Geraldton
Outback Travel Guide
Geraldton is located around 420kms North of Perth and is known as the Sun City due to it averaging 8 hours of sunshine per day and its a warm dry climate. It is surrounded by beaches and is known for its yachting, diving, surfing and windsurfing.
Being the most populated town north of Perth, Geraldton makes a good base for you to stay in and explore the surrounding area. From here you can easily do day tours to see the wildflowers when they are in season, head out to the Abrolhos Islands, dive on the Batavia Shipwreck, explore the Chapman and Greenough Rivers, or just relax on the beaches. If you don't have time to travel all the way up the coast, then take a scenic flight over the area and see the spectacular countryside from the air, or spend a few hours in Monkey Mia and play with the dolphins before flying back again.
Geraldton Attractions
Abrolhos Islands
The Abrolhos Islands consist of 3 groups of 40 islands each, stretching over 100kms and located about 70kms from the shore. Fishing around the islands is said to be some of the best in the world, and there are spectacular coral gardens for diving and snorkelling. The Abrolhos Islands are great places to spot sea lions, dolphins and migratory whales, and the Batavia wreck from Holland which was shipwrecked in 1629 lies on the ocean floor.
Day trips are available either by boat or plane.
HMAS Sydney Memorial
The HMAS Sydney Memorial commemorates the loss of the 645 men from the HMAS Sydney which was sunk on the 19th of November 1941 after a battle with the German raider HSK Kormoran. The memorial was opened on the 18th of November 2001, and the eternal flame was lit on the 19th of November 2001, 60 years to the day after the tragic loss. The dome roof on the memorial is formed by 645 interlocking doves, each one representing a life lost.
Principality of Hutt River
Princess Shirley, Sir Steve Baikie, Prince Leonard
Around 100kms North of Geraldton is the Principality of Hutt River, an Independent Sovereign State, having seceded from Australia on the 21st of April 1970. Hutt River is around 75 square kms in size and has its own economy, generating its income from grains, wildflowers and tourism. Upon arrival you will be met by a family member of the Royal Family where they will stamp your passport to grant entry. If you don't have a passport, don't worry as you can purchase a Visa for a small fee.
Camping facilities are available.
www.principality-hutt-river.com
Wildflowers
Each year from around August to October the country comes to life when the wildflowers burst into bloom. Two great spots to see the wildflowers are at the Coalseam Conservation Park, and the Kalbarri National Park.
Coalseam Conservation Park
During the wildflower season the Coalseam Conservation Park comes alive with a stunning collection of flowers including carpets of pink, white and yellow Everlastings, Banksias, Hakeas and Grevilleas. The conservation park is also home to Western Australia's first coal mine, and there are many walking trails throughout the park.
Camping is available in 2 designated areas, there is however no drinking water so bring plenty along with you.
Kalbarri National Park
Located 160kms North of Geraldton is the Kalbarri National Park, offering spectacular scenery and stunning colours when the wildflowers come alive from August to October. The park has spectacular coastal cliffs and river gorges, and the tumblagooda sandstone walls which were created 400 million years ago on the tidal flats of an ancient sea.
Camping is not permitted in the park, but a full range of accommodation is available in the township of Kalbarri.
You can buy this photo at AllPosters.com
Back Beach
Back Beach is an enjoyable 20 minute walk from Geraldton along the pristine white sandy beaches. It is a popular surfing beach and is a good place to body surf.
Geraldton Weather - Average Temperatures and Rainfall
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Avg. Max (°C) | 31.6 | 32.5 | 30.9 | 27.6 | 24.0 | 20.9 | 19.5 | 20.0 | 22.0 | 24.4 | 27.1 | 29.4 |
| Avg. Min (°C) | 18.3 | 19.1 | 17.9 | 15.4 | 12.9 | 11.0 | 9.5 | 8.9 | 9.3 | 10.9 | 13.8 | 16.3 |
| Avg. Rain (mm) | 5.7 | 11.2 | 16.2 | 24.5 | 70.4 | 100.1 | 92.4 | 64.1 | 32.5 | 19.2 | 9.2 | 5.4 |
| Avg. Rain Days | 1.6 | 2.3 | 2.8 | 5.8 | 9.9 | 13.6 | 14.6 | 12.5 | 9.8 | 6.9 | 3.9 | 2.1 |