Drives and road trips

Overlooking a stunning stretch of coastline and armed with a rich history, this lively port city serves up ample rewards for visitors.   

Where is it?

Geraldton is 420km north of Perth (4hr 30min drive) in the Coral Coast WA region.

Why go?

For its delightful seaside location, warm ambience, sunny disposition, and wide assortment of visitor attractions and activities. 

The essentials – things to do in Geraldton

Geraldton beaches

The city explodes with glittering coastline that’s suited to a raft of activity. Here are some highlights:

  • Greys Beach: A sparkling, sheltered stretch highly rated for swimming.
  • Front Beach: Family favourite perched at the southern end of Geraldton foreshore.
  • Pages Beach: Another protected patch popular with families and best suited to swimming and fishing.
  • St Georges Beach: Invites ample aquatic fun backed by BBQ facilities and a playground.
  • Sunset Beach: Much-loved for surfing, windsurfing, and kite boarding and a top place to witness a stunning sunset.
  • Town Beach (Champion Bay): Super central, protected, and pretty.

In addition, roughly 30km north of Geraldton, Coronation Beach is regarded as one of the world’s premier windsurfing spots.

HMAS Sydney II Memorial

Dedicated to the loss of HMAS Sydney II, Australia's greatest naval tragedy, the eye-catching monument provides a thorough insight into a captivating yet heartbreaking chapter of the nation’s past. A must-see attraction.

Museum of Geraldton

This modern museum retraces local history in outstanding fashion. The shipwrecks gallery is among the highlights, and the area’s Indigenous culture is explored in fascinating detail. Touring exhibitions add more value to a visit.

Geraldton Foreshore

This is the go-to spot for families. The precinct contains a water park and playground, both with free entry, and from here there’s easy access to cafés.

At the foreshore’s southern end is The Esplanade, home to a 360-degree viewing platform as well as walkways and BBQ areas.

Beresford Foreshore

Another crowd puller, this modern foreshore is superb for all ages with plenty of grassed areas for picnics in addition to a pirate-themed playground. Don’t miss the acclaimed sphere-shaped Horizon artwork, which ‘turns the world upside down’.

Point Moore Lighthouse

With its distinctive red and white candy-like stripes, the 34m-high landmark easily catches the eye. Interpretive signage at the site reveals various interesting facts about the lighthouse, which is directly across the road from a wonderful expanse of coastline.

Chapman River Regional Park

Just north of the CBD – this picturesque park features a looping mountain bike trail in addition to a popular walking-running track. A huge assortment of native flora and animal and bird species are found within these boundaries, too.

Alternatively, there’s a bike and scooter-friendly pump and jump track at nearby Spalding Park.


St Francis Xavier Cathedral

Both inside and out, this is a stunning structure. And clearly that was the intention – it took more than 20 years to complete the build. Regular guided tours for a modest fee represent excellent value and showcase the cathedral’s many intricate features.

Geraldton art galleries

The city allows ample opportunity to embrace culture. Here are a few highlights:

  • Geraldton Regional Art Gallery: A striking heritage building reveals a significant collection featuring pieces from renowned Australian artists.
  • Yamaji Art Centre: Showcases a raft of works from talented local Aboriginal artists.
  • Urban art: The city has a lively street-art scene with variable works dotted around the blocks. 

Things to do near Geraldton

Mills Point Lookout

Soak up stunning vistas that encompass Geraldton and the Chapman Valley. This is a prime spot to view WA’s wondrous wildflowers in season (reliably late July-early October).

Distance: 15km northeast of Geraldton.

Greenough

The village features dozens of restored heritage buildings that provide immediate visual charm. A scenic riverside walking trail and Greenough Wildlife Park are among leading attractions. And don’t miss the iconic wind-battered ‘leaning trees’, just north of town.

Distance: 20km south of Geraldton.

Hutt Lagoon

Also known as Pink Lake, this captivating creation is worth the drive to witness its bold and ever-changing colours. An aerial flyover departing Geraldton is the ultimate way to marvel at the lagoon’s mystique and there are on-site buggy tours, too.

Distance: 100km north of Geraldton.

Coalseam Conservation Park

While worth exploring at any time thanks to its rugged landscape, this park is best known for its annual display of wildflowers that carpet the ground with colour in season.

Distance: 100km southeast of Geraldton.

Random fact

Dotted 60km offshore from Geraldton are the magnificent Houtman Abrolhos Islands. The archipelago of 122 islands is a diving, bird-watching, and photography hotspot, accessible via boat or plane.

Enjoy a great Geraldton getaway. Start by clicking or tapping the graphic below.