Carnarvon Snorkelling and Swimming
Carnarvon boasts an abundance of swimming spots that are scattered throughout its scenic landscape. From tranquil beaches to hidden coves nestled in breathtaking cliffs, there is an array of options for water enthusiasts to indulge in.
LOCAL BEACHES
Fascine Town Beach – Located on the Fascine, this is a safe beach for kids and adults. There are two diving pontoons in the Fascine which offer hours of fun for the kids.
Pelican Point – Located at the end of Pelican Point Road. It is a popular beach for kite surfers, swimmers and those wishing to catch a Whiting or two. There are friendly little crabs that will crawl on your hand for protection from the wind.
SURROUNDING BEACHES
Miaboolya Beach – Located 22km north of Carnarvon. It’s a popular swimming, crabbing and fishing spot. Miaboolya’s main creek is cut off from the ocean by a sand bar for months at a time, creating a coastal lagoon. Miaboolya Beach is the only beach in the Coral Coast Region where clothes are optional.
New Beach/Bush Bay – Located 40km south of Carnarvon, via the North West Coastal Highway is a mangrove paradise, Bush Bay. Perfect for drone lovers who are seeking some impressive aerial shots of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. if you are lucky enough you might even be able to catch a glimpse of a dugong swimming off shore in the mangroves. There are heaps of spots to get your boat close to the water at Bush Bay, though pick your location carefully, as the beaches are soft, launching at a high tide is much easier too. You can catch Whiting and Flat Heads just off the beach, though if you launch a tinnie, you have the opportunity to catch some larger fish and do some squidding.
DAY TRIPS FROM CARNARVON
Rocky Pool – Located 55km east of Carnarvon you will find the magical location of Rocky Pool. After driving approximately 50km along Carnarvon Mullewa Road you will turn to the left (north) along a 5km unsealed road. It is a beautiful picnic spot with a freshwater pool in one of few places along the Gascoyne River which holds water long after the river ceases to flow. It has gum trees surrounding it and there are kangaroos and birdlife to see. No facilities are available, and camping is not permitted.
Blowholes – Located 75km north of Carnarvon, along a sealed road. Pack a picnic and snorkelling gear and head to this natural phenomenon, an awe-inspiring sight to see and must do when visiting Carnarvon. Powerful ocean swells force water through sea caves and up out of narrow holes in the rocks, jets of water erupt into the air, sometimes to a height of 20 meters, creating a spectacular sight. Mother Nature is simply amazing, but it is important to check the surging tide, wind and swell, which gives that large blow! Although the coast is serene it can be deadly, with a dangerous swell that can turn into king waves, capable of crashing over the top of the rock ledge. This coastline needs to be treated with caution and care.
THE AQUARIUM, POINT QUOBBA
Just a short 45 minute drive north of Carnarvon is the Point Quobba lagoon, known as the ‘Aquarium’. Why is it called the Aquarium? Well, from Parrot fish to Dart fish or the odd turtle, even a reef shark, these are just some of the marine life that you will encounter on your swim. Why not challenge yourself, and see how many different species of fish you can spot. To get the most out of your experience it is best to snorkel in the ‘Aquarium’ at high tide.
3 MILE LAGOON, GNARALOO
Traveling beyond the Blowholes, north towards Gnaraloo is 3 Mile camp, this is where you will find the 3 Mile lagoon. The best time to snorkel in the lagoon is when the swell is high, and the tides are low. If the conditions are clear, you can snorkel at any time of the day. However, fish are most active right before sunset.
If you are an experienced swimmer (using fins), you can attempt to swim through a ‘keyhole’ at high tide on the reef, at the back of the lagoon. You can find the keyhole opposite the beach boat launch, over the sand dune. Believe it or not, 3 Mile lagoon is the best spot for a night snorkel because it is protected by the reef. Do not forget your waterproof torch.
WARROORA
Located between Carnarvon and Coral Bay is this incredible location of Warroora. Camping along the Warroora coastline is now managed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife and requires online bookings and payment prior to arrival. Despite the changes, it is an incredible stretch of coastline with some incredible snorkelling spots. You can snorkel directly off the beach at the popular spot of 14 Mile. This is accessible by 2WD most of the time. If you have a 4WD, you might like to check out Sandy Point, Maggies and Elles beach for those incredible snorkelling spots. If you are lucky, you might come across a Manta Ray.
This is a remote destination, and you will be required to travel on unsealed roads. Weather events may impact road conditions.
Please check the road safety reports and ensure your vehicle is adequately equipped prior to commencing your journey.
We have provided the following links for your convenience.