Geraldton

HMAS Sydney II Memorial Built on Mt Scott overlooking the town to commemorate the loss of 645 men from HMAS Sydney II on 19 November 1941. The ship sank after an encounter with the German raider HSK Kormoran. The wrecks of both ships were found in March 2008. Seven pillars representing the 7 seas hold aloft a 9 m high domed roof formed of 645 interlocking figures of seagulls. At night an eternal flame lights the cupola. Near the memorial is the bronze sculpture of a woman looking out to sea, representing the women left behind waiting for those who would not return. The fifth and final element of the memorial, completed in 2011, is a remembrance pool, its black granite walls engraved with 644 seagulls and the remaining 2 m seagull sculpture in the centre of the pool indicating the coordinates of the sunken vessel. Tours conducted daily at 10.30am. Gummer Ave. WA Museum Geraldton Exhibits focus on the cultural and natural heritage of the Geraldton region. Maritime displays include finds from Australia's oldest shipwrecks, notably the original stone portico destined to adorn the castle gateway in the city of Batavia and lost to the sea when the Batavia sank in 1629. Museum Pl, Batavia Coast Marina; (08) 9921 5080; open 9.30am–4pm daily. Adjacent in the Geraldton Marina is a replica of the Batavia longboat; the public is invited on harbour sailings most Sundays; check with visitor centre for details. Historic buildings: explore the town's historic architecture dating back to the mid-1800s, with works by noted architect Monsignor John Cyril Hawes a highlight. Many of the buildings have been restored and are open to the public, including the Old Geraldton Gaol (1858), which is now a craft centre, and the Bill Sewell Complex (1884), which was built as a hospital and subsequently became a prison. In Cathedral Ave, St Francis Xavier Cathedral offers tours (10am Mon and Fri, 4pm Wed), and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross has one of the largest areas of stained glass in Australia. Brochures for Historic Walk Trails available from visitor centre. Geraldton Regional Art Gallery: the original Geraldton Town Hall (1907) converted to house art exhibitions and workshops; closed Mon; 24 Chapman Rd; (08) 9964 7170; 10am–4pm Tues–Sat, 1pm–4pm Sun. Leon Baker Jewellers: international jeweller works with Abrolhos pearls and Argyle diamonds. Workshop tours available; 133 Marine Tce; (08) 9921 5451. Rock Lobster Factory: take a tour with the Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative and follow the journey of the town's most famous export, the western rock lobster, from processor to plate; covered shoes required; tours 9.30am Mon–Fri Nov–July; Connell Rd, Fisherman's Wharf; (08) 9965 9000. Point Moore Lighthouse: assembled in 1878 from steel sections prefabricated in England, and standing 34 m tall, this is the only lighthouse of its kind in Australia; information on nearby pillar; Marine Tce.

Houtman Abrolhos Islands These 122 reef islands with a fascinating history span 100 km of ocean and are the main source of rock lobster for the local lobster fishing industry. There are 16 known shipwrecks in the Abrolhos Islands, the most infamous of which is that of the Dutch ship Batavia from 1629. Captain Pelsaert and 47 of the survivors sailed north to Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) for help. When they returned 3 and a half months later, they discovered that a mutiny had taken place and 125 of the remaining survivors had been massacred. All of the mutineers were hanged, except for 2 who were marooned on the mainland, becoming Australia's first white inhabitants. There is no record of their subsequent fate. The wreck was discovered in 1963 and some skeletons of victims of the mutiny have been found on Beacon Island. The islands now offer diving, snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing, fishing and birdwatching. Access is via boat or plane; tours and charters are available. Contact visitor centre for details and bookings. 65 km W.

Fishing: good fishing spots at Sunset Beach (6 km N) and Drummond Cove (10 km N). Mill's Park Lookout: excellent views over Moresby Range and coastal plain; 10 km NE. Chapman Valley: picturesque farmlands and fields of springtime wildflowers on display July–Oct. Lavender Valley Farm offers natural body products; 1852 Chapman Valley Rd, Yetna; (08) 9920 5469; 20 km NE. Chapman Valley Wines is the northernmost winery in WA; 14 Howatharra Rd, Nanson; (08) 9920 5148; 30 km NE. Greenough: historic 1860s hamlet famous for its 'leaning trees', bent 90 degrees due to the coastal winds; 24 km S. Oakabella Homestead: one of the region's oldest pioneering homesteads with a rare buttressed barn; tours available; North West Coastal Hwy; (08) 9925 1033; 30 km N. Scenic flights: tours over nearby Abrolhos Islands, Murchison Gorges or the coastal cliffs of Kalbarri; contact visitor centre. Scenic drive: Indian Ocean Drive, with its coastal views, is a beautiful alternate route for travelling between Geraldton and Perth via Dongarra, bypassing much of the Brand Highway.

