Geraldton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Geraldton Western Australia
Marine Terrace in Geraldton Geraldton Marina
Geraldton Location in Western Australia
Population	38,595 (2021 census) (41st)
• Density	142.575/km2 (369.27/sq mi)
Established	1850
Postcode(s)	6530, 6531, 6532
Area	270.7 km2 (104.5 sq mi)(2011 urban)
Time zone	AWST (UTC+8)
Location	424 km (263 mi) NNW of Perth 476 km (296 mi) S of Carnarvon
LGA(s)	City of Greater Geraldton
Region	Mid West
State electorate(s)	Geraldton
Federal Division(s)	Durack
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall 26.1 °C 79 °F 13.7 °C 57 °F 416.3 mm 16.4 in

Geraldton is a city on the coast of Western Australia. It's about 424 kilometers (263 miles) north of Perth, the state capital. The local Aboriginal names for Geraldton are Jambinu (in Wajarri) and Jambinbirri (in Wilunyu).

In 2021, about 38,595 people lived in Geraldton. It's the main city for the City of Greater Geraldton area. This area also includes the towns of Mullewa and Walkaway.

Geraldton has a big port on the west coast. It's an important place for mining, fishing, farming (wheat and sheep), and tourism in the region.

History of Geraldton

First People of Geraldton

We know that Aboriginal people have lived on the west coast of Australia for at least 40,000 years. The first people of the Geraldton area are the Amangu people. Nearby are the Nanda to the north and Badimaya to the east. Today, many Aboriginal people in this area call themselves Yamatji or Wajarri people.

Aboriginal people helped early settlers find water. They also worked in industries like pearling, farming, and fishing.

Yamatji art is a special kind of painting. It uses thousands of dots of ochre (earth pigments) to create patterns and pictures. These artworks tell stories important to Yamatji/Wajarri culture. You can learn more about Yamatji/Wajarri culture at the Western Australia Museum in Geraldton.

European Explorers Arrive

Many European sailors came across the Houtman Abrolhos islands, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Geraldton, in the 1600s and 1700s. Some ships even wrecked there.

One famous shipwreck was the Batavia in 1629. It was a ship from the Dutch East India Company. After it crashed, there was a mutiny (a rebellion by the crew). The Western Australian Museum in Geraldton has many items from the Batavia and other shipwrecks. You can see clay pipes, silver coins, cannons, and even part of the ship's stone entrance.

In 1839, explorer George Grey passed through the area where Geraldton is now. A year later, in 1840, Captain John Clements Wickham explored the area and named Champion Bay.

Later, in 1848, a member of explorer Augustus Gregory's team found lead ore in the Murchison River. This led to the Geraldine mine. The town of Geraldton was then planned in 1850 and named after Governor Charles Fitzgerald.

Geraldton in World War II

During World War II, Geraldton was home to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) flying school. This school trained pilots from 1941 to 1945.

Climate and Weather

Geraldton has a Mediterranean climate. This means it has long, hot summers and short, mild, wet winters. It's a very sunny place, with about 164 clear days each year.

In winter, the temperature is usually mild, around 20°C (68°F). Most of the rain for the year falls during this time.

In summer, temperatures average 32–33°C (90–91°F). Some days can be hotter than 40°C (104°F). Sea breezes help cool down the coastal areas. Inland areas like Strathalbyn and Utakarra are usually hotter. On February 18, 2024, Geraldton had its hottest day ever, reaching 49.3°C (120.7°F).

People of Geraldton

The 2021 census showed that 38,595 people lived in Geraldton.

• About 9.7% of people were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Most people (65.1%) were born in Australia. Others came from England (7.7%), New Zealand (2.6%), South Africa (1.5%), and the Philippines (1.3%).
• English was spoken at home by 82.7% of people. Other languages included Malay, Afrikaans, and Tagalog.
• The most common religions were No Religion (41.2%), Catholic (22.2%), and Anglican (11.9%).

Geraldton's Economy

The Geraldton area produces about $2.944 billion in goods and services. This makes up a big part of the Mid West Region's economy.

Port of Geraldton

The Port of Geraldton is a very important port on Australia's west coast. It has seven berths (places where ships can dock). In 2012/2013, it was the 12th busiest port in Australia for exports.

