Geraldton is located 424kms north of Perth and is the biggest city north of Perth.
The city is located on Champion Bay, discovered by Commander D Dring in the colonial schooner “Champion” in January 1840.
In 1850 surveyor Augustus Gregory was instructed to survey a townsite at this place. By March 1850 Gregory had surveyed 40 half acre allotments , and on June 3 1851 the townsite of Geraldton was declared. The name was most probably given by Surveyor General J.S. Roe, and honours the colony’s Governor at that time, Captain Charles Fitzgerald .
The expansion of mining around Northampton and Geraldton during the 1860’s made Champion Bay the only major port north of Fremantle. In 1879 the first Government railway line in Western Australia was laid between Northampton and Geraldton. The 1890’s saw the boom in the Murchison Goldfields.
Modern day Geraldton is now known as the ‘Sun City’ because of the average of 8 hours sunshine per day and a warm dry climate.
Currently the city of Geraldton is undergoing a $25 million facelift to literally turn the city around to face the shoreline. The plan is to have walk trails and landscaped gardens along the beachfront along with alfresco dining establishments and shopping outlets.
Geraldton is well known for its kilometres of long white beaches which attracts swimmers, windsurfers and fishermen as well as those who just love beach walking.
There’s a plentiful supply of accommodation to suit all budgets and personal requirements.
Marine Terrace is a good starting point when looking for your dining needs with a wide variety of cafes, restaurants and hotels.
HMAS Sydney Memorial
Erected on Mt. Scott and overlooking the city of Geraldton is the most important attraction ( in my opinion) in the city. Commemorating the loss of 645 men from the HMAS Sydney sunk on 19th November 1941 after a battle with the German raider HSK Kormoran.
The domed roof is formed by 645 interlocking stainless steel doves, each one representing a life lost. The domed roof is supported by seven pillars representing the seven seas. ( Well worth a look ).
Point Moore Lighthouse
The Moore Point Lighthouse was the first all steel tower built on the mainland of Australia.The foundation were originally laid for the Moore Point Lighthouse in 1877, but were found to be in the wrong place. Following this discovery they were relocated to the current site 5 kilometres from the centre of Geraldton. The light was first exhibited in 1878. The tower’s daymark of four red, and three white bands was added in 1969.The Moore Point lighthouse is the oldest surviving Commonwealth lighthouse in Western Australia.
Open Thurs, Sat & Sun 10AM ~ 4PM ( subject to change).
Houtman Abrolhos Islands
Boat or plane tours to the islands are becoming increasingly popular with tourists. The islands number 126 and are approximately 60 kilometres offshore. Now famous for crayfishing, diving, fishing and bird or seal watching, the Abrolhos islands also play an integral part in the maritime history of Western Australia. It has a small seasonal population of fishermen, and a limited number of tourists are permitted for day trips, but most of the land area is off limits as conservation habitat. It is well known as the site of numerous shipwrecks, the most famous being the Dutch ships Batavia, which was wrecked in 1629, and Zeewijk, wrecked in 1727.
Western Australian Museum Geraldton
Located at the Batavia Coast Marina. Spend some time learning about the history of the region with shipwreck tales surrounding the Batavia and the Zuytdorpalong with amazing artefacts.
Hanging above the exhibition is a replica of a Bristol Tourer flown by WA Airlines Ltd; Australia’s first commercial airline. The company started operations in 1921 a year before QANTAS.
Open Daily 10AM ~ 4PM ( Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday).
Oakabella Homestead
Situated in the Shire of Northampton, in the Midwest of Western Australia, the award winning Oakabella Homestead is Heritage Tourism at it’s finest! Steeped is historical significance, Oakabella Homestead is classified by the National Trust. Set in a dramatic landscape, this must see location offers spectacular vistas including Elephant Hill, Table Hill and the ancient gorge and seasonal water fall in the Oakabella Creek. Wildflowers are also plentiful in the cooler months. Caravans and Campers are welcome and the Oakabella Homestead is a comfortable stop-over on your journey along the stunning coast of Western Australia.
Windsurfing
One of the true hot spots in the world for windsurfers. Ideal conditions for beginners to intermediates can be found at St Georges Beach. More experinced windsurfers might like to try their skills at Pt Moore and Sunset Beach. Coronation Beach is arguably one of the best Sailing spots in Australia (at least for wave action). It is a very good jumping location, also providing some good wave riding as well. Coronation Beach is about 25km North of Geraldton. Separation Point is great for kiting. You’ll find that a quite a few locals and learners will kite here. Generally there is a sandy beach to launch your kite from although at times the seaweed banks are quite thick.
St Francis Xavier Cathedral
Monsignor John Hawes was an architect before joining the priesthood and the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral is one of his masterpieces. Built in stages between 1916 and 1938 the cathedral has now been listed as part of the National Heritage.Guided walks through the cathedral are available Mondays and Fridays at 10am and Wednesdays at 4pm.
