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Geraldton offers a scenic paradise GERALDTON is the regional hub of Western Australia's entire Mid West. Located about 450km north of the Capital, Perth, the city is perched near beautiful coastline to the west and rolling hills and breakaway ranges to the east.The Chapman and Greenough Rivers frame the city to the north and south. This superb positioning, combined with the friendly feel of a country town, makes for a truly memorable holiday experience. Geraldton's incredible location lends itself to a host of holiday activities, especially water sports. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing, fishing, diving and swimming are popular choices for the energetic while those looking to relax will love lazing on Geraldton's white sandy beaches, strolling its shorelines or wading in the turquoise shallows. Houtman Abrolhos Islands Geraldton is the gateway to this amazing archipelago of 122 islands located about 70km from Geraldton shores. The islands boast an incredible range of marine life, thanks to a unique mix of tropical and temperate marine species. The spectacular coral gardens make for magnificent scuba diving and snorkelling while the prolific fish life means fishing is top notch. The Abrolhos are renowned as one of the country's best sea bird breeding colonies, as well as a haven for marine mammals such as sea lions, dolphins and migratory whales. The Abrolhos Islands are also rich in maritime history. The infamous Batavia wreck lies on the ocean floor at the Wallabi group of islands. Wrecked in 1629, most of her crew and passengers survived, only to face a horrendous mutiny in which 125 men, women and children were slaughtered while awaiting rescue. These days, 22 of the islands house fishermen who inhabit their island homes from March to June each year during the Abrolhos western rock lobster fishing season. The Abrolhos Islands are accessible by boat, plane or helicopter. No accommodation is available on the islands. Fly/land tours are available on request to suit your schedule. Chose between a two hour fly-over tour to a full-day snorkelling tour in the pristine waters of East-Wallaby island. Chapman River The Chapman River begins at Yuna, about 60km from Geraldton and discharges into the ocean at Sunset Beach. It is a highly significant waterway for the region as a haven for many forms of flora and fauna life. You can best experience the river by walking one of the Chapman Regional Wildlife Corridor trails. The trails are particularly spectacular during the wildflower season from around August to October when the countryside explodes in a riot of dazzling colour. Drop into the Geraldton Visitor Centre for walk trails and brochures. Greenough River This scenic river meanders 250km through the countryside to meet the ocean at Cape Burney. It's a haven for an amazing range of birds, from the elegant egrets and herons to the majestic osprey. Fishermen frequent both the river and the nearby beach to bring in delights such as bream, tailor and mulloway. One of the best ways of experiencing the Greenough River is by walking or cycling the Greenough River Natural Walk Trail. Ellendale Pool This scenic watering hole in Greenough is the ideal picnic location. Giant gums and rocky gorge surround the pool. Toilet and barbecue facilities are on offer and camping is $5 per night and limited to three days. An honesty box has been provided. Ellendale Pool is about 45km south of Geraldton on Ellendale Road, via Walkaway. Easy to relax or be a bit more energetic Beach/Shore fishing Land based fishing provides the ideal way to unwind from your day, watch the sunset and enjoy a drink or two. Geraldton boasts a host of river and ocean fishing locations. The Greenough River mouth is particularly popular for a wide variety of catches such as bream, mulloway, flat head, tailor and herring. Point Moore and Separation Point are good locations for whiting and herring while the Batavia Coast Marina and the Fishermen's Wharf are popular bream fishing spots. Golf Geraldton is lucky to boast two top quality 18-hole golf courses in the Spalding Park Golf Club and the Geraldton Golf Club. Both clubs welcome visitors and feature reticulated grassed fairways and excellent greens. Lakes, ponds and bunkers add to the scenery - and the challenge. What's more, each course features totally different fairways and excellent proshops. Lawn bowls Geraldton's two bowling clubs welcome visitors to enjoy their immaculate greens and friendly atmosphere. The Geraldton Bowling Club is located on Onslow St, Geraldton. The Wonthella Bowling Club is situated on Eighth Street, Wonthella. Diving This confiscated illegal fishing vessel was scuttled three nautical miles from Geraldton shores in 2004 to serve as an artificial reef and dive attraction. The hulls and holds which once housed a diverse mix of fishermen who plundered the high seas for Patagonian Toothfish now boast newly growing corals and weeds and a profusion of fish life. Scenic flights There is no better way to gain a true appreciation of Geraldton's beauty than from the air. From above, the city and its surrounds form a palate of dazzling colours, ranging from the brilliant blue of the ocean, to the golden hues of agricultural land. Soar above the coastline; circle the city, lighthouse and port or gain a better appreciation of the flat-topped hills of the Moresby Ranges. You can also experience the natural wonder of the Abrolhos Islands from the air. From above the islands and their surrounding reefs form an abstract picture of the most brilliant blues. If you're lucky you may spot a humpback whale during the migratory season from around August to November and during the fishing season you'll be sure to spot some of the fishing fleet as they bring in ocean delicacies. Sports Geraldton is renowned for its quality sporting facilities and talent. No matter what your sporting interest, you're sure to find it in Geraldton. Organised sports include tennis, squash, golf, cricket, soccer, football, hockey, basketball, netball, volleyball, croquet and bowls. Water lovers can indulge in surfing, swimming, windsurfing and kitesurfing and walkers and bike riders will love the host of bush and city walking and cycling trails. Surfing Geraldton's pristine waters boast a variety of surf breaks for everyone from the beginner to the more experienced surfer. The beach break at Mahomets' Back Beach is particularly popular in summer, offering consistent waves. Greenough River Mouth offers another good beach break throughout the year. Sunset Beach is popular during winter when bigger swells create better surfing conditions, Flatrocks, 30km south of Geraldton, is also popular during bigger swells in winter. It offers a reef bottom break with both left and right hand breaks. Walking Geraldton boasts an ever-increasing number of walk trails that offer a fantastic way of exploring the city and its surrounds, while enjoying some exercise. Appreciate the coast by strolling the foreshore walk, which begins in the city centre, passes the marina and hugs the shoreline along Champion Bay towards Bluff Point. Alternatively, try a river walk - there's a great signposted walk along the banks of the Greenough River (17km return) and a series of trails at the Chapman River's Regional Wildlife Corridor. Geraldton's newly updated walking map also offers a host of city-based walks past attractions such as the museum and the HMAS Sydney II Memorial. Windsurging/Kitesurfing Windsurfing/Kitesurfing Geraldton's consistent summer winds have earned the city the title of the country's windsurfing capital. Conditions are so ideal for windsurfing that hundreds of windsurfers from across the globe descend on Geraldton each year to experience the thrill of racing across the water on a sail or kite board. Conditions are best during the summer months from around November to March when prevailing southerly sea breezes spice up the action. Geraldton boasts a variety of windsurfing locations, ensuring there's something for everyone from the total beginner through to windsurfing champions. Point Moore is renowned for its variety of conditions - from its protected bay to its outer reef and waves. Sunset Beach and its wave breaks are great for your more experienced windsurfers. St Georges Beach is great for beginners. At Coronation Beach, some 30km north, beginners can windsurf in the bay while more experienced windsurfers can hit the outer ocean and windsurf the waves. You can hire or buy all your windsurfing or kitesurfing equipment in Geraldton and also book lessons with a former national champion. |
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