Big Dish

The Overseas Telecommunication Dish (OTC), colloquially known as the `Big Dish', is an iconic Carnarvon landmark. Take a drive out to the Carnarvon Space and Technology Centre, where this massive satellite dish is located and marvel at the 29.5 metre diameter of the reflector. The OTC building is not open to the public, however you can visit the site and enjoy the panoramic views of Carnarvon and the surrounding plantations.

The OTC Dish Base is located on Brown's Range. It was the site of Australia's first earth station for satellite tracking and communications, and one of just eight in the world. It was an integral part of the communications network for the Apollo Moon Programme and was used for tracking Halley's Comet.

The dish was of major importance to global communications and was open for 21 years from 1966. It was closed down in 1987.

Carnarvon is a 2 hour flight or 11 hour drive north of Perth, and is the southernmost point of the Ningaloo Reef.

Accessible all year.

Explore Carnarvon's tours and attractions...

Carnarvon

Ideally situated between the Shark Bay and Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Areas, Carnarvon is a simultaneously a hub of adventure and a great place to rest, relax and recharge. Enjoy an abundance of

Quobba and Red Bluff

The spectacular Quobba coast, stretching from Point Quobba to Red Bluff, is renowned for exceptional fishing, walking, snorkelling and rugged scenery. Be amazed by the fascinating sight of water

One Mile Jetty Interpretive Centre

Carnarvon's One Mile Jetty Interpretive Centre and heritage precinct reflect the jetty's iconic history. Housing an exhibition covering the Carnarvon stories about whaling, pastoral farming and

Kennedy Range National Park

Kennedy Range National Park, known as 'Mundatharrda' to the local Inggarda Aboriginal language group, is located approximately 185 kilometres or 3 hours' drive east of Carnarvon. Kennedy Range is a

Banana Plantation, Carnarvon Fruit Loop Drive Trail

Fruit Loop and the Cactus Garden

When visiting Carnarvon, take a drive along the scenic North and South River Roads, known as “The Fruit Loop” drive trail. The Drive will take you past local produce stores and working plantations

Gascoyne Food Festival Carnarvon Western Australia

Eat and drink your way around the Coral Coast

The fresh local produce of Western Australia’s Coral Coast is a taste sensation that’s not to be missed. No matter where or how you choose to dine, be sure to sample some of the region’s great

Carnarvon prawns seafood Fervor Chef Paul 'Yoda' Iskov Gascoyne Food Festival Western AUstralia Events August

Carnarvon Fruit, Vegetables & Seafood

Food doesn’t get any fresher than Carnarvon fresh. Many of the local growers sell seasonal fruit and vegetables direct from their farms (some are only open for the growing season). The Gascoyne River

Rocky Pool

Rocky Pool is a freshwater pool near Carnarvon. This picturesque setting makes for a wonderful day trip. No matter what time of year you visit the pool, you will be able to swim in the inviting waters

Gwoonwardu Mia Carnarvon Aboriginal Centre

Gwoonwardu Mia, Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre

Gwoonwardu Mia, Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre is a multipurpose centre that celebrates the Gascoyne regions' five Aboriginal language groups' culture and country. Located in

Honeycomb Gorge

Honeycomb Gorge is a must-visit location when in Carnarvon. Due east of the town into the Kennedy Range National Park, it's perfect for a four wheel driving bush-camping adventure under a star-filled

Lighthouse Cottage Museum Carnarvon Heritage Precinct

Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage Museum

The Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage Museum captures the life of the early pioneers that operated the lighthouse in Carnarvon. It has been restored and provides an interesting look back at the lives led by

Red Bluff, Carnarvon, Ningaloo, Western Australia. Image: Salty Caleb Davenport

Shell Beach at Quobba Station, Carnarvon

Completely different to the cockle Shell Beach of Shark Bay, Carnarvon's Quobba Station has its own shell beach which is great for beachcombing finding mostly Cowry shells (the tiger spotted kind)