Family fun seekers itinerary
Forget everything you think you know about a beachside escape — Geraldton takes family holidays to a whole new level, blending year‑round sunshine with a lineup of activities that keep everyone energised. Families can immerse themselves in history at the Museum of Geraldton, cycle along the stunning Beresford Foreshore where the award-winning sculpture “Horizon” can be found, as well as meet some cute locals at the Greenough Wildlife Park.
At night, feast on locally caught seafood followed by a movie at Orana Cinemas. But Geraldton isn’t just a haven for the kids – parents can shop to their heart’s content at the many boutique stores as well as sample local produce thanks to the vibrant foodie scene.
A 45-minute flight or scenic four-and-a-half-hour drive from Perth, Geraldton boasts accommodation options ranging from budget to bougee ensuring you and your family will find the right place to relax and unwind.
So pack your bathers, sunscreen as well as that all important thirst for adventure and hit the road to Geraldton.
Note: For accommodation availability, be sure to book ahead – especially during peak times of the year such as school holidays. Reserve your accommodation at www.visitgeraldton.com.au
Arrival Day
It is time to hit the road!
Check in for most accommodation is after 2pm which gives you ample time to make your way along Indian Ocean Drive to Geraldton without having to depart obscenely early. Forget the constant “Are we there yet?” comments because this scenic route is a perfect way to break up the trip with the kids, so be sure to stop in at Jurien Bay on your way up. A convenient halfway point that has a delicious bakery and a fantastic foreshore youth precinct complete with a new skate park and playground right on the beach, so make sure your bathers are within easy reach when packing the car!
Once you have arrived in Geraldton it’s time to check in! Mantra Geraldton is located in the Geraldton CBD and has spacious apartments close to the best attractions. The self-contained accommodation is sure to be a hit with the entire family, with a huge pool, barbecue area, and next to the Marina which is perfect for checking out the boats or a walk along the boardwalk.
For the more budget conscious, Belair Gardens Caravan Park is two minutes from the CBD, right across the road from the beach and has options starting as low as $30 a night for an unpowered campsite.
If you feel like cooking onsite, both options have kitchen facilities or there are foodie options galore nearby such as Skeetas Restaurant or L’Italiano!
DAY ONE
Welcome to Geraldton! The morning starts in the Geraldton CBD where there are ample breakfast and coffee spots. If you brought along the kids’ scooters or bikes, today is the perfect day to get them out with everything within walking, riding or scooting distance! Treat the family to some tasty jaffles and hot drinks at the Jaffle Shack while overlooking the ocean.
Your next stop should be the Geraldton Visitor Centre where the friendly team can provide you with all the latest information on what is happening during your stay. The Visitor Centre is located within the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery and has an onsite gift shop with local artworks and curiosities.
The Youth Precinct is close by and is an epic playground for youngsters to enjoy basketball, interactive games, obstacles, swings and more! Follow all this exploring with a splash at the Waterpark or hire a jet ski, stand up paddleboard or kayak from Ultimate Watersports and make your way out to Seal Rock to see the sea lions lazing about. If you would prefer to not get your feet wet, you can still visit the sealions by taking a walk out on the Esplanade where the free to use binoculars will also allow you to see into our bustling port. Whilst you are there keep an eye out for the recently refurbished Yellow Submarine – a local icon surrounded by mystery and conspiracy theories.
For lunch, there is a variety of cafes along the Geraldton Foreshore such as Kai Lani, Beached Barrel, Two Foreshore Cafe, The Foreshore Hangout Lounge, Sail Inn and Wondabake!
Next stop is the Museum of Geraldton, which houses all of the region’s history. This interactive space is sure to enchant all ages as well as impart information about the Batavia shipwreck located just off the Geraldton coast, HMAS Sydney II, local flora and fauna plus the region’s Yamatji peoples. Call ahead to find out what special exhibitions are going to be on display during your visit. Entry is free however donations are encouraged.
Keep the culture and history ball rolling by checking out St Francis Xavier Cathedral. The Cathedral was completed in 1926 by famed architect and priest Monsignor John Hawes and is widely acclaimed as his finest work. Savouring afternoon tea at the adjoining Tarts and Co Café will give the kids a taste of what it’s like to experience an Italian piazza without the expense of flying to Europe!
To complete this afternoon of learning and enrichment head out to the Point Moore Lighthouse. Standing 34 metres high “the Lighthouse” is the oldest surviving Commonwealth lighthouse in Western Australia and was the first steel tower to be erected on the Australian mainland. Adorned with iconic red and white candy stripes a walk along the nearby beach is sure to yield some uniquely Geraldton photo opportunities.
Round out the day by heading to Old Man and the Sea Rooftop Bar for dinner where you can satiate your stomachs and partake in a cold beverage whilst taking in the stunning panoramic view Geraldton!
Note: Be sure to wear comfortable footwear as a bit of walking around the Geraldton CBD is required for this day. Point Moore Lighthouse is located 3km from the Geraldton CBD. The journey takes 7 minutes by car and is also connected to the Geraldton Foreshore by a cycle/walk path.
DAY TWO
Today explore the incredible Houtman Abrolhos Islands with Shine Aviation. It’s important to book ahead as it’s quite normal for them to be booked out for days in advance during the school holidays!
