Category: Western Australia

Carnarvon is located 904 kilometres north of Perth on the North West Coastal Highway. A coastal town, Carnarvon has a moderate tropical climate and is famous for its banana plantations. The rugged coastline only a short drive north of Carnarvon features outstanding coastal cliffs at Cape Cuvier, plus great fishing, swimming and snorkelling all year round. Pack a hamper and visit classical Australian waterholes – Rocky Pool and Chinaman’s Pool. When day turns into night sit back and gaze into our clear, star-filled skies. First settled in 1876, Carnarvon has had a colourful history, not to mention a traumatic beginning. Several destructive floods occurred early on in the town’s life when the Gascoyne River repeatedly broke its banks. Bulwarks were erected along the perimeter of the foreshore in the early 1900s. The Gascoyne River and surrounding fertile red earth are now crucial to the town’s thriving agricultural industry. Drawing water from the aquifer of the river basin, the many plantations grow a host of delicacies. Bananas, mangoes, papaya, carambola melons, grapes and a wide range of vegetables are readily available. With a vibrant seafood industry, there is no shortage of fresh fish, prawns and scallops to throw on the barbecue. Two landmarks that have had a significant influence on the history of Carnarvon are the Carnarvon Heritage Precinct and the satellite communications dish. Carnarvon has a wide range of accommodation, including hotels, motels, holiday parks, backpacker hostels, camping facilities and caravan parks. For the slightly more adventurous, there are many farming stations offering farm stays in the Carnarvon area.

Cranbrook is about an hour’s drive north of Albany. It also just 10 kilometres from the Stirling Range National Park and makes an excellent base for exploring this picturesque area. Wildlife is plentiful in the national park including; parrots, wedge tail eagles, kangaroos and wallabies. Cranbrook is in a rich agricultural farming area, deriving its main income from sheep, wool and grain. More recently vineyards have been established in the Frankland area. During September and October each year, a display of almost 350 species of wildflowers growing in the district can be viewed, along with paintings and some local crafts. Lakes in the area offer the visitor swimming, water-skiing and picnic areas. Head up to Surkey’s Hill lookout for expansive views of rural farmland, lakes and the Stirling Ranges. Cranbrook offers hotel, farm stay, bed and breakfast and caravan and camping accommodation.

Doodlakine is two hours and forty five minutes’ drive east of Perth in the wheat belt area. There is a local store, primary school and bowling club within the town. The local tavern provides dining facilities.

Two hours’ drive northeast of Meekatharra or two days northeast of Perth, Kumarina is located on the Great Northern Highway and is ideal for stopovers. Kumarina features a wildlife sanctuary, roadhouse, tavern, motel, restaurant and a caravan park. Restaurant meals and fast food are also available.

Port Hedland, a large coastal town, is located approximately 1,660 kilometres from Perth (approximately a 2 hour flight). Port Hedland is renowned for its Indigenous culture and history, long trains, big ships, salt piles and red dust. Often referred to as ‘The Friendliest town in the Pilbara’, the local people make Port Hedland what it is today. Port Hedland has lovely warm weather. Located right on the coast, Port Hedland is a great spot for fishing, whale watching, crabbing and watching turtles nesting. Port Hedland’s Indigenous and early European history is rich and interesting. The town boasts a Western Australian Tourism Award winning Cultural and Heritage Trail that clearly maps out the early times of European settlement, encompassing Indigenous and European interaction during that time. The Visitor Centre runs Iron Ore Tours (Monday to Friday), and Town Tours (Monday, Wednesday & Friday). A notice board at the Visitor’s Centre tells you when ships are due in to port, and they can be viewed from the end of the main street. There is also information about train movements, and Redbank Bridge is an ideal spot to watch the machinery’s incredible horsepower. You can climb the observation tower at the Visitor Centre (conditions apply) and get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. Discover Port Hedland’s rich and interesting history on the Cultural and Heritage Trail, visit Dalgety House Museum, head to the Shipping Observation lookout, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Base. See the Pioneer and Pearling cemetery or catch the breathtaking views from Koombana Lookout. Head off and explore the tidal creeks at Pretty Pool and Six Mile Creek or enjoy the seasonal display of wildflowers. A range of accommodation exists in Port Hedland, including backpackers, caravan parks, budget and more luxurious accommodation. There are many ways to indulge your tastebuds, from pub meals, pizza and bistro meals to fine dining restaurants.

Bindoon is an hour’s drive north of Perth, within the beautiful Chittering shire. The shire also includes Muchea, Lower Chittering and Wannamal. The best seasons for visiting the area are winter and spring. Visitors will see vineyards, orange groves, wineries, farms, beautiful countryside with a river valley and other attractions. The first European settlement of the area occurred in the mid 1840s. William Locke Brockman was the first to take up land in the present shire, and a river running through the area was later named after him – the Brockman River. The ruins of his old house can still be seen at a point just north of the local hotel. ‘Bindoon’, originally the name of a house, means ‘place where yams grow’ in the local Aboriginal dialect. A number of good quality bed and breakfast and farm stay accommodations are available, as are a selection of restaurants.

Taking its name from the Helena River that flows through the town, Helena Valley has a great rural atmosphere. Located just 30 minutes from the centre of Perth, Helena Valley was first settled by the Smith family of Clayton Farm about 1850. The Railway Reserve Heritage Trail, from Perth to York, runs close to the town, providing excellent bushwalks and bird watching. On Scott Street is a small shopping centre where you will find a medical centre, pharmacy, newsagent and delicatessen and petrol station.