Shire of Carnarvon

The Shire of Carnarvon is a predominantly rural municipality situated on the Indian Ocean coast 900 kilometres north of Perth in WA. Carnarvon lies between latitude 24 and 25 degrees south and 113 and 114 degrees longitude. The Shire has an area of approximately 46,500 square kilometres, with a significant coastline reaching from Hamelin Pool Marine Reserve in the south to Ningaloo Reef in the north. The Shire is located in the Gascoyne region which provides a spectacular and pristine wilderness experience on both land and sea. The unique value of the seascape and landscape has been acknowledged with Shark Bay in the south of the Gascoyne and Ningaloo Reef in the north being listed as World Heritage areas. Coral Bay in the north of the Shire is one of Western Australia’s premier holiday destinations. Carnarvon has a warm semi-arid climate. Average yearly rainfall is around 230 millimetres with the most reliable rainfall being between May and July. Occasional tropical cyclones will influence Carnarvon and bring very heavy rain, high temperatures and strong winds but apart from this source of rainfall, summers are otherwise dry. Temperatures range from an average maximum of 33 °C in February to 22 °C in July. Average minimums are 23 °C and 11 °C respectively. The Shire of Carnarvon has an estimated resident population of around 6,150 in 2014 and is home to a multi-cultural demographic. Boasting a variety of education, medical, and recreation facilities, individual and family needs are generally well catered for.