Geraldton is up there with the top must-see surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, diving, snorkelling, boating and fishing destinations in Australia. It’s also ideally situated for exploring one of the greatest displays of spring wildflowers on Earth, with some intriguing Indigenous, maritime and Spanish missionary history to discover along the way.
Located on the beautiful Batavia Coast, 419 kilometres north of Perth, a road trip to Geraldton will take you just five hours. A coach will get you there in six hours, or you can fly direct from Perth in just an hour. And during the summer months, you also have the option to arrive in style by cruise ship.
All year round, Geraldton’s consistent wind and swell make it the perfect playground to indulge in water sports. Just 60 kilometres from the shoreline, the coral-fringed Abrolhos Islands lure you to hop on board a fishing, diving or snorkelling charter, or take it all in from the air on a scenic flight. You can even combine your Abrolhos-by-air adventure with a flight over the marine-life rich Shark Bay World Heritage Area or the spectacular gorges of Kalbarri National Park.
From July to October, all eyes turn to the outback as Geraldton becomes the gateway to wildflower country, where everlastings and hundreds of vivid blooming varieties stretch as far as the eye can see.
Cultural enlightenment can also be found if you take time to immerse yourself in Geraldton’s rich heritage. Learn about the ancient Yamaji culture. Step inside the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton to see the tragic stories revealed by relics of shipwrecks. Have a moment’s silence at the magnificent HMAS Sydney II memorial to remember the 645 crew members lost in 1941. Or be transported to the Spanish missionary era by the awe-inspiring architectural work of Monsignor John Hawes at St Francis Xavier Cathedral.
Besides a buzzing modern foreshore that offers shopping, dining and lively entertainment, you’ll also get to choose from an array of hotels, motels and self-contained houses and apartments through to caravan parks and bed and breakfast accommodation.