If the allure of pristine beaches and year-round warm weather appeals to you, then a visit to Geraldton in Western Australia is simply a must. Located 424 kilometres from Perth, this seaside resort is the perfect place to enjoy some sun, relax, and spend a little time by the water.
To say that Geraldton is blessed with a spectacular coastline and stunning views would be an understatement. In fact, travellers to the area are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing which beach to visit. Start in the centre of town and take a stroll along the Esplanade – there’s plenty of restaurants, or if you prefer to cook yourself there’s also well appointed BBQ areas and shaded picnic tables – there’s even free wifi! Make sure to try and spot one of the resident Sea Lions that frequent the port entrance’s rocky foreshore.
For cool cafes, boutiques and souvenir shopping opportunities, the strip at “West End” is worth a look. It’s become quite the “Artist’s Collective” with many local artisans showcasing their wares here – an excellent opportunity to pick up something really original that supports the local community as well. There’s a beautiful array of indigenous art and homewares that you’ll be pleased to call your own.
When it comes time to find something to eat, the lively modern foreshore is bustling with everything from fine dining, to delicious fish and chips. Be sure to try some of the local lobster, caught nearby on the Abrolhos Islands — a specialty of the region.
When you finally manage to pull yourself away from the water, you may want to find out a little more about the local area. The Western Australia Museum is a great spot to learn about the region's fascinating geology, flora and fauna, while discovering the history of the area's Indigenous community, and its European settlers.
No trip to Geraldton is complete without a visit to the HMAS Sydney Memorial – commemorating the crew of the HMAS Sydney who were sunk off the coast here during World War Two. Take a tour to find out more about this touching memorial and enjoy the panoramic views of sun, sand and sea at the same time.
For those who enjoy the sound of lapping waves and seabirds on the wind, Geraldton is a beautiful coastal town with a lot to offer its visitors. Magnificent views and an easy-going lifestyle make this city a lovely place to stop any time of year.
Just thirty minutes out of town is the Oakabella Homestead and Tea Rooms– during the day you can enjoy morning or afternoon tea (both the scones and the jam are made on the premises) and tour the heritage listed buildings which are kept furnished and decorated in historical fashion. As evening draws near there’s also the option to listen to some spooky ghost stories as the colonial past of the area is bought to life by candlelight.
A well kept secret of the locals, 45 kilometres east of Geraldton is what some consider the very best swimming hole in the area – the Ellendale Pool – a natural waterhole in the Greenough River. You can swim or kayak here, enjoying the natural beauty of the area as you relax.
Another pool worth visiting is Hutt Lagoon – also known as the “Pink Lake” for reasons that will become obvious as soon as you see it – it has natural algae that gives it a startling colour. Swimming isn’t recommended here but you’ll be able to get some really unique photos and marvel at an unusual technicolour landscape like no other.
Your hire car is the perfect way to see all the sights in beautiful, wild and free Geraldton.
