Tourism Industry
Renowned for its world-class natural attractions, the Gascoyne offers experiences that range from the UNESCO World Heritage Ningaloo Reef and the Shark Bay to the rugged beauty of Kennedy Range National Park and Mount Augustus, the world’s largest monocline.
These diverse landscapes make the region one of Western Australia’s most unique and sought-after destinations for both domestic and international travellers.
Tourism in the Gascoyne is built around nature-based and adventure experiences, complemented by growing cultural and food tourism offerings. Visitors can connect with Aboriginal culture at Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre in Carnarvon, join Indigenous-led tours, experience the region’s dark skies, ideal for stargazing and astrophotography or jump on a boat and dive the Carnarvon and Exmouth Artificial Reef, breaming with marine life. The Gascoyne’s reputation as a food tourism destination continues to grow, with seasonal produce, seafood, and events like the Gascoyne Food Festival showcasing the region’s finest produce.
With continued investment in infrastructure, experiences, and marketing, the Gascoyne’s tourism industry is positioned for strong and sustainable growth, supporting local communities, jobs, and businesses across the region.
Tourism Statistics You Should Know
Statistics from the 2024-2025 GDC Annual Report
Fruit loop trail in Carnarvon
annual economic output
overnight visitors
Total visitor nights
Total visitor spend including day trips
of people employed
Cultural Tourism
Aboriginal Cultural Tourism forms an integral part of the Commission’s strategy for Aboriginal economic development. The Commission supported the original construction and reopening of Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre, and continues to support the success of Gwoonwardu Mia as an Aboriginal business and tourism hub.
The Commission also supports Aboriginal people to share their Cultural Heritage and connection to Country by developing Cultural Tourism opportunities in the Gascoyne.
Food Tourism
Gascoyne Food Festival
With its first event in 2015, the Gascoyne Food Festival has quickly grown into Australia’s largest regional gastronomic food experience. Typically running annually from July to September, the event allows patrons to sample an array produce from the Gascoyne within a stunning collection of unforgettable destinations in the region.
Year on year most events in the schedule are sold out and attract visitors from both within and outside the region. Events often receive media coverage which positively promotes the Gascoyne region and local primary producers. The events also provide valuable workforce development opportunities for volunteers and students from local hospitality and vocational skills education providers.
Gascoyne fruit loop
The Gascoyne fruit loop drive trail is a 10km trail of the Carnarvon horticultural district. The fruit loop spans both the South and North River Road in Carnarvon.
Click here for a brochure featuring some of the produce the fruit loop has to offer.
Gascoyne Growers market
Occurring every Saturday morning between May and October, the Gascoyne Growers market bring the best of Gascoyne produce to Carnarvon CBD making it accessible to tourists and locals.
Astro Tourism
More than 80% of the world’s population now live under a light-polluted sky and as a result, people are beginning to seek out dark sky experiences.
The Gascoyne with its pristine night sky and stable weather conditions is perfectly placed to take advantage of this increasing global demand for dark sky tourism, and Astrotourism in particular.
The Commission is actively supporting Local Governments and other stakeholders to progress Astrotourism in the Gascoyne. The availability of Astrotourism products, being a night time activity, will assist to increase visitor overnight stay and spend.
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Relevant Resources
Want to know more? Explore more here:
ACC and AGO Gascoyne Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023-2033
Shire of Carnarvon Economic Development Strategy 2023-2028
