have been, one of the chief crops:

Although the crops are irrigated from the river, there is often no water to be seen in the Gascoyne River.  This mighty river only runs underground for much of the year!  (Hard to believe there is so much water under all that sand):

There are many sights to be seen in and around Carnarvon - the War Memorial:

The Space Station:

Magnificent palm trees (the colours are amazing):

Also some magnificent sunsets:

There are lots of other sights to see and things to do in and around Carnarvon but I've just given you a glimpse of some of them (courtesy Carnarvon Tourism Guide).  In season the wildflowers are very beautiful as well.

In 2013 the town was menaced by a bushfire burning on the north-eastern side of the town.  The fire burnt out of control with strong winds starting spot fires among the banana plantations.  The blaze was controlled a day later but destroyed 1,400 hectares (3,500 acres) of bushland, including 20 derelict buildings and sheds; the banana plantations only received minor damage (which was fortunate for banana lovers).