Carnarvon is a coastal town situated approximately 900 kilometres north of Perth, Western Australia. It lies at the mouth of the Gascoyne River on the Indian Ocean. The popular Shark Bay world heritage area lies to the south of the town and the Ningaloo Reef lies to the north. At the 2011 census, Carnarvon had a population of 4,559.
History
The town was founded in 1883, initially as a port and supply centre for the surrounding region, and is the administrative centre for the Shire of Carnarvon, the town site was officially gazetted on 4 June 1891. It was named after Henry Herbert, 4th Earl of Carnarvon, a past Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Carnarvon has had three tramways.
- The first, shown on a Public Works Department map of 1884, ran from a landing site on the river, across Olivia Terrace to a shed on the other side of the road - A very short tramway indeed. The trolley used on this tramway was supposed to be hand powered, using a lever attached to crank on two of the wheels. However there is a reference to the use of wind-power.
- The second tramway, constructed between 1886 and 1887, ran west from Olivia Terrace in a straight line to the jetty, which was half way between Mangrove Point and Conspicuous Clump. It was horse drawn.
- The third, and partially remaining, tramway was completed on 9 November 1900. It runs from the townsite, across Babbage Island to the deep-sea jetty. It was constructed with a rail gauge of 2 feet (610 mm). It was 2 miles 5 chains (3.3 km) long. Due to the heavy loads of wool being carried on what was a very light railway, it was decided to convert the tramway to 3 feet 6 inches (1,067 mm) gauge in 1908–09. This tramway was worked with a steam locomotive. The tramway ceased operation in 1965.
The Carnarvon Light Railway Association now operates trains along restored tracks on the jetty.
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