Geraldton - Western Australia's Coral Coast

Places to see in the Geraldton region are numerous. Places with Geraldton itself, the Greenough area 24 kilometres to the south of Geraldton and the Chapman Valley which is located approximately 50 kilometres north east of Geraldton.

- Geraldton Area -
Below information is supplied by the Geraldton Tourist Bureau. More information can be obtained from the Geraldton Tourist Bureau on Phone + 61 8 9921 3999 Fax + 61 8 9964 2445 Email info@geraldtontourist.com.au or in writing to PO Box 187, Geraldton WA 6531. The bureau is located at corner Chapman Road & Bayly Street, Geraldton.

HMAS Sydney Memorial - A World Class tribute to the HMAS Sydney
( www.hmassydney.com.au ). November 1941, the HMAS Sydney was lost off the coast of Geraldton whilst engaging the German Raider 'Kormoran'. The memorial precinct is located at Mount Scott Geraldton. The interior concave side of the Wall of Rememberance, situated at the memorial, bears the names of all 645 men who lost their lives. The centre-piece is a dome surmounted be seven pillars, representing the seven states and territories of Australia. The dome is made up of silver gulls that form a filigree canopy. The Stele is made of stainless steel and represents the bow of the HMAS Sydney. A bronze figure of a woman also stands at the memorial. She is holding her hat against the sea breeze, her skirt is blown back by the prevauiling winds. She is anxious, tense, her gaze forever fixed patiently on the horizon. She is eternal, the figure of a waiting woman, grieving for her lost loved one.

Western Australian Museum Geraldton - Located on the Batavia Coast Marina. A world class museum and interpretive centre. View the displays on the famous Dutch shipwrecks from the 1600s and 1700s, indigenous culture, flora and fauna and much more. Geraldton Museum is a branch of the Western Australian Museum which houses displays concerned with the region's cultural and natural heritage. These include items from 17th and 18th century shipwrecks 'Batavia', 'Zuytdorp' and 'Zeewijk'. Exhibits are complemented by sophisticated audio-visual displays. An education program facilitates school visits. Regular holiday program activities are organised for families visiting the museum during school holidays. Open daily 10am to 4pm.

Marra Aboriginal Gallery - WA Museum Geraldton 1 Museum Place, Geraldton. Marra Art Gallery brings the creations of the Mid West indigenous community to the fore in a wide range of mediums including paintings, ceramics and textiles. Marra Aboriginal Corporation was formed in 1998 when a group of Aboriginal art students, artists and Aboriginal arts administrators decided to form a Arts Group. Marra initially concentrated on holding art workshops in the communities to further develop artists skills in teaching, to learn new techniques and to encourage more expression through our art in our Region. The name “marra” was selected to describe our group as it means “hand” in many Aboriginal languages around Australia – including our own languages. Our marra is important to us all, this is the tool to promote and preserve our art and culture.
Phone: 08 9965 3440 Website: www.marra.com.au

Rock Lobster Factory Tours - Geraldton Fisherman's Co-Operative Free Live Lobster Processing Tours are conducted Monday to Friday at 0930 and 1030 and Saturdays at 0930 from November to June. Come for a walk through a unique Live Lobster factory and experience the smell of the sea, the size of the catch and follow the journey from processor to the plate. Head covering must be worn at all times inside the factory. Disposable hats are available at the door. Sturdy foot wear is advised as it is a wet environment. For further information contact Ann Potter, Tour Guide on 9921 2079 or after hours 9921 7084. Group bookings available.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross - Consecrated in 1964 and at the time was the only building of its type in Australia. The shape is that of a star pointing to the east. It contains 15 solid glass windows and made of reinforced concrete the walls were surface blasted both inside and out. to expose the quartz aggregates. Open to the public except Saturdays and school holidays.

St Francis Xavier Cathedral - Built in stages from 1914 until the opening in 1938, The Byzantine style architecture is one of the Monsignor John Hawe's masterpieces. Open to the public with free conducted tours Mondays 10am and Fridays 2pm.

