Sea, sand, surf – that’s one way to describe this charming windy city. Geraldton is a favorite playground and summer destination for water sports enthusiasts due to its consistent breeze. The city also has a thriving underwater world which is perfect for diving or snorkeling. On land, you can immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and explore cultural museums and monuments like the Museum of Geraldton and the HMAS Sydney II Memorial. Find more exciting things to do in Geraldton with the list below!
This war memorial was built in 1998 as a tribute to the 645 crew members of the HMAS Sydney II who were lost at sea in 1941. Situated at the top of Mount Scott, the memorial overlooks both the beautiful Indian Ocean and the city. Visitors can explore the area on their own or maybe take a guided tour for a more informative visit.
Standing proudly at 34 meters high with its bold red and white stripes is the steel Point Moore Lighthouse. It was built in 1878 off the coast of Geraldton and it has become somewhat of a tourist attraction for many visitors. Entry is not permitted however, the surrounding beach area is as stunning as the lighthouse itself. You can take a walk and catch the sunset or have a picnic with friends. Make sure you check this spot for best places to visit in Geraldton.
The beautiful St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Geraldton is worth the visit, simply because the building is a sight to behold. The architecture, designed by priest and architect Monsignor John Hawes, was inspired by Romanesque style with some Baroque influences. Be in awe with the many stained glass windows, the historical museum, and the tomb of Bishop Kelly.
Learn more about shipwrecks and the rich heritage of the people of the Midwestern region of Australia at the Museum of Geraldton. This modern museum exhibits a number of historical artefacts of the Yamaji culture, an indigenous tribe living in the western regions of Australia, as well as a having an informative gallery of the various Dutch shipwrecks found on the west coast. Entrance is free but make sure to leave a little donation when you visit.
One way to get to know the city better is to visit the Geraldton Visitor Centre. The friendly and knowledgable staff will be more than happy to assist you during your stay in Geraldton and as well as neighboring towns. This includes helping you plan your tours, booking scenic flights and cruises, as well as accommodation. You can purchase souvenirs and find firsthand information, leaflets, brochures and maps.
This former Town Hall turned Regional Art Gallery opened in 1984 as a regional ‘A’ class venue in Western Australia and a premier visual arts institution. The lovely gallery houses some 400 artworks from artists such as Elizabeth Durack and Norman Linsay, as well as many contemporary artists. From time to time, they also host different temporary exhibitions that showcase new artists.
Some of the cool things to do in Geraldton is to visit the Town Beach. Good for lazying around or maybe a great surfing spot for beginners, Geraldton's main beach is where most visitors get their share of the salty sea breeze. The beach stretches about 200 meters from the Esplanade on the east side of the port to the marina of the city on the west side. The beach has multiple facilities such as showers, toilets, and cafes.
Just across the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral you’ll find the modern interpretive center about the interesting life story of priest and architect John Cyril Hawes. He was born in England where he became an architect in the 1890’s, and later transferred to to Geraldton after being ordained in 1915. Becoming an integral part of the city’s history, he continued on to design a number of buildings. Inside the centre, you’ll find his old notes and architectural plans, as well as personal documents.
Over the years, the Esplanade has gotten a series of makeovers mainly to invite more locals and tourist to visit the breezy waterfront attraction. Located at the eastern side of the Town Beach, you can take a walk down the platform for a fantastic view of the ocean and maybe catch a colony of sea lions at the entrance of the port. There’s also an 18-meter viewing tower for a panoramic view of the city, the port, and the bay.
Geraldton has many stunning beaches but the Back Beach is probably the best mainly because it’s a popular surfing spot in the city. The Back Beach is also the site of the Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club which was founded in 1930. Because it’s a surf spot and currents are a bit rough, swimming here is only limited to some sections. Parking will not be a problem as the beach has a large carpark area and toilet facilities are also available.
Geraldton is a trendy beach destination known for various water sports such as windsurfing, surfing, fishing, and diving. It is a gateway to some of the major attractions in the midwest region of Australia like the Mullewa Wildflowers, and the beautiful Kalbarri Gorges.
Geraldton’s weather is considerably pleasant throughout the year with January-May having the warmest weather and June and July being the wettest. The best time to visit is from August to October when the weather is just nice and sultry, perfect for going outside to explore the attractions around.
If you’re looking to explore the city’s historical sites, you can look for accommodation around Geraldton’s northern area. For those wanting to explore the city proper for shopping, you can stay in the city’s West End to be closer to the centre as well as near the beaches. There are also plenty of hotels along Brand highway that caters to budget travelers.