Geraldton

Geraldton is one of Western Australia’s most popular oceanfront resort cities. It lies about 425 kilometres north from Perth and is also a major port town. Along this stretch of coast line which is known as the Batavia coast, are many pristine beaches and off the coast lie the beautiful Houtman Abrolhos islands. There are over 100 islands that make up this group and many are populated by hardy crayfish fishermen who have been coming to the islands for generations to set their pots and catch their quota of rock lobsters for the international market. The islands are all low lying and surrounded by reefs. Tours are available from Geraldton but no overnight accommodation is available. Inland from Geraldton is the Chapman Valley which is now a major agricultural region and is farmed for wheat, sheep and cattle production as well as mining for gold, lead , copper and mineral sands.

On the Geraldton waterfront you will find displays of ancient shipwrecks that occurred on this section of coast during the 17th and the 18th centuries. Early explorers from Europe and the Dutch East India Company were wreaked along this section of coastline. The Batavia, Zuytdorp and Zeewijk were all wrecked off the Geraldton coast. Another great attraction is the HMAS Sydney memorial which is situated on Mt Scott overlooking the town. The Sydney was sunk in 1941 off this coast by the German raider Kormoran and its remains have recently been discovered. 645 Australian servicemen lost their lives in this incident. Geraldton is also a popular destination for family holidays with great fishing and diving available and excellent facilities for launching your own boat or taking a local fishing charter. Some of the local churches and cathedrals are also worth a visit.

Geraldton has excellent accommodation on offer. There are beautiful resorts, hotels, motels and plenty of caravan parks to cater for the continuous flow of campervans and motorhome travellers on their way around the country. Geraldton is a long way from the next town that has accommodation, so it is very wise to make sure that you book well in advance. The climate here is Mediterranean and cool sea breezes keep the temperature comfortable. It is a beach lovers and water sports paradise with kite surfing, sailing and fishing among the top attractions.

Geraldton is one of those places you must visit on your Western Australian holiday.