Geraldton Art Gallery - The building was opened in 1901 as the original town hall. Displays of art and crafts works from leading state, national and international exhibitions. Also works from the Art Gallery of Western Australia and City of Geraldton Collections. Open daily, Sundays and Mondays 1-30pm to 4-30pm.

Geraldton Central - The award winning Geraldton Central is a significant development at Geraldton’s Batavia Coast Marina Development. You can visit Geraldton Central which feature local history, maps, heritage buildings and historic drawings of the former Geraldton Railway Station. Geraldton Central also offers caravan parking for people not staying in Geraldton but needing short term shopper or rest point parking for their caravan. Geraldton Central
Located at Chapman Road, Geraldton WA 6530 Ph: 08 9965 2888 Fax: 08 9964 3637

Geraldton Regional Art Gallery - Historic Building housing a growing local collection of works as well as offering a contemepory space showcasing state and national travelling exhibitions.
Location: 24 Chapman Road Geraldton 6530 Phone: 9964 7180 Fax: 9921 7453 Email: artgallery@geraldton.wa.gov.au

Old Gaol Art Gallery - Bill Sewell Complex Open Daily10.00am to 4.00pm Free Admission. Phone: 08 9921 1614

Scenic Lookout and Wishing Well - Take in the Geraldton Panorama. The view from Waverley Heights lookout located on Brede Street is panoramic, taking in the central business district, port and beaches.

Lighthouse Keepers Cottage - Old world charm Bluff Point near the world famous St Georges beach the cottage was built in 1876, it was the original lighthouse keepers residence for the port of Geraldton. The local historical Society is based here. Open Thursdays only 10am to 4pm

Point Moore Lighthouse - Perfect place for beach walk and sunset photos During the construction of the lighthouse In 1878 the foundations had to be relocated when it was discovered they were in the wrong location. The structure was imported from England in sections and assembled on site. It is the only all steel structure of its kind in Western Australia and stands 34m and its light can be seen 26km out to sea. Lighthouse is not open to the public.

 - Greenough Area -

Greenough Museums - Greenough is home to two museums that house a great collection of materials. The Pioneer Museum is one of the best folk displays in Australia. Housed in the beautifully restored two storey house alongside Maleys Mill.
The building is owned by the Shire of Greenough and operated by the Geraldton Historical Society. Open daily from 10am to 4pm except Fridays. Phone: 08 9926 1058 Email: gtonhistsoc@wn.com.au

The Walkaway Railway Station Museum is located approximately 25 minutes from Geraldton (inland from the Hamlet). The museum is housed in the restored Railway Station Building. It has an excellent display of regional transport, natural resources, weapons and military relics. It also features family history pertaining to the local pioneering families. Phone 08 9926 1036

Greenough Leaning Trees - From the Brand Highway on the Greenough Flats, view and photograph these unique leaning trees with horizontal trunks created by salt laden winds off the Indian Ocean.

Greenough River Mouth and Devlin Pool - The river estuary, beach front and rocky point are an attraction, with good fishing in both the river estuary and the sea. Car parking, toilet and shower facilities are available. Devlin Pool is an attractive pool on the Greenough River, incorporating picnic areas and a walk trail from the mouth of the river.

Ellendale Pool  - Relax and enjoy This deep water pool is located east of Walkaway on the Greenough Tourist Drive. Ellendale Pool is a natural freshwater pool formed by Greenough river and fed by underground springs. Just a short east drive from Walkaway approximately 20 km south of Geraldton.

A great place for amateur photographers as the sun's rays hit the sheer limestone cliffs at sunset. Enjoy a BBQ at Ellendale Pool, toilets and swings for the kids provided.

Greenough River Nature Trail - The Greenough River Nature Trail was created to provide visitors and residents with access to view the Greenough River whilst protecting the environmentally sensitive areas. The trail commences near the Greenough River Mouth and concludes at Rudds Gully, near Devlin Pool.