The main things shipped out from Geraldton port are:

• Iron ore
• Grain (like wheat)
• Mineral sands
• Copper and zinc concentrates
• Livestock (animals like sheep)

The main things brought into the port are petroleum products (like fuel).

Things to See and Do

Visitor Centre

The Geraldton Visitor Centre is inside the art gallery on Chapman Road. It used to be in the old Railway Station, which was built in 1878. This was the first government railway station in Western Australia.

Point Moore Lighthouse

The Point Moore Lighthouse is a historic landmark south of the Geraldton Port. It's the oldest lighthouse in Western Australia that was built by the Commonwealth (the Australian government). It was also the first steel lighthouse tower built on the Australian mainland.

The lighthouse is 35 meters (115 feet) tall. Its light can be seen from 23 nautical miles away. It started working in 1878. The tower parts were made in England and shipped to Australia. Today, it's a heritage-listed building. Many people visit it to take photos or enjoy the view.

Geraldton Foreshore and City Centre

The Geraldton foreshore (the area along the water) was redeveloped in 2007-2008. It used to be an old railway yard. Now, it's a fun place with:

• A playground with water activities
• Green spaces for relaxing
• Public beaches
• Picnic areas
• A basketball court
• Shaded play areas

Geraldton is a popular stop for cruise ships. Volunteers welcome visitors and give them information about the city.

HMAS Sydney Memorial

The memorial for the World War II ship HMAS Sydney is on Mount Scott. It remembers the ship and its 645 crew members who were lost in November 1941. The Sydney was sunk in a battle with a German ship called the Kormoran. Sadly, no one from the Sydney survived.

The permanent memorial was opened in 2001. It has four main parts:

• A tall stone pillar shaped like the front of a ship.
• A granite wall with the names of all the lost crew members.
• A bronze statue of a woman looking out to sea, waiting for the Sydney to return.
• A dome made of 645 stainless steel seagulls. Each seagull represents one of the lost sailors. Seagulls are sometimes called 'soul birds' because people believe they carry the souls of those lost at sea.

In 2009, the Australian government recognized this memorial as very important to the nation.

Fun Activities in Geraldton

The Geraldton foreshore has paths perfect for walking, running, cycling, and skateboarding. There are also skate parks in several suburbs like Cape Burney and Maitland Park.

You can visit farmers markets on Saturdays at Maitland Park and on Sundays at the old railway station.

If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can drive on many beaches around Geraldton. Just be careful, as some areas might be hard to pass during high tide or big waves.

Beaches to Explore

Geraldton has many beautiful beaches. Some of the main ones are:

• Tarcoola Beach
• Back Beach
• Separation Point
• Point Moore
• Pages Beach
• Town Beach
• Champion Bay
• St Georges
• Sunset Beach
• Bluff Point

Sports and Recreation

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

From September to April, Geraldton gets strong, steady sea breezes. This makes it a fantastic place for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Popular spots include Back Beach, Separation Point, and Sunset Beach. Many people from other countries come here to enjoy these sports. Manufacturers even test their new gear here!

Surfing and Stand-Up Paddlesurfing

Surfing and Stand up paddle surfing are also popular. Good surf spots include Flat Rocks, Greenough, and Sunset Beach. For stand-up paddling, try Point Moore, Town Beach, or St. Georges Beach.

In winter, the winds change, and big waves from the Indian Ocean can create good surfing conditions. However, a reef protects the coastline, which makes the waves smaller when they reach the beaches.

Fishing, Boating, and Sailing

Many people enjoy saltwater fishing, boating, and sailing along Geraldton's coast.

From the beaches and wharves, you can catch fish like Mulloway, Bream, and Whiting. If you go offshore, you might find bigger fish like Dhufish, Mackerel, and Tuna. You don't need a license to fish from the shore. But if you fish from a boat, you need a license from the Department of Fisheries. There are also rules about how many fish you can catch and their size.

Geraldton is home to the Geraldton Yacht Club, which celebrated its 100th birthday in 2014.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

Scuba diving and snorkelling are popular activities. There are several wreck diving sites off the coast. One famous wreck is the South Tomi, which was sunk on purpose in 2004 to create an artificial reef.

