Major city · Australia
Geraldton
Give Geraldton one night as a Perth-to-north stopover, or two if you want the Abrolhos Islands; skip it as a destination in its own right.
Geraldton is the Mid West's main port and service city, 420 km north of Perth on the Brand Highway or the slower Indian Ocean Drive. Most travellers sleep one night here on the way to Kalbarri or Shark Bay. Two nights buys you the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, the HMAS Sydney memorial and the beaches.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Dec–Feb (heat waves to 42°C (108°F)), Jun–Aug (wettest)avoid Dec–Feb (heat waves to 108°F (42°C)), Jun–Aug (wettest)
- Airport
- Geraldton (GET)
- Nights
- 1–2
About Geraldton
Geraldton is the main city of Western Australia's Mid-West region, a working port and coastal resort with a population of 37,648 in 2018. It lies 420 km north of Perth, reached by the Brand Highway or the coastal Indian Ocean Drive, and most visitors treat it as an overnight stop on the way to Kalbarri or Shark Bay. The city has a Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild winters.
Lead ore found nearby in 1848 started the town, which was named after State governor Charles Fitzgerald. Mining, livestock and fishing remain local industries. The sealing of the Brand Highway in the 1960s turned the drive from Perth into a single day's journey. Water sports are a particular draw, and the town also has a museum, a memorial and a cathedral.
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
See
What is worth your time in Geraldton.
- HMAS Sydney Memorial — It stands on Mount Scott above town and commemorates the cruiser sunk in November 1941 with all 645 men aboard after a battle with the German raider Kormoran.
- Museum of Geraldton — Part of the Western Australian Museum, it covers the region's land and maritime history and shows video footage of the HMAS Sydney wreck.
- Cathedral of St Francis Xavier — Completed in 1938 and rebuilt in 2017, it is the finest work of architect Monsignor John Hawes, with twin towers and a Romanesque interior.
- Point Moore Lighthouse — A 35 m striped metal tower built from 1877, shipped in sections from Birmingham, automated in 1975 and still in use.
- Esplanade — A breakwater that makes a pleasant walk with views back to town, where sea lions sometimes haul out on the rocks.
Do
- Wind surfing at Point Moore and St Georges Beach, where winds build through the day and reach gale force from November to April.
- Surfing at Back Beach on the south side of town and other spots up to St Georges.
- Snorkelling and diving trips to the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, 70 km offshore, by boat or light aircraft.
- Flat racing at Utakarra Racecourse from October to April, free except for major events such as the Gold Cup at Easter.
Customs
- The area's original inhabitants are the Yamatji or Wajarri Aboriginal people.
- Geraldton is the region's chief city, and people travel from as far as Carnarvon, Exmouth and Meekatharra to shop here.
Events
- Gold Cup — Horse racing at Utakarra Racecourse; attendance is free except for the biggest events such as this one.Easter
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Geraldton000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Geraldton, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyA safe, quiet regional city.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckGET Geraldton Airport (10 km (6.2 mi) east of town on Mount Magnet Rd; Qantas from Perth about 1 h; no public transport, taxi about A$30 (≈ US$20) (check)).GET Geraldton Airport (6.2 mi (10 km) east of town on Mount Magnet Rd; Qantas from Perth about 1 h; no public transport, taxi about A$30 (≈ US$20) (check)).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Sit-down mealPub main courseA$22–35 (≈ US$15–25)
- Metro or bus rideLocal bus fareA$3–5 (≈ US$2–4) (check)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum of Geraldton entryDonation A$5 (≈ US$4) (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personA$40 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$180 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$280 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$100 (≈ US$70) · Mid A$180 (≈ US$120) · High A$300 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GET Geraldton Airport (10 km (6.2 mi) east of town on Mount Magnet Rd; Qantas from Perth about 1 h; no public transport, taxi about A$30 (check))GET Geraldton Airport (6.2 mi (10 km) east of town on Mount Magnet Rd; Qantas from Perth about 1 h; no public transport, taxi about A$30 (check))
Map of Geraldton
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Geraldton
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Dongara · 61 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Feb
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Mar
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
May
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jun
Avoid
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Dec
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jun–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jul (9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Geraldton: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
2 rd
Feb
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
3 rd
Apr
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5 rd
May
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4 rd
Nov
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3 rd
Dec
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable. Eight local bus routes cover the outlying beaches (800 loops downtown every 30 min; 850/851 north, 854/855 south, 856 to the West End and lighthouse). Local buses do not reach Greenough, Dongara or Northampton: take the TransWA coach. Car hire (Avis, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty) is essential for Kalbarri or Shark Bay.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Greenough
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive south on Brand Highway 1, about 20 min
Historic settlement and Central Greenough buildings; half a day with the car.
