Overview
- Main Attractions: HMAS Sydney II Memorial, WA Maritime Museum, Geraldton rock lobsters
- Best Time to Visit: September to November
- Local Specialty: Rock lobsters
- Travelled By: Rental car
- Cost: $$$
- Duration of Stay: 1 day
- Location: Western Australia
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Summary
Geraldton has a rich cultural heritage and maritime history. Nestled on Western Australia’s Batavia Coast, it is well known for numerous shipwrecks as well as those tasty sea creatures, rock lobsters. It is home to the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, a beautiful commemoration to the 645 Australian crew members that drowned at sea in 1941.
Geraldton: Our Experience
One day is enough time for us to get around and see the attractions that Geraldton has to offer.
The Geraldton Pier is where the rock lobster fishing boats moor after they return with their morning’s lobster catch. The fishermen belong to the Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative, whose 90 tonne capacity live lobster processing plant is located on Fisherman’s Wharf near the Geraldton Pier.
Live rock lobster factory tours are conducted here during the lobster season between November and August and we spend the morning learning about this multi-million dollar industry.
The banner from the Brolos website is displayed below to show pictures of the rock lobster tour at the processing plant.
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Following the live rock lobsters tour, we head over to visit the magnificent HMAS Sydney II Memorial to learn about and remember the 645 Australian crew members that drowned at sea in 1941.
While the sun scorches outside in the afternoon, we hide inside the Western Australian Museum at Geraldton which is a treasure trove for marine and shipwreck enthusiasts. At the long term exhibitions, we learn about the four local shipwrecks, including the famous Batavia shipwreck as well as the discovery of the HMAS Sydney II shipwreck.
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Geraldton is also famous for its rich cultural heritage which can be seen in the historic architecture of its buildings.
We were transported to the Spanish missionary era as we walked past and took this photo of the awe-inspiring architectural work of Monsignor John Hawes at St Francis Xavier Cathedral. The Byzantine style architecture of this cathedral is one of Monsignor Hawes’ greatest masterpieces.
A walking tour around the Bill Sewell complex allowed us to view the historical suite of buildings, part of which was formerly the Victoria District Hospital and later the Geraldton prison. The complex was constructed in stages beginning in the mid 1850s and today houses a host of businesses and organisations.
With our Geraldton trip completed by late afternoon, we’re on our way to Shark Bay, about a 5-hour drive from Geraldton.