Greenough Hamlet - Visit the Greenough Hamlet and take a quiet walk through the village. Experience the pioneerring life of the early settlers who fought isolation, sickness, floods and other disasters. Visit the old cemetaries nearby and read the epitaphs' on their tombstones. An insight into the hardships and living conditions of the people and families who lived on the Greenough Flats. Located forty-one kilometres north of Dongara on the Brand Highway, the Greenough Hamlet is an impresive collection of 11 buildings of a kind found nowhere else in Australia, including school houses, a courthouse and police station, a cottage, churches, a presbytery and a convent. Printed visitor guides are available to take on a walk around the well preserved buildings, eleven of which are maintained by the National Trust. The Hamlet is open daily 9am - 4.00pm.

Max Royce Greenough Woodworks - Greenough area
website:www.maxroyce.com - email: maxroyce@midwest.com.au
Max Royce Greenough Woodworks - Lot 25 Brand Highway Greenough, Geraldton Western Australia 6532
Phone +61 8 9926 1261  -  Fax +61 8 9926 1261

Set amongst 15 acres of native trees is the Greenough Woodworks gallery and workshop.The two storey rammed earth building showcases unique recycled timber furniture created by local craftsmen.

Chapman Valley Wines - Chapman Valley area
website: www.chapmanvalleywines.com.au  - email: pederick@bigpond.com
Ego Creek Vineyard - Lot 14 Howatharra Road Nanson, Geraldton Western Australia 6532
Phone +61 8 9920 5148  -  Fax +61 8 9920 5206

W.A's most northern winery, free wine tasting, great food, play area for kids relaxed family day, a choice of 4 reds and 6 whites. Located in the picturesque Chapman Valley approximately 30 Km's north east Geraldton. What started as a hobby on a near by property became an ambition to establish a commercial Winery in the Geraldton area. First plantings were five hectares in 1995 a second planting of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in 1999. Chapman Valley is primarily a farming area, a pleasant drive from Geraldton to the Vineyard; a popular spot for locals as well as tourists. Wine tastings by appointment only

Ego Creek Vineyard - Chapman Valley area
website: www.egocreek.com.au (currently unavailable)  - email: egocreek@wn.com.au
Ego Creek Vineyard - Lot 20 Chapman Valley Road Waggrakine, Geraldton Western Australia 6530
Phone +61 8 9938 1052  -  Fax +61 8 9938 1052

Just 5 kms along the Chapman Valley Road is the valley's, until now, best kept secret.Relax on our verandahs and watch the sun set over Champion Bay. Stunning views, very relaxing atmosphere and delicious award winning wines.
Sorry! Children not catered for, venue unsuitable.

Dindiloa Wines- Chapman Valley area
website: n/a - email: dindiloawines@westnet.com.au
Dindiloa Wines -Chapman Valley Road, Geraldton Western Australia 6530
Phone +61 8 9964 2006  -  Fax +61 89964 2006

Details available soon

Red Hill of Chapman Valley Winery and Backpackers ( Chapman Valley )
website: redhill.modnet.com.au/winery.htm  - email: claudia@wn.com.au
Red Hill of Chapman Valley Winery & Backpacker - Murphy Norris Road Yetna, Chapman Valley Western Australia 6532
Phone +61 8 9920 5034 - Fax +61 89920 5229

Wine Tasting and Cellar Door Sales Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays - 10am to 5pm (Weekdays by appointment) or relax in the beautiful farm and winery surrounds of this unique backpackers retreat. Located in the Chapman Valley, Red Hill provides a welcome rest for the traveller and a perfect base to discover the delight of the valley Budget accommodation and wine tasting in a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surrounding. Stay in the historic old stone cottage and relax amongst the unique slopes of the Chapman Valley. The cottage is fully self contained with well equipped kitchen, BBQ and living area with TV and open fire-place. There are two bunk rooms and one double bedroom. You'll enjoy: Bushwalks Kangaroos Farm Activities Sheep shearing (in season) Wine Tasting

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