Carnarvon

The coastal town of Carnarvon is approximately half way between Broome & Perth. Due to its sunny and tropical climate, it is well known for its 176 plantations of tropical fruits and vegetables. It is also a big fishing town where you can attempt to catch a Mulloway or Tailor from the jetty.

We had a relaxing day checking out the town and our first stop was a history lesson for our kids with the OTC dish (Earth Tracking Station). It was built in conjunction with NASA in 1966 and it participated in the space race in 1969 by tracking the Apollo missions and in particular by helping put man on the moon. Buzz Aldrin is even coming to town soon as a guest speaker.

Australia also received its first satellite television broadcast from the Dish, but it was closed after assisting in tracking Halley’s Comet in 1987. Our Hayley was interested in this bit of information.

Can you make out Matt & Amy climbing to the top?

It was then on to the One Mile Jetty which was built in 1897 and is one of the longest jetties in WA and the southern hemisphere. Carnarvon was the first port in the world which loaded livestock on board ships for transport to markets. We had a train ride on the Coffee Pot train to the end of the jetty and back, following the original tramway line which ceased in 1966. Matt loved the train and wants one in his back yard (yes of course Matt!)

Just as well we didn't walk said the kids

Now that's a long jetty!

The old Railway Museum had some interesting machinery from the past, where the kids just had to climb on. It also has a memorial to the HMAS Sydney II, which was the greatest single maritime loss of lives during the Second World War. All 645 Australian lives were lost as it was destroyed by the German Raider, the HSK Kormoran off the shores of Carnarvon in 1941. One of the German life boats is on display which was involved in rescuing 100 survivors from the German ship. It is the only large tangible asset known to exist relating to the sinking of these 2 ships.

I am sure I can get it to go!

The German life boat from the HSK Kormoran 

Our final historical stop was the Lighthouse Keepers Cottage where we were given a personal tour from a relative of one of the original light house keepers. He was 79 and a grandson to the lighthouse keeper. He had some great stories to tell.

The kitchen last used in the 70's