Carnarvon

Lifestyle

They used to say Carnarvon was the best kept secret on the West coast, however judging by the amount of tourists both local and overseas that are visiting, the secret is out.

What attracts them? The whole lifestyle thing I’d say. Our attractive town built around the “Fascine” waterway. The proximity to the coast and the outback and the clear night sky. All of the locally grown tropical fruit and vegetables and locally caught seafood, prawns, scallops and fish. Our sensational climate and pristine beaches and the relaxed atmosphere or just the opportunity to explore the real Australia.

We’d like to think that our Medical Centre had a bit to do with it too.  Apart from caring for our local community, many visitors come back year after year, they love the fact they don’t have to wait days for an appointment or hours in the waiting room to see one of our ethical caring doctors. They can go on holiday without worrying about their health.

Carnarvon Medical Centre Doctors also assist with the hospitals on call Accident and Emergency roster and outlying clinics.

Carnarvon Hospital has approx 62 beds comprising General and Maternity wards. Accident and Emergency department operates 24 hours a day, with acute patients being flown by Royal Flying Doctor Service to Perth. A comprehensive Allied Health team comprising, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Diatitian, Diabetes educator, AOD team, and Aboriginal Liaison works under the Popluation Health banner.  Visiting specialists run regular clinics and theatre sessions, these include Physician, Gynaecology, Paediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology and Orthopaedics.  Regular remote clinics are also held in Denham, Useless Loop and Burringurrah Aboriginal Community on a fly in fly out basis.

The town of Carnarvon is four hours drive from its nearest neighbour but has all the amenities we need for a full lifestyle.

Schools – There are four primary schools, two high schools, a senior high school and a Tafe college.  We also have an active play group and toy library. There are also several child minding centres. This year saw the commencement of the Rural Clinical School for Medical Students.

Housing – The standard of housing in town varies from old fibro, through to 4×2 brick and tile, to the opulent being built on the canals at Northwater, generally the standard of housing is good, with prices and rental reasonable.

Shopping - The Boulevarde shopping centre has a large Woolworths store, a Pharmacy, Newsagent, Rockmans clothing store, café, bakery, liquor store and Chinese takeaway. Other stores located throughout town are , Elders, Papershop, IGA, Avocadeau tree gift shop, Coastal Collective, Sports and camping stores, Surf shop, several cafes and real estate agents, TAB, Mitre 10, Home Hardware.

Banking - Carnarvon has three banks they are ANZ, theCommonwealth and Bankwest. There are also ATM’s in the shopping centre

Civic Centre - The Camel Lane theatre shows all the latest movies and regular live shows. The Woolshed hall is a venue for everything from ”the great book sale” the “Carnarfin” fishing competition wind up dinner, and the superb biannual “Gascoyne Art Competition”.  The courtyard and carpark come alive every Saturday from May to October with the Gascoyne Growers market and the Carnarvon Art and Craft markets. https://www.carnarvon.org.au

Sports Clubs – Our climate encourages sporting activities, clubs include: Football, Lawn Bowls, Tennis, Swimming, Golf, Netball, Sailing & Kayaking, Pony and Horsemans club. PCYC have a gym with regular sessions. Pilates and yoga classes are also available  In addition there are the more social clubs like the Garden club, Book club and the craft and Patchwork group. Windfest that takes place every year in January.

Events – Carnarvon regularly hosts major sporting events including Carnarvons  own “Gascoyne Dash” and the “Carnarfin Fishing Competition (MAY) ”, and the gruelling “Fremantle to Carnarvon Ocean Yacht race”.  Horse Racing every year between May-November. Other events that have been held here are the “State Windrush titles”, “NW Swimming titles”, “Northwest Games” and several Bowling, Golf and Pony Club events.

Special Events- Total Solar Eclipse - Thursday 20th April 2023 https://www.carnarvon.org.au (A MUST SEE)