History
Geraldton is brimming with history, just walk around the CBD and you can see it for yourself. The HMAS Sydney II Memorial, Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral, Victoria District Hospital and Old Geraldton Goal Craft Centre, Birdwood House Military Museum and the Point Moore Lighthouse all have their own stories, which you can learn more about at the Museum of Geraldton.
Mullewa also has a unique history, with a number of buildings being designed by famous Western Australian architect-priest Monsignor John Hawes. View his impressive designs by visiting Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Holy Apostles St Peter and St Paul and Priest House.
HMAS Sydney II Memorial
Geraldton’s premier site for honouring the 645 Australian sailors who were lost off the Western Australian coast during the World War II battle with German ship HSK Kormoran. The HMAS Sydney II Memorial is the second memorial to be recognised of national significance outside the Australian capital city of Canberra.
The Geraldton Voluntary Tour Guides Association offer a daily tour at 10.30am, taking in the five elements steeped in symbolism. No booking is necessary for the tour, but should you require a group booking please contact the Geraldton Visitor Centre.
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St Francis Xavier Cathedral
It’s hard to miss this beautiful and proud building as you drive into Geraldton from Perth. Famed architect Monsignor Hawes arrived in Geraldton in 1915 to take up the parish priest position. He started working on the St Francis Xavier Cathedral straight away. The Cathedral’s foundation stone was laid in 1916 and the building was completed in 1938.
Today, St Francis Xavier Cathedral is regarded as one of Monsignor Hawes finest works. Guided tours through the Cathedral are available and can be made through the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre. Tours operate every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday at 2:30pm and also on Friday at 4pm.
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Old Geraldton Gaol Craft Centre
Established in 1857 as a Convict Depot, this site played an important role in serving as a hiring station from which settlers could employ convicts as workers. Built by convict labour, the site also later included a surgery, small hospital and gaol cells for both men and women. When the facility closed in 1984, it became the second longest serving prison in Western Australia (after Fremantle).
Today the building houses locally made art and craft. The Old Gaol is located at 84 Chapman Road, within the Geraldton Heritage Precinct, Ngurra Barlunguu (Formerly Bill Sewell Complex). It is open from Monday to Friday from 10am to 3:30pm and Saturday from 9am to 12pm.
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Museum of Geraldton
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Museum of Geraldton celebrates the rich heritage of the land, sea and people of the Mid West region. Enjoy a guided tour through the stories from four major early shipwrecks located in the region, the Batavia, Gilt Dragon, Zuytdorp, and Zeewijk or learn more about the discovery of HMAS Sydney II, the pride of the fleet.
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Lighthouse Keepers Cottage
Lighthouse Keepers Cottage Museum has an extensive collection of historic photographs, research and reference material, displays of heritage lifestyle objects, and books for sale on the history of the region.
A rotunda at the rear is available for public use and it is possible to bring caravans into the separate grounds.
The Bluff Point Lighthouse Keepers Cottage Museum is located at 355 Chapman Road, Geraldton and is open Tuesday and Friday: 10:00am – 3:30pm.
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Greenough Museum & Gardens
Rediscover the former Maley family homestead with its changing displays on the social history of the Front Greenough Flats from Aboriginal times to today. Wander through the gardens, sample produce in the community veggie garden and admire the
historic trees. You will be pleasantly surprised.
The Greenough Museum & Gardens is located at 11 Phillips Road (just off Brand Highway),Greenough and is open Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30am – 3:00pm.
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Point Moore Lighthouse
Standing 34 metres high, the Point Moore Lighthouse is the oldest surviving Commonwealth lighthouse in Western Australia. This iconic Geraldton landmark is still in operation today and can be seen from 26 kilometres out to sea.
Constructed by Chance Brothers of Birmingham, England, using prefabricated cast-iron, the Point Moore Lighthouse was lit for the first time on 19 March 1878.
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Batavia Longboat Replica
Experience a little of this maritime history by sailing aboard the replica Longboat, or visiting the display at the Museum of Geraldton.The Longboat sails on the last Sunday of each month in front of the Museum of Geraldton, weather permitting. Sailing is free (donations are welcome), children must be over the age of six and accompanied by an adult.
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Greenough
With history galore, the charming town of Greenough has many stories to tell. Located 24 kilometers south of Geraldton, many travel to Greenough to view the Central Greenough Historic Settlement which provides a rare insight into the early settlement of the area.
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Historic Trails
The Midwest is absolutely brimming with history, and what better way to explore these stories than by embarking on one of the many historic trails that meander through the region?
Our latest blog post covers a few of the historic trails through the Midwest and is a great place to start your adventure. You can also take a look at Yamaji Drive Trail, War Years Drive Trail, Hawes Heritage Trail and the TrailsWA Stock Route Drive Trail.
Be sure to call in to the Geraldton Visitor Centre for more information on what trails are available in the Geraldton and Midwest region.
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The Residency
The Residency is a heritage listed building that was constructed using convict labour in 1861 and was home to local Magistrates and their families. Then in 1925 it opened as the Geraldton and District Maternity home. In 1972 it was converted into a Community Centre, which it still is today.
Call in to The Residency on 321 Marine Terrace to learn more.
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Victoria District Hospital
Geraldton Heritage Precinct served the community of Geraldton in another important way when Victoria Hospital opened on this site in 1884. You can tour around the grounds of Victoria District Hospital every Tuesday and Thursday from 10.30am until 2.30pm.
Call in to 84 Chapman Road, within the Geraldton Heritage Precinct, Ngurra Barlunguu (Formerly Bill Sewell Complex) to learn more.
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Walkaway Station Museum
Visitors to the only Railway Station outside Perth which includes the residence for the Station Master, his assistant and their families, can discover a unique collection of local family history within its walls.
Rolling stock and locomotives housed in a purpose built shed provide a reminder of days gone by at this only remaining junction of a private and Government railway in WA.
Walkaway Station Museum is located at 2 Padbury Road, Walkaway and is open Tuesday to Friday: 10:00am – 3:00pm and Saturday and Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00pm
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