Coastal cosmopolitan Geraldton is the only city along the Coral Coast, and the first major stop along the famed scenic and ever blissful drive, Coral Coast Highway.
Gero, affectionately known by locals, fuses urban lifestyle with laidback, easy-breezy seaside living. It’s an excellent launch pad to explore the region, although not without experiencing its historical charms, unique cultural activities (hello live lobster grabbing), and stunning surrounds for yourself.
So before you accelerate your way up along the Coral Coast, slow down and soak up the sun while having all the fun in this seaside city only 4.5 hours drive north of Perth.
What to do in Geraldton
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As an urban hub, Geraldton packs a punch, weaving in what you could expect from the city (great museums, cafes) and also, thrilling outdoor and cultural experiences.
Go where the locals go to soak up the good vibes by heading to the Esplanade.
A picturesque landmark, the Esplanade is home to some oh so gorgeous, all-encompassing 360 views of the city itself, Port, Champion Bay and Moresby Rangers from its viewing platform. If lucky, you may even catch sight of its cute and friendly residents, sea lions. (Cue squeals of delight!)
The array of public art is worth capturing too, with the city’s latest art installation, Horizon on the Beresford Foreshore a quirky sight. Continue the art trail with a visit to the Yamaji Art Centre, housing an incredible display of Aboriginal art from the mid-west area.
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The moving HMAS Sydney II Memorial is an iconic sight in the sky, located on a hill overlooking Geraldton. The memorial commemorates the loss of the 1941 ship and 645 men on board during WW II. To find out more information, head to the Museum of Geraldton.
Where to have the ultimate food and drink experiences in Geraldton
Seafood lovers are in a safe spot here, with their cravings for oceanic delights easy to satisfy. But, what is the reeling process like? Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative operates one-of-a-kind, Live Lobster tours, educating people on the Western Rock Lobster industry. For that ultra snap-happy moment, try holding a live lobster – just make sure it doesn’t snap you back! Head to Barnacles on the Wharf for a seafood feed after the tour
The south has its wine, and here in the north, it’s all about the rum. It would be criminal not to mention Illegal Tender Rum Co (ITRC) in Dongara, 40kms south of Geraldton. The modern ITRC not only crafts one of the oldest spirits in Australia on-premise, it also offers insight into its creation too, hosting distillery tours by expert guides. The tour takes guests through the process to the barrelhouse, but not without enjoying its award-winning rum in its cellar door.
Where to do water activities in Geraldton
Come to Geraldton, and you may turn into a big-time watersport enthusiast. Geraldton is a watersport wonderland, with the marriage of tiptop weather conditions and its pristine landscapes making it an excellent choice to get in touch with your thrill-seeking side.
Ultimate Watersports is a great place to test out your skills on the water. Situated along the Geraldton Foreshore, it offers a seemingly A –Z list of watersports – jet ski, fly board x, jet pack, kayaking, tubing, SUP, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, wake foiling, skiing to get your adrenaline in full swing.
Geraldton also attracts an avid kite and windsurfer following due to its windy ways. During the summer season, the shoreline is blessed with consistent wind conditions, giving surfers a bigger window of opportunity to do what they love best – ride waves and surf the sky. Coronation Beach, or Coros as it’s known locally, is renowned around the world for its optimal kite surfing conditions, hosting competitions and attracting international visitors for its wind factor. Coros is half-hour’s drive north of Geraldton and is also a popular spot for fishing, swimming and snorkelling.
Where to see natural wonders in Geraldton
We won’t blame you if your camera is permanently stuck in your hand – there is far too much natural beauty to take in around Geraldton. It is like a roll-call of extraordinary unique wonders with the stunning Abrolhos Islands, Instagram favourite Pink Lake, natural water playground Ellendale Pool, and the quirky sight, the leaning trees of Greenough.
Add some flower power to your visit with the wildflower season in full bloom between July – October. To catch a glimpse of some of Western Australia’s 12,000 wildflower species head to Chapman River Regional Park, Mills Point Lookout, Mullewa and Coalseam Conservation Park – all in close proximately to Geraldton.
Western Australia is home to some of the darkest skies in the world, making it the perfect place to crane your neck and stargaze the night away. For optimal stargazing, drive one-hour drive to Mullewa to see a sky full of stars. Shine on, Geraldton.
Top tip: for exceptional stargazing, we recommend heading to Perkins Well #2 in Mullewa.
This is a sponsored post for Australia’s Coral Coast– endorsed by So Perth. We value your feedback so please contact us with any thoughts in regards to our sponsored post.
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