• Suggested Time: 5 days
  • Perth to Geraldton

Depending on the time of the year, Geraldton can be a destination in itself or a perfect hub to enjoy many regional experiences and attractions. From July to September, use Geraldton as a base to explore the many wildflower locations, or venture further north to Oakabella Homestead, Horrocks Beach, Pink Lake at Port Gregory and Kalbarri. During Summer, Geraldton has a wealth of great beaches and summer activities on their doorstep, making it a great family adventure.

Day One

Perth to Geraldton (approx 415 kilometres or 5 hours drive)

Either along the Brand Highway or picturesque Indian Ocean Drive, this journey takes you through the coastal towns of Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Greenhead, Leeman, and Dongara-Port Denison where there is plenty to discover. Consider stopping in to Jurien Bay for a sea-lion snorkeling tour. Tours leave from the Jurien Bay Boat Harbour where there is plenty of parking and public toilet facilities including warm showers.

Tour times are:
7:30 am – 10:00 am and 10:00 am – 12:30 pm during summer;
8:30 am – 11:00 am and 11:00 am – 1:30 pm during winter (15th May until 15th September)
Charters run daily, weather permitting.

Heading further north, discover Greenough’s historic charm just 20 minutes south of Geraldton and while you are there, visit the picturesque Ellendale Pool. Located approximately two kilometres north of the Greenough Historic Settlement, the iconic leaning trees of Greenough are a must-see when in the region.

Overnight - Geraldton

Day Two

Geraldton

Worked up an appetite for breakfast? Well, you’re in luck because Geraldton has a booming café scene. There’s some great eateries along Marine Terrace such as Flow Cafe, all sporting a contemporary menu that will have you salivating. While you're here, make sure to stock up your Instagram with shots in front of stand out Public Art that lines buildings and laneways.

Taking a walk around the city, head up to the newly opened Beresford Foreshore and check out the art installation: Horizon: Public Art - Geraldton's newest #Instaworthy location, on the Beresford Foreshore at the bottom of Dean Street.

On your way back, learn about Geraldton’s history by visiting the St Francis Xavier Cathedral. This beautiful building is some of famous architect Monsignor Hawes’ finest work and is one of the region’s jewels. Guided tours through the Cathedral are available and provide great insights into the building and Hawes’ work in the Midwest.

To delve into everything that Geraldton and the surrounding region has to offer, join a tour with MidWest Adventure Tours. Tours include a seasonal Wildflowers Tour, Historical Landmarks Tour, Food Tour, plus more.

Ahead of tomorrow's Abrolhos adventure, learn more about life in the Midwest at the Museum of Geraldton. The Museum celebrates our region’s history and is a great place to visit to learn about the Batavia Shipwreck and Houtman Abrolhos Islands. The Museum of Geraldton also has a great shop with local products, educational items and souvenirs.

Make your way up to Geraldton’s premier spot for honouring the fallen in the World War II battle off the Western Australian coast, HMAS Sydney II Memorial. This place is magic around sunset.

Overnight - Geraldton

Day Three

Houtman Abrolhos Islands

After breakfast make your way out to the Geraldton Airport because you’re headed to the Houtman Abrolhos Islands! Hop aboard a flight with Shine Aviation. Be sure to pack your togs and sunscreen – once you see the Abrolhos Islands you won’t be able to stop yourself from jumping in and going exploring. They will probably fly over the Pink Lake, Hutt Lagoon for you as well!

If you have more time or are looking for a bit more adventure, book a live aboard 3 or 5 day tour to the Abrolhos Islands. There are several live-aboard tours to the Abrolhos Islands - check out Eco Abrolhos who are also offering sunset cruises of Geraldton Harbour. Private and fishing charters are available with Apache Charters and Pelican Charters (who also go to the Montobello Islands).

Overnight - Geraldton

Day Four

Geraldton

Take a walk along the Geraldton Foreshore to see the Ilgarijiri Eggs designed by Yamatji artists Margaret Whitehurst and Barbara Merritt.

The Geraldton region is rich in Aboriginal culture. Those in search of cultural experiences will be fascinated by the ancient culture of the local Indigenous Yamatji people, visit the Yamatji Art Centre and learn how this gallery supports and develops Aboriginal artists living in the Lower Murchison region of Yamaji Country with a focus on sustaining cultural maintenance and arts practice while creating economic benefit. The Yamatji Drive Trail, covering 195km, takes in 14 sites of significance to the Yamatji people. Maps can be collected from the Visitor Centre at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery.

Jump in the car and explore the beaches and landscapes surrounding Geraldton, such as Point Moore to see the tallest ‘metal’ lighthouse in Australia, and then check out the kitesurfing and windsurfing at Coronation Beach. Pack your bathers in case you feel like going for a dip! If you are in Geraldton between November and April, head to the Geraldton foreshore for some Ultimate Watersports adventure. They have Jet Ski Hire, Jet Ski Tours, Fly board x, Jet Pack, SUP, Kayaking, Tubing, Wakeboarding, Kneeboarding, Skiing, Wakefoiling and more.

For a bit of family fun, check out Chapman Valley Fishing Park, for a nice protected fishing experience for the whole family. Just 25 minutes drive north of Geraldton, Chapman Valley has some great mountain bike trails if you have your bikes with you.

Explore Geraldton Harbour on a Summer Sunset Cruise as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean with Eco Abrolhos. Enjoy food, beverages and live music during the warmer months (November to January). Book this tour with the Visitor Centre.

Staying on land for dinner? Fine dine and take in the view of the Harbour at Skeetas Restaurant

Overnight - Geraldton

Day Five

Geraldton to Perth (approx 415 kilometres or 5 hours drive)

Shop for your holiday memento at Latitude Gallery or Chimere Pearls, showcasing the amazing Abrolhos Pearls, before heading home to Perth.