Geraldton is known as the Sun City and lies on the west coast, 423 kilometres north of Perth. The city is a major transport centre linking north and south Western Australia, and boasts a major port involved in exporting internationally as well as an extensive road and rail network. All this and only a 40 minute flight form the State capital has earned Geraldton the honour of being the administrative and economic centre of the midwest region. Important industries in the area include agriculture, mining of gold and base metals and fishing, Geraldton is especially renowned for it's succulent crayfish that abound in the surrounding waters. Tourism is another most important industry in the area.

The town had its genesis in 1849 when it was first surveyed, the sale of land blocks followed in 1850 and settlement ensued. The town was originally named Gerald Town after Sir Charles Fitzgerald, the governor of the colony at the time. By 1860 the settlement had developed into an important port town supplying the outlying mining areas of the Murchison Goldfields with supplies and equipment. In 1879 the first railway line was constructed between Northampton and Geraldton and the subsequent development of the mining industry in the area ensured Geraldton's importance as an economic and administrative centre.

During World War Two Geraldton was a base for American submarines and flying boats, accommodating 1500 US Navy personnel. Geraldton was proclaimed a city by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988.


Museums and Historic Sites

Geraldton is home to a branch of the Western Australian Museum which has on display a wide range of historical artefacts and records pertaining to the Aboriginal settlements, to European arrival and settlement, natural history including wildflower displays and mineral and fossil exhibitions and a maritime history section relating tales of shipping and shipwrecks off the coast of the region.

The Old Gaolhouse in Geraldton was constructed in 1858 and is the second longest serving gaol in Western Australia. The gaol is part of the Bill Sewell Complex which includes the Geraldton-Greenough Tourist Office, open daily for visitor inspection and houses a museum and craft shop.

Historic buildings worth seeing are The Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage, home of the local Historical Society, built in 1870, the Point Moore Light House constructed in 1878 from a complete structure brought from England, and unusual for its red and white stripes. The St Francis Xavier Cathedral was commenced in 1914 and finally finished in 1938, it's Byzantine style making it one of the more unusual structures in the city. The Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail runs through Geraldton and takes in 6 buildings which he designed and helped build, the Cathedral being one of them.

Other buildings of merit include St George's Church, the Railway Station, the Hermitage, the retirement cottage of Monsignor Hawes, the Court House and the beautiful Queens Park Theatre. Bootenal Light Tavern situated 12 km from Geraldton was built in 1907 as an agricultural hall serves delicious meals from Tuesday to Sunday.

Visit the Geraldton Regional Library to find out more about local history, exchange paperbacks or just enjoy a coffee in the adjacent cafe. The Regional Gallery is housed in what was originally the Town Hall and displays a wide range of local, national and international artists works. Sculptures, painting and photography are just some of the high quality media on display at the Gallery which should not be missed.

RGC Mineral Sands at nearby Narngulu is one of the areas most important industries and tours of the processing works of the plant may be arranged by contacting Allan Sale the General Manager of Narngulu operations.

Natural Attractions

Within the city there are three scenic parks and picnic areas to choose from. Spalding Park lies by the shores of the Chapman River, north of the city which has extensive picnic areas and lots of space for the kids to run around and enjoy. Play equipment will keep them occupied for an hour or two.

Maitland Park is situated in the heart of Geraldton and is composed of expansive lawns, trees and pretty wildflowers to enjoy. A playground and the first steam engine to come to Geraldton in 1887 all serve to entertain young and old alike.

St Georges Beach provides an excellent picnic spot and vantage point to watch the beachside antics of the windsurfers. Lovely northern views of the city can be enjoyed from this beachside picnic area.

The Abrolhos Islands lie off the coast of Geraldton and are definitely worth visiting when in Geraldton. Scuba Diving, swimming, boat trips, dolphin watching and many other activities can be enjoyed on the islands.

Other Attractions

Enjoy the adventure of exploring 1,000 acres of riding country with Buller River Riding Farm. All abilities are catered for and a variety of rides from a half day to a full day can be embarked on. Speciality rides include beach rides, river rides, dawn and moonlight rides. Be sure to make a booking when in Geraldton.

For a different kind of horsepower try Geraldton Indy Karts or have a go at Ten Pin Bowling, Mini Putt or try a round of golf, take a scenic joy flight or explore the city on two wheels by hiring a bicycle and travelling the City Tracks which take you to some of the highlights of the city.

There are plenty of opportunities for watersports lovers to indulge in Geraldton. Some of the most amazing windsurfing beaches await the visitor and range from Pages Beach, ideal for beginners to Coronation Beach and Separation Point for wave jumpers. Batavia Parasail and Water Sports offer waterskiing, paragliding and other fun watersports for all abilities and ages.

Geraldton weekend markets are ideal for those who love browsing for arts and crafts, bric-a-brac and fresh homemade products.

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