History & Heritage

The following year HMS Beagle chartered Champion Bay and, in 1849, John Septimus Roe surveyed the town site. The town was named after the Governor of the colony, Sir Charles Fitzgerald.

The Geraldine Lead Mine was also named in his honour. It was the need to establish facilities for the export of lead from the Geraldine Lead Mine that resulted in a port being built at Champion Bay. In 1860, a jetty was constructed to improve port facilities.

In 1879 a railway was constructed linking the mineral mines at Northampton and agricultural produce from the Greenough Flats with the Port of Geraldton.

In 1629, two Dutchmen were marooned on the coast by Francisco Pelsaert for their part in the Batavia Mutiny. Despite the events surrounding the wrecks of the Batavia (1629) and Zuytdorp (1712), including some of the most treacherous and blood-thirsty episodes in the annals of maritime history, the Dutch had no major impact on the region’s development. Later, French voyagers also passed by the coast, however the first official visit to the area was made by a British Captain Phillip Parker King in 1822. In 1839, Lieutenant Grey and a party of 12 men were shipwrecked in Gantheaume Bay, forcing them to return to Perth on foot.

Following the discovery of gold on the Murchison another jetty was built, new businesses opened, industry commenced and Geraldton prospered. In 1894, Geraldton was finally linked to Perth by rail from Walkaway to Midland, via the Midland Railway Line. By the 1930s the port had been modernised and bulk handling facilities constructed to handle increased grain shipments.

Hmas Sydney Ii Memorial

Located on Mount Scott in Geraldton, this memorial commemorates the men on board the HMAS Sydney II when it sank off Shark Coast while engaging the German raider Kormoran. This amazing structure, the final 5th element of which was completed in 2011, is well worth a visit. The Geraldton Voluntary Tour Guides Association runs daily tours commencing at 10.30am.

St Francis Xavier Cathedral

Located on Maitland Street and built in stages from commencement in 1916, this cathedral of Byzantine style architecture was one of the masterpieces of Monsignor John Hawes who, before joining the priesthood, was an architect in England.

The Lighthouse Keepers Cottage

Located on Chapman Road, this beautiful cottage was built in 1876 for the Geraldton Lighthouse Keeper and his family. Now housing the Historical Society, history buffs can view an array of historical photographs and memorabilia. Contact the Geraldton Visitor Centre for opening hours.

Old Victoria Hospital

From 1887 to 1966, these buildings were part of the Victoria District Hospital, and were then used as a regional prison until 1984. After major restoration the complex was reopened in 1988 and is now managed by the National Trust. Guided tours are available Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm.

Museum Of Geraldton

Experience Indigenous and European history at the magnificent Museum of Geraldton. A range of exciting and temporary exhibitions are rotated throughout the year and the museum shop stocks an excellent range of books, gifts and souvenirs. Open daily 9.30am to 3pm, excluding public holidays. An entry donation of $5 is recommended.

Geraldton Regional Library

The Geraldton Regional Library located on Marine Terrace is about more than just books. Whilst it provides an extensive range of fiction and non fiction books, it also provides a number of associated services, including free internet and Wi-Fi and access to various online databases.