Dongara and Port Denison
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive south on Brand Highway 1, about 1 h
Quiet fishing town and Irwin River mouth; easy lunch stop heading south.
Kalbarri and Kalbarri National Park
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Drive north on North West Coastal Highway, about 2 h
Gorges and coastal cliffs need a full day plus a night; a return day trip is too long.
Houtman Abrolhos Islands
cautionDoor to door: Half to full day
Boat or light aircraft from Geraldton, about 70 km (43 mi) offshoreBoat or light aircraft from Geraldton, about 43 mi (70 km) offshore
Protected wildlife; you can land on some islands but cannot stay overnight. Book ahead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Marine Terrace / CBD
Walkable to the foreshore, museum, cathedral and most restaurants; best for one night without a car.
Foreshore and West End
Waterfront motels and apartments near the Esplanade and Batavia Park; quieter, still a short walk to the centre.
Bluff Point and Sunset Beach
Northern suburbs 4–6 km (2.5–3.7 mi) out; needs a car, but closest to St Georges Beach and the surf.Northern suburbs 2.5–3.7 mi (4–6 km) out; needs a car, but closest to St Georges Beach and the surf.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–230 (≈ US$100–160) excl. bed
- High
- A$250 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or pub double room1 × 1 night × A$180 | A$180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$180 | A$360 |
| TransWA coach Perth → Geraldton, one way2 × A$70 · check | A$140 |
| Taxi airport → town centre1 × A$30 · check | A$30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$76 |
| Trip total≈ A$418 per person per day, bed included | A$836≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights and fuel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Pub main course | A$22–35 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Fish and chips by the harbour | A$15–25 (≈ US$10–17) |
| Local bus fare | A$3–5 (≈ US$2–4) (check) |
| Museum of Geraldton entry | Donation A$5 (≈ US$4) (check) |
| Fuel, unleaded per litre | A$1.70–2.10 (≈ US$2) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Road trains on Brand Highway 1: single-lane sections, hazardous to overtake, worse at night.
- Fuel gaps on Indian Ocean Drive: fill up before you leave the Perth area.
- Summer heat waves push past 40°C (104°F) with nights above 25°C (77°F); plan outdoor sights before 10:00.Summer heat waves push past 40°C (104°F) with nights above 25°C (77°F); plan outdoor sights before 10:00 AM.Summer heat waves push past 104°F (40°C) with nights above 77°F (25°C); plan outdoor sights before 10:00.Summer heat waves push past 104°F (40°C) with nights above 77°F (25°C); plan outdoor sights before 10:00 AM.
- Nov–Apr winds reach gale force in the afternoon: morning is the calm window for water sports.
- No public transport from the airport; pre-book a taxi or hire car.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
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GeraldtonGeraldton
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
Embassy
No embassies here; consulates-general are in Perth. US, UK, Canada and New Zealand travellers should register with their Perth mission for emergencies.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- TransWA coach Perth → Geraldton: about A$70 (≈ US$50) one way, 6 h (check)
- Taxi airport → town centre: about A$30 (≈ US$20) (check)
- Qantas Perth → Geraldton: about 1 h; fares vary widely (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- How much is it? — How much is it?
English is the working language; Yamaji/Wajarri country.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Geraldton. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Dec–Feb (heat waves to 42°C), Jun–Aug (wettest) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for GET: taxi and hire-car fallbacks, no public transport.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Marine Terrace, the foreshore and museum, Mount Scott, the cathedral.
- Place pages with verified hours (Museum of Geraldton, Regional Art Gallery, Old Geraldton Gaol) and eat pages with last orders.
- Summer heat and road-train fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of Greater Geraldton
- officialGeraldton Airport
- officialMuseum of Geraldton (WA Museum)
- officialTransWA
- secondaryWikivoyage: Geraldton, revision 5324027 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Geraldton
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