Congratulations, you have booked your trip to the Abrolhos Islands… awesome – whether you are taking a multi-day boat charter or a half/full day scenic flight tour, it will be an adventure of a lifetime! Don’t forget the camera....
Before your journey begins, there is plenty to enjoy in the gateway city of Geraldton, as your port stop before you head to the islands. Here are a few tips on making the most of this thriving coastal city…
STAY
Geraldton has taken a big leap forward in recent years with a range of stylish and elegant apartment hotels in great locations.
- The Gerald Apartment Hotel and The Hospitality Geraldton, SureStay by Best Western are both located walking distance to the heart of the city centre, with the Mantra Geraldton sitting atop the stunning Champion Bay Marina.
- For a comfortable and friendly option located at the edge of town, the Ibis Styles Geraldton is close to the airport and 100m from the beach.
- If you have caravan or camper trailer in tow or prefer a cabin style accommodation, you can’t go past the Belair Gardens Caravan Park located 250m from the waterfront.
EAT
In award-winning Geraldton there is a café revolution going on! With artisan coffee everywhere and ever more hipster joints serving avo-smash on organic sourdough there are plenty of options for a hearty feast. Stop in at The Jaffle Shack, Piper Lane Café, or Skeetas Restaurant located in the exquisite new marina with stunning panoramic ocean views.
Geraldton is also best known for its Western Rock Lobster industry and incredibly fresh-caught fish.
SEE
Geraldton has a thriving arts and culture scene that includes the Museum of Geraldton, several galleries and a vast collection of public art. The rich urban street art presence, especially within the city centre, has a considerable number of community-based artworks.
- The Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre is worth exploring as it features the architectural legacy of Monsignor John Cyril Hawes, who built the St Francis Xavier Cathedral.
- Equally the HMAS Sydney II Memorial located on Mount Scott is worth a visit and best viewed at sunrise or sunset.
- A trip to the Museum of Geraldton, to hear all about the fascinating yet brutal Batavia Story, is a ‘must’ before you head off on your Abrolhos Island trip.
- Latitude Gallery features pearls from Australia and around the globe, but most especially, pearls grown at the Abrolhos, not a bad idea for that holiday memoir!
OUT OF TOWN
If you are travelling around August or September, and want to see WA’s famous wildflowers without travelling too far from Geraldton, just 20 mins drive will land you in the Chapman Valley Regional Park.
Mountain biking is a great way to experience this plethora of nature. Hungry after a walk or ride, stop by the Burnt Barrel Outback BREW-BQ for lunch (please check open times).
WIND & WATER
Geraldton boasts a range of beautiful beaches, with the best surfing between April and October when there is little wind and ideal swell conditions.
- Start your coastal adventure with a slice of beach heaven at Point Moore Lighthouse and immerse yourself into those blue hues of the Indian Ocean.
- If you are a wind freak, cross onshore winds at Coronation Beach rate this location as one of the world’s best for windsurfing and wave jumping.
ADRENALINE RUSH
The Geraldton Foreshore is the best place to start if you are looking for a taste of water sports action ...of every kind! Ultimate Watersports operate in this beautiful protected bay area offering Jet Ski hire and tours, Fly board x, Jet Pack, SUP, Kayaking, Tubing, Wakeboarding, Kneeboarding, Skiing, Wakefoiling and more (November to April).
NEED MORE HELP?
The Geraldton Visitor Centre is a great source of information on what to see and do.
Enjoy!
