The Blowholes shoot jets of water up to 20 metres in the air

The Blowholes just north of Carnarvon on the Coral Coast in Western Australia were first discovered by Europeans in 1911 and since then they have become an increasingly popular tourist attraction.

The Blowholes are caused by waves being forced through undersea caves and upwards through small outlets in the reefs that hug the shore. A powerful jet of water is forced with terrific pressure through a hole in the rocks up to 20 metres high with an eerie whooshing sound and is absolutely spectacular.

You will be blown away (pun intended) by this magnificent sight and will just want to stay here much longer than we have time for on our tour. In a rough sea this becomes even more spectacular (but also more dangerous – BE AWARE).

Blow Holes

Although beautiful, parts of the area can also be dangerous, so keep a wary eye on the tides and beware of king waves. Have your photo taken under the “KING WAVES KILL” sign. This is not just an idle warning and you MUST TAKE CARE as people have died as a result of freak waves here.

KING WAVES KILL sign at the Blowholes

Adventure Tour Itinerary where the Blowholes is included as part of your 11 day tour.

One km south of the blowholes, is a lovely beach protected by a coral reef. A small pool contains tropical fish and shells - oysters and crayfish can be found here too.

Just to the north of the blowholes is Quobba Station, alone and isolated between the sand dunes and the coast. A further 30 km north is Cape Cuvier where the salt from the Dampier Salt works is loaded onto ships bound for Japan. The novel loading method involves simply bulldozing salt onto a conveyor belt which carries it to the bulk carriers which moor at the end of the jetty.

On 21 May 1988 Cyclone Herbie hit the area and the Korean Star which was waiting to be loaded was blown onto the rocks where it subsequently broke into two. The wreck lies at the bottom of the 60 metre cliffs at Cape Cuvier and can be reached by 4WD down a road which cuts between the cliffs.