The South Tomi was a fishing boat caught illegally fishing in Australian waters. The Australian government took the ship. Geraldton decided to sink it to make a dive site. It's now about 24.5 meters (80 feet) deep, and its deck is 13 meters (43 feet) from the surface. It's a great place for divers to explore!

Team Sports

Geraldton has many local sports teams. You can find teams for Australian Rules Football, Basketball, Netball, and Soccer.

The men's basketball team, the Geraldton Buccaneers, is very popular. They play at Activewest Stadium, and their home games are often sold out!

Geraldton also has the Mid West Academy of Sport. This group helps talented athletes, coaches, and officials in the region.

Horse Racing

Geraldton has a horse racing industry. Since 1887, it has hosted the yearly Geraldton Gold Cup race.

Entertainment

The Queens Park Theatre is Geraldton's biggest place for shows and conferences. It has a large auditorium with 673 seats and an outdoor amphitheater. It hosts professional performances from all over the world.

Theatre 8 is a local amateur theatre group that showcases local talent.

The Orana Cinemas is Geraldton's only movie theater. It's in the historic West End and shows movies, including 3D films. Sometimes in summer, movies are shown outdoors by the Dome on Foreshore Drive.

Events

The Geraldton Sunshine Festival started in 1958 and is one of Australia's oldest festivals. It happens every October to celebrate spring. It's a chance for locals and visitors to enjoy the community.

The Goodness Sustainability and Innovation Festival takes place every August. It celebrates new ideas and achievements in making the Mid West region more sustainable.

The Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival brings Australian and international authors to Geraldton. They share their knowledge and experiences with the community.

Churches

The St Francis Xavier Cathedral is a beautiful Roman Catholic cathedral. It was designed by a priest named John Hawes. Building started in 1916 and finished in 1938.

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross is the Anglican cathedral. It was built in the early 1960s. It's known for having one of the largest areas of stained glass windows in Australia.

Facilities and Services

The Greater Geraldton Regional Library is open seven days a week. It offers free public WiFi. You can also find free WiFi along the Geraldton Foreshore.

The Geraldton Batavia Coast Marina has three jetties and many boat pens for commercial and recreational boats. It also has boat ramps and a boardwalk.

The Geraldton Volunteer Marine Rescue helps people on the water. They monitor marine radio channels on weekends and public holidays.

The Geraldton Regional Art Gallery opened in 1984. It was one of the first "A Class" regional art galleries in Australia.

The Aquarena is a public swimming center. It has large pools, a leisure pool, a water slide, and hydrotherapy facilities. You can join swimming squads or fitness classes there.

The Queen Elizabeth II Centre (QE2) is a place for community groups and seniors. It has halls for rent and an internet hub for seniors.

Communications

Geraldton is part of Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN). This network provides fast internet services. Geraldton was the first regional town in Western Australia to get NBN Fibre to the Premises (FttP) services. This means super-fast internet comes directly to homes and businesses.

Most old copper-based internet services (like ADSL) have been replaced by NBN fibre.

In 2012, Geraldton was chosen by IBM for a "Smarter Cities® Challenge" grant. The goal was to find smart digital services and energy plans. This helps the community work towards becoming carbon-neutral by 2029.

Major mobile phone companies like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone provide 4G networks in the region.

Healthcare

Geraldton has two hospitals:

• Geraldton Regional Hospital (public)
• St John of God Hospital (private)

The Geraldton Regional Hospital has a 24-hour Emergency Room. It has 55 beds and offers services like medical, surgical, children's care, maternity, and chemotherapy. It also has allied health services like speech therapy and psychology.

St John of God Hospital has 60 beds. It offers medical, surgical, maternity, and palliative care. It also has a center where specialist doctors work.

There are many private doctors in Geraldton. Some work for the Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS). Many doctors in Geraldton also help teach medical students.

Community health services include the Aboriginal Medical Service and the Community Mental Health Team.

Education

University and College Education

The Geraldton Universities Centre helps students study university courses locally. It works with different universities like CQUniversity and Charles Sturt University. Students can live and work in the Mid West while getting their degree. Many graduates stay and work in regional Western Australia.

Central Regional TAFE (formerly Durack Institute of Technology) is a college that offers training programs. It helps school leavers, adults, and industry groups learn new skills.

The Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI) is part of Central Regional TAFE. It's a training and research center for maritime studies.

