Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Geraldton, Australia

Located on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, Geraldton serves as a vital seaport for exporting grains, livestock, and minerals, while also being a hub for a thriving lobster fishery.

The city also features a more tranquil atmosphere at its stretch of beautiful beaches and their revitalized foreshore, and it acts as a departure point for the Houtman Abrolhos, an archipelago celebrated for its rich biodiversity and historical shipwrecks.

Both of these subjects are prominently showcased at the Museum of Geraldton, which displays artefacts from the 17th-century Dutch ship Batavia, whose sinking led to a notorious mutiny and massacre.

From spring to early autumn, Geraldton transforms into a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, particularly for kite-surfers, thanks to its consistent ocean breezes.

1. Museum of Geraldton

Numerous captivating narratives can be discovered at the town’s museum located by the marina.

Visitors can gain insights into the extraordinary biodiversity and natural beauty of the region as well as the Abrolhos Islands.

The museum also dedicates space to the history and culture of the Aboriginal Yamaji people, alongside a wealth of early European artifacts at the Shipwrecks Gallery featuring items dating back four centuries.

The story of the Batavia, which wrecked off the Abrolhos Islands in 1628, is both thrilling and tragic, with accompanying coins, cannons, and an entire Baroque stone arch illustrating the event vividly.

The exhibit “From Great Depths” covers underwater discoveries, showcasing a film and display related to the wrecks of the light cruiser HMAS Sydney (II) and the German auxiliary cruiser HSK Kormoran, which lie at a depth of 2,500 meters after their conflict in 1941.

2. HMAS Sydney II Memorial

The sinking of the HMAS Sydney II on November 19, 1941, was a devastating loss to Australia and the Allied forces during World War II.

This tragedy involved the largest Allied warship loss with all 645 crew members aboard perishing.

The wreck remained undiscovered until it was located near the Kormoran, approximately 100 nautical miles off Dirk Hartog Island in Shark Bay in 2008. Geraldton features an appropriate memorial for the sailors who perished, which has gained additional significance since the wreck’s discovery.

The memorial includes a wall of remembrance displaying the names of the 645 sailors, along with a dome adorned with a silver canopy representing hundreds of gulls, supported by seven pillars, corresponding to each of Australia’s states.

Particularly poignant is the bronze figure of a woman standing nearby, awaiting the return of a loved one.

3. St Francis Xavier Cathedral

This striking monument, completed in 1926, was rededicated in 2017 following extensive restoration.

The St Francis Xavier Cathedral exhibits a blend of Romanesque and Byzantine Revival architectural styles, crafted by architect and priest, Monsignor John Cyril Hawes (1876-1956). The cathedral stands out with its twin towers flanking the entrance and a substantial dome positioned between the nave and apse, serving Geraldton’s Roman Catholic community.

The interior features Byzantine-style decorations, characterized by round arches and alternating bands of stone. Guided tours are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:00 for individuals interested in the building’s architectural history and details that might otherwise be overlooked.

4. Monsignor Hawes Heritage Museum

Opposite the cathedral’s grand entrance lies a modern interpretive center detailing the extraordinary life of John Hawes.

Born in England, Hawes qualified as an architect in the 1890s and arrived in Geraldton after his ordination in 1915, remaining for 25 years.

During his time, he significantly influenced Geraldton, designing 44 buildings in the city, 29 of which were constructed.

The museum offers a rich and personal narrative about Hawes, complemented by his architectural designs, diaries, vestments, and personal documents.

5. Town Beach

Approximately 200 meters in length, Geraldton’s main beach lies just west of the city’s marina, extending towards a long seawall located on the east side of the port, known as the Esplanade.

Seawalls at both ends of the beach protect it from ocean currents, resulting in surf conditions that rarely exceed knee height.

The foreshore of Town Beach has undergone significant regeneration in recent years, making it ideal for leisurely walks.

Geraldton’s central business district, with numerous independent and chain restaurants, is conveniently located just behind the beach.

A couple of cafés reside directly on the beach, along with the large Geraldton Foreshore Playground and Water Park, featuring three distinctive play areas and various water features, perfect for warmer days.

6. Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative

One of the factors contributing to Geraldton’s recognition is its multimillion-dollar fishing industry, primarily focused on the western rock lobster.

If you’re interested in experiencing this industry firsthand, you can visit the state-of-the-art, 90-tonne Brolos processing plant located on Fishermen’s Wharf.

Guided tours occur at 10:00 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, revealing insights into the substantial scale of the industry and its commitment to sustainability.

You’ll gain valuable information about the western rock lobster as a species and its success in the Indian Ocean off Geraldton.

For the adventurous, there is an opportunity to hold one of the larger lobsters at the facility.

7. Geraldton Esplanade

One notable aspect of Geraldton is the vibrant appearance of its waterfront area.

This revitalized area features grassy spaces, landscaped trees, and covered shelters resulting from a long-term renovation project.

Visitors near the visitor centre can access free Wi-Fi, while at the southern end by the port, they can observe the comings and goings of cargo ships.

A colony of sea lions has made its home near the entrance to the port and an 18-meter viewing tower offers a panoramic view of the city, port, and Champion Bay.

