This month we focus on destination Geraldton also known as its local Aboriginal name Jambinu.
The city is a five-hour drive or a one-hour flight north from Perth and TransWA provide regular bus services. Geraldton has a rich maritime and Aboriginal heritage at every turn. The lively coastal city invites adventure seekers, fishing fanatics and food lovers alike to explore its myriad attractions.
There is a raft of accommodation options available including Geraldton Backpackers on the Foreshore which is centrally located in a beautiful, newly renovated heritage-listed building just metres from the inviting waters of Champion Bay and Town Beach. Enjoy the ocean views, listen to the waves breaking on the foreshore and watch ships come into the harbour from the enclosed upper balcony or while relaxing in the tranquil outdoor garden terrace.
Looking to stay for a week or more? Don’t go past the Mediterranean villa stye complex housing four fully furnished villas in Rangewood. Getaway to Geraldton offers guests discounts for longer stays and the villas allow pets by arrangement.
Double Beach Caravan Park, formerly known as Greenough River Mouth Caravan Park is situated in a tranquil beachfront location just 5km south of the outskirts of Geraldton and offers a variety of accommodation as well as caravan and camping sites. Enjoy a relaxed family friendly atmosphere in natural surroundings with excellent fishing, snorkelling, surfing, water sports, biking trails and beautiful beaches only a short stroll away.
Onsite there is a swimming pool, tennis court, beach volleyball, tropical gazebo barbecue area, fish cleaning, camp kitchen, large ablution blocks, modern laundry, petrol and mini-mart shop. The park caravan and camping sites and some cabins (not chalets) are pet friendly.
Drummond Cove Holiday Park is situated right on the beautiful Drummond Cove beach, just 15 minutes north of the city. Guests can enjoy 30 acres of self-contained un-powered camping space and large powered caravan and camping sites which suit any size rig. The park also has a range of modestly furnished free standing cabins and cottages which overlook the ocean. All the caravan and camping sites are pet friendly so furry family members are also welcome to holiday with guests.
See advertisements in this section for booking details on all accommodation providers.
There is so much to do in the area, kickstart your explorations by boarding a diving or snorkelling charter to the Abrolhos Islands or enjoy an aerial view of these idyllic coral-fringed islands during a scenic flight. Situated just 60 kilometres off the coastline, the Abrolhos Islands are a unique marine environment serving up plenty of opportunities to get up close to the local wildlife. It’s also a top-ranked fishing spot famed for its rock lobster and a bird-watching paradise.
Discovering the story behind Abrolhos pearls is a must on a visit to Geraldton. Latitude Gallery Jewellers in Marine Terrace offer the most unique pearls in the world. Abrolhos Islands local and founder Pia Boschetti farms the unique pearls for five months of the year. Pia discovered she had a passion for creating innovative jewellery designs for her pearls, and a mission for all her jewellery designs to tell a story. Dedicated to honouring the unique beauty of the Islands, sea and land, Latitude feature their own pearls, a variety of Australian gemstones and the exquisite pink diamonds from the Argyle diamond mine in their creations. Their unique and superb designs can also be purchased online and make ideal Western Australian gifts. See this page for details.
From November to April the Ultimate Watersports Company operate from the Geraldton foreshore offering a variety of water-based experiences including jet skis, stand up paddle boards, kayaking, tubing and jet packs. Make the most of the professional instruction and top-of-the-line equipment available. See below for how to book.
Don’t miss feeding the animals on a visit to the Greenough Wildlife Park. The park is home to dingos, crocodiles, ferrets, reptiles, snakes and birds. The new owners have made many improvements to enclosures in the last few years. It is wheelchair and pram-friendly and people can utilise the barbecues on site or bring a picnic lunch.
Wearing its Aboriginal, maritime and Spanish missionary history firmly on its sleeve, Geraldton bursts with cultural attractions. Get acquainted with its rich past by paying a visit to the Museum of Geraldton for stories of shipwrecks, gaze up at the awe-inspiring architecture of St Francis Xavier Cathedral, make a visit to the HMAS Sydney Memorial and embark on the Yamaji Drive Trail, which connects a number of intriguing heritage sites.
Mid-West Adventure Tours offer fully guided tours for guests to reconnect with nature and history. They showcase the unique and local attractions right in the heart of Geraldton and strive to make the visit to the beautiful Mid-West region of Western Australia memorable, informative and straight-forward. The tours are all inclusive, professional and customer focused, ensuring guest travels are hassle free. See this section for booking details.
There is a terrific food and drink scene with fresh and unique produce at the doorsteps of Geraldton’s eateries.
Be spoiled for choice with establishments serving up their unique take on the local offering. From traditional Italian to Abrolhos Islands’ Western Rock Lobster to quirky cafés, wine bars and family-friendly dining. Exceptional produce converges with great service and Geraldton lifestyle vibes at family-owned and run restaurants and cafés. Each express their taste of the bountiful land, sea and relaxed Geraldton atmosphere.
Pick up a copy of the Geraldton food trail map.
When in Geraldton, do as the locals do: relax, eat, drink, explore, repeat.
