Carnarvon is WA’s fruitbowl so we had heard, but driving into the town over the river we were surprised to see only a dribble of water. After setting up at the caravan park we headed to the Visitor Information Centre. Here we found out that most of the river is below ground and is pumped up to irrigate the abundance of fruit and vegie crops. A couple of times a year it will be full after very heavy rains. From there our first stop was down at the folk museum and the old jetty. Sadly we arrived just on closing time so had to be content with checking out some of the old farm machinery and equipment.Our next disappointment was that the jetty was closed for renovations.

Anyhow in the same vicinity we noticed a signboard for a Mangrove Boardwalk through the delta of the Gascoyne River so we would be able to take a walk even if it wasn’t on the jetty.We were impressed that the gazebo was constructed of recycled materials. After reading a couple of other information boards we headed off.The mangroves were certainly thriving with lots of new shoots evident. Apart from one egret we saw at the beginning of our walk we didn’t manage to see any other birds or the lizards that inhabited the area. At least we had done some exercise for the day.

The next day we did a driving loop through the farm area. There were lots of fruit trees to be seenas well as vegetable crops.A visit to Bumbak’s farm and shop was next along the way. After purchasing some jars of mango and nut relish we indulged in a couple of their frozen fruit treats.Of course I couldn’t go past a choc coated banana.Our circuit completed we crossed back over the Gascoyne River and headed back into town for some lunch. We sat in a small park area at the water’s edge to eatbefore doing a short afternoon walk around the waterfront.Next we headed further around to purchase some fish for dinner from the helpful people at Carnarvon Tackle and Marine.

Back at the caravan parkI cooked it up on the barbecue. It was a delicious meal to finish the day.