Kalbarri 129 km

The Murchison River at Kalbarri, about six hours’ drive north of Perth, produces a variety of fish including bream to 52 cm. ‘We also catch small mulloway in the river, yellowfin whiting, blue manna and green... Find out more

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Snorkelling in Kalbarri National Park 124 km

Near Kalbarri there are several top snorkelling spots, including the protected Blue Holes, Red Bluff and Chinamans Beach.... Find out more

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Canoeing the Murchison River 126 km

A couple of companies offer canoe safaris down the Murchison River, with transport by 4WD. Try Kalbarri Adventure Tours or Kalbarri Boat Hire and Canoe Safaris, which also hires out canoes and paddleboats.... Find out more

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Snorkelling and diving around Jurien Bay and Geraldton 174 km

You can snorkel face-to-face with sea-lions in Jurien Bay Marine Park, or join a boat tour to see them up close. Jurien Charters in Jurien Bay also offers diving on rock walls with lionfish, butterflyfish and wrasse.... Find out more

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Boatshed Restaurant

Considered to be one of Geraldton’s finest eating establishments, the charming Boatshed Restaurant is housed in a 1940s building with boating memorabilia adorning the walls. The balcony is very popular during the... Find out more

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The Freemason's Hotel

The Freemason’s Hotel is one of the town’s most popular haunts. Serving brasserie-style food, the menu features Asian flavours as well as steaks and local seafood, their specialty. Stone grill dining is the... Find out more

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Tides of Geraldton

Contemporary decor overlooking harbour views and a vista of the Moresby Ranges greets diners at Tides. To suit its waterfront location, fresh seafood dominates the menu; however, meat lovers and vegetarians won’t... Find out more

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Chapman Valley Wines Restaurant

Approximately 30 kilometres north-east of Geraldton is Western Australia’s most northern vineyard. After sampling Chapman Valley Wines’, patrons can enjoy a lunch platter, grab a barbecue pack or, if... Find out more

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Coronation Beach camping area 25 km

Visitors will find sites dispersed among the coastal vegetation on the beach here, a great spot to swim, fish, snorkel or just relax to the sound of the waves lapping the shore. You need to bring your own drinking... Find out more

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Ellendale Pool camping area 36 km

Ellendale Pool camping area is a delightful spot 47 km east of Geraldton via Ellendale Rd. Bring a gas/fuel stove and drinking water. Visitors will find a lovely freshwater pool that laps at a sheer cliff face surrounded... Find out more

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Breakaway camping area 92 km

Located just off Coalseam Rd from the Mingenew–Mullewa Rd, 34 km north of Mingenew, Breakaway camping area is set in a bush environment in an area noted for its wildflowers and mining heritage. Bring along a... Find out more

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Miners Camp camping area 93 km

Basic facilities are provided in a natural bush setting that’s perfect for bushwalking and exploring the heritage associated with WA’s first coalmine. Come equipped with a gas/fuel stove and drinking water.... Find out more

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Lake Indoon camping area 133 km

This large, freshwater lake covers 130 ha, with a depth varying from 1.5 m to 5 m, depending on the seasons and rainfall. The lake is on the Brand Hwy, 12 km west of Eneabba. The camping area offers visitors a range of... Find out more

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Carnamah Caravan Park 160 km

This small caravan park is on King St, off McPherson Street in Carnamah, a historic little country town with many of its old buildings intact. If you’re into fossicking, you’ll love visiting this area rich in... Find out more

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Jurien Bay Caravan Park 174 km

A haven for anglers, divers, snorkellers, surfers and boaters, Jurien Bay is around 266 km north of Perth. The beaches here are sheltered and pristine, thanks to loads of reefs and offshore islands that protect this part... Find out more

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Pioneer Park 235 km

Basic caravan park facilities are offered here in Dandaragan, a district that boasts lush pastures and golden crops produced by the excellent farming lands, 180 km north of Perth. The characteristic red and white gums... Find out more

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Shire of Moora Caravan Park 246 km

On the Moore River in the Midlands district, about 180 km north of Perth, the town of Moora is at the centre of a mixed farming area of primarily wheat, wool and cattle. The main attractions here are the wildflowers... Find out more

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Sunset Beach Holiday Park 6 km

Located on the beach 6 km north of the city and in a quiet location, this is a popular park with tourists and is easily accessible from Highway One. The park is well appointed and a good base from which to explore the... Find out more

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Batavia Coast Caravan Park 9 km

On the outskirts of Geraldton, this spacious dog-friendly park is easily accessible from the North West Coastal Highway. The semi-rural quiet setting will appeal to many. The park is owner operated. Bookings are required... Find out more

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Double Beach Holiday Village 9 km

Set at the mouth of the Greenough River just 10 km south of Geraldton, this large, wellshaded park is protected from the onshore winds. Cook in the camp kitchen or buy takeaway food from the park’s well-stocked... Find out more

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Seaspray Beach Holiday Park 60 km

Located on the edge of the water, this park is a good base for a holiday in the town. The owners also operate the adjoining resort, restaurant and fishing charter. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Dongara Denison Beach Holiday Park 62 km