Schools in Geraldton

School	Year range	Type
Allendale Primary School	K-6	Public
Beachlands Primary School	K-6	Public
Bluff Point Primary School	K-6	Public
Geraldton Primary School	K-6	Public
Leaning Tree Steiner School	Pre-K-9	Private
Mt Tarcoola Primary School	K-6	Public
Rangeway Primary School	K-6	Public
St Francis Xavier Primary School	K-6	Private
St Lawrence's School Bluff Point	K-6	Private
St John's School Rangeway	K-6	Private
Waggrakine Primary School	K-6	Public
Wandina Primary School	K-6	Public
Champion Bay Senior High School	7–12	Public
Geraldton Senior High School	7–12	Public
Geraldton Grammar School	K–12	Private
Nagle Catholic College	7–12	Private
Geraldton Christian College	K–12	Private

Nearby Places

The Houtman Abrolhos islands are about 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Geraldton. They are a group of islands known for shipwrecks and marine life.

The Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory Support Facility is in Geraldton. It helps with the Square Kilometre Array project, which is a huge radio telescope located 315 kilometers (196 miles) northeast of Geraldton.

The Australian Defence Satellite Communications Station is at Kojarena, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Geraldton.

Transport

Geraldton has a public bus service called TransGeraldton. You can also take coach services by Transwa to Perth.

QantasLink offers daily flights from Geraldton Airport to Perth. Many charter companies also provide tourist flights to the Abrolhos Islands and flights to mining sites. The airport is also used for general aviation, flight training, and aircraft maintenance.

Media

Radio Stations

You can listen to these radio stations in Geraldton:

• Tourist Radio (88.0FM) – for visitors
• 6 TTT (97.3FM) – community radio
• ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt (6GN 828 AM) – local news and talk
• Radio National (6ABCRN 99.7 FM) – talk and music
• Triple J (6JJJ 98.9 FM) – music for young people
• ABC News Radio (6PNN 101.3 FM) – rolling news
• ABC Classic (6ABCFM 94.9 FM) – classical and jazz music
• WAFM (96.5FM) – Top 40 music
• The Spirit Network (Radio 6BAY FM 98.1 \ 1512 AM) – classic hits
• Radio Mama (100.5FM) – Indigenous community station

Television Channels

You can watch these free-to-air TV channels:

• ABC
• SBS
• Seven Regional WA
• WIN Television
• West Digital Television

These channels mostly show the same programs as in Perth. However, they have their own local news, sports, and children's shows. Seven produces a 30-minute regional news program each weekday that covers the Geraldton area.

Newspapers

The Geraldton Guardian started in 1878. It's the second oldest newspaper in Western Australia that's still being published. It comes out on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Yamaji News is a newspaper published every two weeks. It shares stories and issues important to Indigenous people in the Gascoyne and Murchison areas.

The Midwest Times is published on Wednesdays and is given out for free to people and businesses in Geraldton and the Mid West.

Famous People from Geraldton

Many notable people have connections to Geraldton, including:

• Liam Anthony (1987– ), Australian rules footballer
• Edith Cowan (1861–1932), the first woman elected to an Australian Parliament
• Geoff Gallop (1951– ), a former Premier of Western Australia
• Nene Gare (1919–1994), author whose novel The Fringe Dwellers was set in Geraldton
• Xavier Herbert (1901–1984), award-winning writer, born here
• Chris Mainwaring (1965–2007), Australian rules footballer
• Jack Martin (1995– ), Australian rules footballer
• Doris Pilkington (1937–2014), author of Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence
• Liam Ryan (1996– ), Australian rules footballer
• Paddy Ryder (1988-), Australian rules footballer
• Lieutenant General John Sanderson (1940– ), a former Governor of Western Australia
• Randolph Stow (1935–2010), award-winning novelist, whose book The Merry-Go-Round in the Sea was set in the Geraldton area
• Tasma Walton (1973– ), a television and film actress
• John Willcock (1879–1956), a former Premier of Western Australia

Images for kids

• 

  Memorial to HMAS Sydney

• 

  "The Dome of Souls"

• 

  St Georges Beach

• 

  Activewest Stadium in Wonthella, home of the Geraldton Buccaneers

See also

In Spanish: Geraldton para niños