The designation “Esplanade” has unexpected origins, referencing the former Esplanade Jetty, constructed in 1858, which serviced sailing ships for nearly a century.

8. Houtman Abrolhos

Situated sixty kilometers off the Geraldton coast, an archipelago with remarkable biodiversity, often referred to as the Galapagos Islands of the Indian Ocean.

This region is home to approximately two million birds from 35 different species, while the Tammar wallaby and diverse marine life, including coral, various shark species, and the vulnerable Australian sea lion, inhabit the islands.

Comprising more than 122 islands grouped into three main clusters and now protected as a national park, the site serves as the primary location for the highly productive western rock lobster fishery, along with numerous shipwrecks, including the infamous Batavia, which experienced a violent mutiny in 1628. Various tour packages are available from Geraldton, including the 4.5-hour Shipwreck Special Nature Tour/Half Day Tour detailed on the website Viator.com.

9. Point Moore Lighthouse

Another distinguishing feature of Geraldton is the 34-meter lighthouse that continues to guide maritime navigation from the tip of Point Moore.

When constructed in 1878, it was the first all-steel tower erected on mainland Australia, easily identifiable by its horizontal red and white stripes.

The 1000W tungsten halogen beacon has an impressive range of 23 nautical miles.

Interestingly, this structure was built in Birmingham, England, in 1876 and transported in its entirety, arriving the following year.

Visitors can reach the lighthouse within five minutes on foot from the CBD. While the lighthouse is a functioning facility, interpretive signs outside provide insights into the building’s history.

10. Greenough Wildlife Park

This privately owned animal park operates on donations and is located approximately 20 minutes south of Geraldton. It has been dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating Western Australian wildlife since the 1980s.

Visitors hesitant about traditional zoos can be assured that all profits contribute directly to the care and conservation of the park’s inhabitants.

The friendly and knowledgeable staff provide ample opportunities for close encounters with dingoes, joeys, camels, emus, farm animals, and various reptiles.

It is advisable to check the park’s website before visiting to ensure you catch the feeding of the crocodile, typically held around midday.

11. Water Sports

From September to April, Geraldton experiences reliable breezes, establishing it as one of Australia’s premier locations for kite-surfing and windsurfing.

Local companies like KiteWest offer equipment rental and lessons for stand-up paddleboarding and traditional surfing.

The Indian Ocean produces significant swells, and the exposed Back Beach, situated south of Point Moore, is recognized as the city’s top surfing destination, while numerous world-class surf options are found along the Coral Coast.

Additionally, the extensive number of shipwrecks offshore attracts divers, particularly those willing to explore the Houtman Abrolhos.

12. Yamaji Drive Trail

For individuals seeking to immerse themselves in the Yamaji Aboriginal culture and history of the Coral Coast and surrounding areas, there exists a 195-kilometer driving trail connecting Geraldton, Greenough, and Mullewa.

The Yamaji Drive Trail can be experienced over several days if one takes their time, incorporating history, art, and natural beauty at 14 distinctive locations.

An informative, detailed booklet accompanying the trail can be purchased from the Geraldton Visitor Centre or the regional library.

The trail commences at the visitor centre and concludes inland, a few kilometers south of Mullewa at the Butterabby Graves, which mark a significant skirmish site where the Wajarri and Nhanhagardi/Wilunyu peoples resisted pastoralist encroachment in 1864.

13. Coalseam Conservation Park

If you are in the vicinity between July and November, a visit to Coalseam Conservation Park is highly recommended due to its renowned wildflower displays.

During spring, a vibrant array of hakeas, banksias, everlastings, and grevilleas bloom, providing ample photographic opportunities and the chance for a serene walk.

This area is noted for its intriguing geology, being the site of Western Australia’s first mined coalseam.

Visible on the ground are exposed coal bands, along with siltstone, sandstone, and claystone that pattern the cliff-faces.

Within the park, dramatic vistas of the Irwin River can be enjoyed from the Irwin Lookout, alongside abundant wildlife, including kangaroos, echidnas, emus, cockatoos, and eagles.

14. Geraldton Visitor Centre

Conveniently situated adjacent to the foreshore on Marine Terrace, the city’s visitor centre serves as a valuable resource for travelers while also embodying significant heritage.

This fine wooden structure, established in 1878, was the inaugural railway station constructed on a governmental line in Western Australia.

The building’s historical features have been meticulously preserved, showcasing fascinating remnants from the original station throughout the visitor centre.

It is an ideal place to seek firsthand advice, and obtain leaflets, brochures, and maps.

15. The Tin Heads

For those intrigued by the unusual and eclectic, a visit to this private museum owned by Geraldton residents Margaret and Robert Gaston is a must.

They have curated what is believed to be the largest collection of tin containers in Australia, numbering in the mid-1100s as of 2020, with the collection continuously growing.

These tins served various purposes, from shoe polish to tea, syrup, cakes, and biscuits, all neatly arranged in glass display cases and on shelves from floor to ceiling.

The oldest tin in the collection dates back to 1834, and both Margaret and Robert are well-versed in the history of nearly every item on display.