This smaller park is ideally located on an estuary and you can enjoy a stroll to the busy boat harbour. It has very good amenities and big motorhomes can fit here, although not on the ensuite sites. The park is busy in... Find out more

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Port Gregory Caravan Park 74 km

Located in the centre of this small historic town, the park is neatly maintained and will appeal to those looking for a quieter location close to the seaside. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Mullewa Caravan Park 91 km

On the highest hill in town this council-operated park is as neat as a pin with kerbed roadways, green grass and most amenities. Mullewa is a great base for exploring this spectacular, wildflower region in springtime.... Find out more

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Western Flora Caravan Park 111 km

Located 22 km north of Eneabba, time a visit to this park during the wildflower season when more than 300 varieties of stunning flowering plants can be viewed on the property and more than 2000 varieties within 40 km of... Find out more

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Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park 126 km

This is a good quality park in an exciting seaside location. The park, not on the beach, is about 1 km from the centre of town. Bookings required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Murchison Caravan Park 127 km

This family-operated park is across the road from the water and is located in the heart of Kalbarri. It is a good quality tourist park. Pets are allowed outside school holidays. Bookings are required in school holidays... Find out more

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Drummond Cove Holiday Park

Situated on the Batavia Coast about 10 kilometres from Geraldton, Drummond Cove Holiday Park has a range of accommodation choices, from four-bedroom homes to unpowered campsites. A short stroll to one of the best beaches... Find out more

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Geraldton Bed & Breakfast

The Geraldton Bed & Breakfast is just a short stroll to the beach and a little further to the CBD. All guests staying in any of the three bedrooms have access to the shared bathroom, living areas, swimming pool and... Find out more

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Mantra Geraldton

The tastefully decorated Mantra Geraldton has fully self-contained studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. The complex includes a secured carpark and an outdoor pool and spa. Within close vicinity to the CBD... Find out more

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Marina Views

Overlooking the marina, you could practically dive from your balcony into the water at the Marina Views. With outdoor lounge areas, leather couches and flat-screen TVs, the apartments bring a bit of glamour to the... Find out more

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Ocean Centre Hotel

The waterfront Ocean Centre Hotel overlooks Champion Bay, while only being a few steps from the CBD. Whether you’re staying in one of the standard hotel rooms or the honeymoon suite, the hotel is tastefully... Find out more

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Riverside Sanctuary, Ajana 106 km

More than ten years ago, the owners of this sheep and wheat farm, inland from Kalbarri, noticed the environmental degradation on their property from many years of soil tillage compounded by erosion and compaction from... Find out more

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Coronation Beach Camp Area 26 km

T/O 24 km S of Northampton (R) or 27 km N of Geraldton (L) Secluded foreshore camp area surrounded by low scrub 8 kilometres west of the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S28 33.135 E114 33.881... Find out more

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The S Bend Rest Area 27 km

29 km S of Geraldton (L) or 36 km N of Dongara (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S28 58.533 E114 47.034... Find out more

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Alinta Park Area 30 km

T/O 28 km SW of Geraldton (L) or 37 km N of Dongara (R) Small area located 15 kilometres east of the highway at the Wind Farm Lookout on the road to Ellendale. GPS: S28 54.235 E114 53.308... Find out more

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Flat Rocks Rest Area 30 km

T/O 33 km S of Geraldton (R) or 32 km N of Dongara (L) Small area located on the foreshore, 2 kilometres west of the highway. GPS: S29 00.766 E114 46.731  ... Find out more

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Oakabella Rest Area 34 km

17 km S of Northampton (R) or 34 km N of Geraldton (L) Small area just off the highway among a few trees. Limited shade. GPS: S28 28.525 E114 38.074... Find out more

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Ellendale Pool Camp Area 36 km

T/O 28 km S of Geraldton (L) or 37 km N of Dongara (R) Large campground located 27 kilometres east of the highway via Walkaway in a natural bush setting on the banks of Greenough River. Good facilities and shade. ... Find out more

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Northampton Park Area 48 km

Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S28 20.911 E114 37.842... Find out more

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Seven Mile Beach Rest Area 51 km

T/O 55 km S of Geraldton (R) or 10 km N of Dongara (L) Large open area located on the foreshore, 2 kilometres west of the highway. GPS: S29 10.181 E114 53.336... Find out more

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Dongara East Rest Area 66 km

T/O 7 km SE of Dongara (L) or 73 km N of Eneabba (R) Large area 1 kilometre east of the highway via Midland Road. Good shade. GPS: S29 15.301 E115 00.819... Find out more

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Twin Hills Rest Area 102 km

49 km S of Dongara (R) or 31 km N of Eneabba (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 34.700 E115 08.151... Find out more

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Murchison River Rest Area 106 km

120 km S of Billabong (L) or 61 km N of Northampton (R) Large secluded area well off the highway on the banks of the river in a natural bush setting. Good shade. GPS: S27 49.683 E114 41.309 ... Find out more

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