A town bursting with history and culture, just 1.5 hours drive south of Kalbarri.
The only city on the Coral Coast, Geraldton has established itself as a contemporary hub of cafes, shops, street art, and galleries. This bustling town boasts natural beauty, historical sites, and outdoor activities, meaning there’s something for everyone! Just a 1.5-hour drive south of Kalbarri, Geraldton makes for an easy day trip.
We’ve created this Geraldton guide to give you a lowdown on all that there is to see and do in the city. If you’re feeling inspired to travel here, have a look at our Kalbarri Trips, where Geraldton is a popular stop!
Visiting Geraldton is straightforward, with several options depending on your journey. Many visitors arrive by car, enjoying the scenic 4.5-hour drive north from Perth along the Indian Ocean. If you are coming from Kalbarri, the trip is much shorter, with just a 1.5-hour drive south bringing you into the heart of the city.
For those preferring to fly, Geraldton has its own regional airport with daily connections from Perth that take just over an hour. In Geraldton itself, there are a number of car rental companies to choose from if you want to make your own way around town or continue the journey further.
Travellers without a car can also make use of long-distance coaches such as Integrity Coach Lines, which link Geraldton with towns all along the Coral Coast. And if none of these options appeal to you, you could always join our Exquisite Coral Coast Tour from Perth to Kalbarri, where we explore and spend the night in Geraldton!
Geraldton is filled with historical and contemporary landmarks, from towering lighthouses to beautiful cathedrals and striking artworks. Here are some of the most notable attractions to explore on your visit to Geraldton:
One of the most significant attractions in Geraldton is the HMAS Sydney II Memorial. This memorial commemorates the loss of all 645 sailors aboard the HMAS Sydney II, which was destroyed by a German raider in 1941 near the coast of Geraldton. It’s considered the greatest tragedy in Australian Naval History. The memorial is located on Mount Scott and incorporates a beautifully symbolic design that invites contemplation.
Another popular attraction in Geraldton is the St Francis Xavier Cathedral, a beautiful Roman Catholic cathedral that opened in 1938. Construction took 22 years, and the results are spectacular. While the outside is stunning, the interiors are equally captivating. You can join a guided tour to learn more about its design and history.
On the Beresford Foreshore, you’ll find an unusual and enchanting artwork. The Horizon sculpture, locally known as the Big Marble, is a 1.5-metre sphere filled with water. Designed by artist Lucy Humphrey, the sculpture reflects the surrounding landscape and creates optical illusions that make for stunning photographs. Get some tips for how to capture it with our Photography Lover’s Guide to Western Australia’s Coral Coast!
The history of Geraldton goes all the way back to the mid-1800s, which you can learn more about at the Museum of Geraldton. With exhibitions focusing on Indigenous history, the environment, and some notable shipwrecks, the museum is unmissable for any visitor wanting to learn more about the region. Here you can also see the HMAS Sydney II wreck rendered in 3D images and film.
Standing 34 metres tall with red and white candy stripes, Point Moore Lighthouse is an iconic landmark in Geraldton. The lighthouse was first opened in 1878, becoming the first all-steel tower built on mainland Australia, and is still active today. While you can’t climb it, there is signage at the base revealing more about its history. You can also take a walk around Point Moore, soaking up the coastal views.
Whether you’re a culture buff or an outdoor adventurer, sightseeing in Geraldton is unmatched.
To experience the local culture, you can visit the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery which exhibits works by local and West Australian artists. There are also 29 public artworks you can discover along a trail, which includes Horizon, the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, Ilgarijiri, and the Sundial.
For those looking for some fun in the sun, there are plenty of sports and activities to enjoy in Geraldton. Along the extensive coastline, you can enjoy snorkelling, diving, and fishing. Those seeking an adrenaline rush can also hire equipment such as jet skis and flyboards and go speeding through the waters. Geraldton is also renowned for its consistent winds, making it a popular destination for kitesurfing.
Back on shore, the Geraldton Foreshore and Beresford Foreshore offer ample space for walking and cycling and opportunities for a dip in the sea. At the Esplanade, you can admire the views of the city, the Moresby Ranges, and Champion Bay from a panoramic platform and also meet some of the local sea lions.
For a longer excursion, the 17-kilometre Greenough River Nature Trail takes you through bush teeming with life and is perfect for walkers, runners, or cyclists. Following the Greenough River outside of Geraldton, you’ll find the popular Ellendale Pool. This natural oasis provides an idyllic location for a picnic and birdwatching.
Geraldton enjoys a Mediterranean-style climate, making it a year-round destination. Spring is especially popular for some Geraldton sightseeing, as the weather is warm without being too hot. This period also sees the surrounding countryside burst into colour during the wildflower season.
Summer brings long, dry days with temperatures often in the low thirties, creating perfect conditions for beach days and water sports. Autumn is mild and calm, offering some of the best opportunities to combine outdoor adventures with cultural exploration. While winter is cooler and sometimes wetter, it’s still pleasant compared to many other parts of Australia. Winter is also when whales can be spotted migrating along the coast!
Whether you are seeking a quick bite to eat between visiting Geraldton’s tourist attractions or a leisurely dinner by the coast, there are plenty of options to choose from. Simply head to the West End on Marine Terrace and you’ll find an incredible array of restaurants and cafes!
Food is very much part of Geraldton’s identity, thanks to its role as one of Western Australia’s major rock lobster fishing hubs. Fresh seafood, particularly crayfish, features prominently on local menus and is a must-try for visitors. Beyond seafood, the city’s café culture is thriving, with speciality coffee shops and breakfast spots drawing locals and travellers alike.
Along the Geraldton Foreshore, casual dining venues and oceanfront eateries invite you to enjoy everything from classic fish and chips to modern Australian cuisine while watching the sun dip into the sea. The city’s multicultural community also adds variety to its dining scene, with Italian, Thai, and Indian restaurants offering flavours from around the world.
About 80 kilometres to the west of Geraldton are the Abrolhos Islands, known as the Galapagos Islands of the Indian Ocean. This archipelago, consisting of 122 islands, is bursting with biodiversity and opportunities to explore. You can take a flight from Geraldton to spend a day on the islands or join a multi-day live-aboard cruise for an immersive journey.
Geraldton is also a gateway to the towns of Mullewa and Mingenew, both of which come alive with blooms during the wildflower season between August and October. Both towns are just an hour away from Geraldton, making it an excellent base during spring.
An hour north of Geraldton is the incredible Pink Lake, or Hutt Lagoon. This lake is a sight to behold with its bubblegum-coloured waters and makes for one of the most popular attractions on the Coral Coast. Continuing on from the Pink Lake, you’ll reach the town of Kalbarri and the Kalbarri National Park, where you can explore the rugged and expansive wilderness.
The town of Geraldton provides a quintessential experience of Western Australia, whether you explore it over a number of days or as a stop during a trip along the Coral Coast. With its fascinating history, rich culture, and thrilling excursions, it ticks every traveller’s wish list.
We hope this guide to Geraldton has provided you with the inspiration you need to travel here. You can visit Geraldton and many of its surrounding attractions as part of one of our Custom Tours from Kalbarri, where you get to choose what to see and do. If you’re excited to discover this breathtaking part of Australia, then get in touch with our team to arrange your trip or inquire about our tours and services.
