DEEP-SEA DISCOVERIES
Visiting Geraldton is like opening both a treasure chest and Pandora's box.
The former relates to the wealth of things to see and do in the heart of Western Australia's coastline, some 416km north of Perth. From crayfish tours, extreme water sports and whale watching, to taking a flight or fast ferry to the port city's nearby chain of islands dubbed the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean,’ there's enough to excite water babies of any age.
On the flip side, the latter relates to Geraldton's cursed offshore history. Evidence of coastal mishaps and battles rediscovered in the past century provides a compelling education on Australia's maritime history. The lessons learnt is enough for you to want to dive deeper to find out more about past events with a 16th century castaway-led mutiny and WWII shipwrecks Geraldton's most gripping chapters.
Doubtless, this laidback city of 32,000 is a fascinating place — and that's what makes it the perfect springboard for extraordinary seafaring adventures by all modes of travel.
JOURNEYING ON LAND
The coastal road trip to ‘Gero’ as locals affectionately call it, is nothing short of impressive — and peculiar, too.
I took a slight detour to Ellendale Pool, just 45km south-east of Geraldton, while passing through a patchwork of apple green lands