You will embark on a scenic flight over Geraldton as well as the three main island groups being the Pelsaert, Easter and Wallabi Islands. Your pilot will also point out pearl farms, brightly coloured fishing camps as well as marine life including sharks, manta rays, dolphins and whales. As you fly over keep an eye out for Australia’s oldest European made structure the Wiebbe Hayes Fort as well as the infamous shipwrecks of the Zeewijk and Batavia. Shortly after your pilot will descend and allow you a few hours at East Wallabi to snorkel, swim and explore. Turtle Bay which is immediately adjacent to the landing strip is protected from the southerly winds, safe, sandy and ideal for children to explore and enjoy the time of their lives. The charter company will provide you with mouth watering food, refreshments, snorkelling gear as well as shade cover. There’s also a walking tour available – and if you’re lucky, you might spot a Tammar wallaby.
In the afternoon you’ll make your way back to Geraldton. The flight is about 30 minutes – so relax and enjoy the trip. When you get back to your accommodation, put your feet up for a few hours or let the kids have a snooze, and later make your way to Barnacles at the Geraldton Fishermen’s Wharf for a locally caught seafood dinner.
Note: The journey to the Geraldton Airport from the Mantra Geraldton, is 9.4kms and an approximate 15 minute drive. It is important to arrive 45 minutes prior to departure as well as pack plenty of sunscreen and something for your stomach if anyone suffers from motion sickness. Swimming goggles are also recommended for younger kids in case they find the bulkier snorkelling goggles uncomfortable. Shine Aviation’s Full Day Guided Fly and Flipper to the Abrolhos Islands is $2,890 for two adults and two children.
DAY THREE
Start the morning bright and early at Dome Café and then learn to catch crayfish like a pro on a Crayfish Pot Pull Tour aboard the Eco Abrolhos. You can be as involved as you want or if you would like to sit back and watch the professionals do it - you can! During the tour you will learn about the crustaceans as well as tips and techniques for catching crayfish yourself. At the tour’s conclusion, you will be able to take home half the catch for cooking!
After a morning on the ocean, make your way to the Greenough Wildlife Park to learn about local mammals. There are all sorts of iconic Australian animals including kangaroos, dingos, crocodiles, emus as well as reptiles, horses, camels, cows and more. Greenough Wildlife and Bird Park also have an animal encounter/cuddle area that the kids (and folks) are sure to love.
After a big day of exploring, cook your freshly caught crayfish at the Geraldton Foreshore for a barbecue cook up and watch the sunset!
Note: Eco Abrolhos’ Crayfish Pot Pull Tour is offered during certain times of the year with prices starting from $150 per person. Be sure to call ahead to ensure there is availability. It is also worth packing something for your stomach if anyone suffers from sea sickness.
The 20-minute journey from the CBD to Greenough Wildlife and Bird Park is 24kms and prices start from $10 per person. Make sure you pack a hat as well as suitable footwear and SPF.
DAY FOUR
This morning walk along the Geraldton Foreshore until you connect with Beresford Foreshore! There, you can grab breakfast at AJ’s Beach Café and admire the beautiful ocean – or go for a dip. This area is a favourite destination for locals and visitors because of the fun shipwreck-inspired playground as well as the award-winning sculpture ‘Horizon’ designed by artist Lucy Humphrey.
Head up to the HMAS Sydney II Memorial for 10:30am and join the Geraldton Volunteer Tour Guides as they accompany you on a journey back in time at one of Geraldton’s most poignant landmarks. Recognised as a memorial of national importance, this site commemorates the sinking of the HMAS Sydney II during World War II. The tour is free and carries meaningful messages that span the generations.
Afterwards make your way to the Pump and Jump Track in Spalding later this morning. The kids can ride their bikes or scooters over small, medium and large jumps and burn off some energy in the great outdoors. The miniature railway is just a few metres away too and makes for a fun adventure!
Or if you don’t feel like bike riding, head to Chapman Valley Fishing Park for a fun, affordable and unique experience. The catch and release facility has a variety of fish species including Silver Perch, Black Bream and Barramundi. All your fishing gear is supplied too!
To celebrate your last evening on your family holiday, head to The Wintersun or the Tarcoola Tavern. Both of these fantastic pubs have delicious menus and onsite playgrounds so the kids are entertained without the need for screen time.
Note: From Beresford Foreshore, the Pump and Jump Track is 5.5kms or an eight minute drive. The track is open year-round.
It is a 30km drive from Beresford Foreshore to the Chapman Valley Fishing Park. They are open from Thursday – Sunday from 9.30am – 4pm and everyday during the school holidays, family admission is $35. There is café facilities onsite and you can also bring along a picnic!
DEPARTURE DAY
It’s checkout day! Sadly, the time has come to return to Perth. Consider stopping into Dongara on your way home, the town punches well above its weight when it comes to quirky cafes with Sea Folk Café, Poppies, Pannarai and Seaspray Café all having great menus for the kids and offer ample space to stretch the legs and break up your journey and alleviate those post-holiday blues whilst you and the family chat about when you are going to next hit the road for Geraldton.
Note: It is a 61km drive from Geraldton to Dongara and takes approximately one hour. You will drive past Geraldton’s iconic leaning trees – so keep a lookout. Jurien Bay is 196km from Geraldton and takes about two and a half hours.