Day One
Welcome to Geraldton! The morning starts in the Geraldton CBD where there are breakfast and coffee spots galore. Treat the family to some tasty jaffles and hot drinks at the Jaffle Shack while overlooking the ocean.
The popular Youth Precinct is close by and is an epic playground for youngsters to enjoy basketball, interactive games, obstacles, swings and more! Follow all this running around with a splash at the Waterpark or hire a jet ski with Ultimate Watersports and make your way out to Seal Rock to see the sea lions lazing about.
For lunch, there is a variety of cafes along the Geraldton Foreshore such as Kai Lani, Beached Barrel, Two Foreshore, 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 Southern Yamatji peoples.
After a big day of adventuring, 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 and barbecue area.
For the more budget conscious Belair Gardens Caravan Park is 2minutes 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!
Note: For accommodation availability, be sure to book ahead – especially during peak times of the year such as school holidays. Also be sure to wear comfortable footwear as a bit of walking around the Geraldton CBD is required for this day.
Day Two
Explore the incredible Houtman Abrolhos Islands with Shine Aviation today. 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, marine life including sharks, manta rays, dolphins and whales, the Wiebbe Hayes Fort and infamous shipwrecks – the Zeewijk and Batavia. Shortly after this, your pilot will descend and allow you a few hours at East Wallabi to snorkel, swim and explore. The charter company will provide you with yummy 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 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 that evening make your way to Barnacles at the Geraldton Fishermen’s Wharf for fresh fish and chips.
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. Shine Aviation’s Full Day Guided Fly and Flipper to the Abrolhos Islands is $1,790 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 and Bird Park to learn about local mammals. There’s 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 $175 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.
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 and as well as the award-winning sculpture ‘Horizon’ designed by artist Lucy Humphrey.
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 RT’s Café and Restaurant for dinner. It has a unique menu of Australian cuisine and is just a short walk from your accommodation. The adults will love this menu and the kids are sure to enjoy it too!
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 the Dongara Bakery on your way home – or checkout the award-winning Illegal Tender Rum Distillery Co and grab a souvenir. Both options have great menus for the kids and offer ample space to stretch the legs and break up your journey.
Now that you’ve recharged, it’s time to trek home!
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!
Continue exploring the Australia's Coral Coast by viewing more itineraries here.