View source for Geraldton

{{Other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2011}}
{{Infobox Australian place
| type                     = city
| name                     = Geraldton
| state                    = WA
| image              = {{multiple image
  | total_width            = 280
  | border                 = infobox
  | perrow                 = 1/3/2/2
  | caption_align          = center
  | image1                 = 00 1761 Geraldton, Western Australia.jpg
  | alt1                   = Marine Terrace in Geraldton
  | caption1               = Marine Terrace in Geraldton
  | image2                 = Welcome to Geraldton.jpg
  | alt2                   = Geraldton Marina
  | caption2               = Geraldton Marina
  }}
| relief                   = 
| coordinates              = {{coord|28|46|28|S|114|36|32|E|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map_caption      = 
| pushpin_label_position   = 
| map_alt                  = 
| pop                      = 38,595
| pop_year                 = {{CensusAU|2021}}
| pop_footnotes            = <ref name=ABSSUA/>
| poprank                  = 41st
| density                  = 
| density_footnotes        = 
| established              = 1850
| established_footnotes    = 
| abolished                = 
| gazetted                 = 
| postcode                 = 6530, 6531, 6532
| elevation                = 
| elevation_footnotes      = 
| area                     = 270.7
| area_footnotes           = <ref name="ABSSUAProf">{{cite web|title=2011 Census Community Profiles: Geraldton|url=http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2011/communityprofile/5006|website=ABS Census|publisher=[[Australian Bureau of Statistics]]|access-date=15 September 2016|archive-date=26 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326141703/http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2011/communityprofile/5006|url-status=dead}}</ref> (2011 urban)
| timezone                 = [[Australian Western Standard Time|AWST]]
| utc                      = +8
| timezone-dst             = 
| utc-dst                  = 
| dist1                    = 424
| dir1                     = NNW
| location1                = [[Perth]]
| dist2                    = 476
| dir2                     = S
| location2                = [[Carnarvon, Western Australia|Carnarvon]]
| lga                      = [[City of Greater Geraldton]]
| seat                     = 
| region                   = Mid West 
| county                   = 
| division                 = 
| stategov                 = [[Electoral district of Geraldton|Geraldton]]
| fedgov                   = [[Division of Durack|Durack]]
| visitation_num           = 
| visitation_year          = 
| visitation_footnotes     = 
| managing_authorities     = 
| url                      = 
| maxtemp                  = 26.1
| maxtemp_footnotes        = 
| mintemp                  = 13.7
| mintemp_footnotes        = 
| rainfall                 = 416.3
| rainfall_footnotes       = 
| near-n                   = 
| near-ne                  = 
| near-e                   = 
| near-se                  = 
| near-s                   = 
| near-sw                  = 
| near-w                   = 
| near-nw                  = 
| near                     = 
| footnotes                = 
|native_name=Jambinu / Jambinbirri}}

'''Geraldton''' ([[Wajarri language|Wajarri]]: ''Jambinu'', [[Wilunyu language|Wilunyu]]: ''Jambinbirri'')<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-22 |title=Indigenous women's players aim for soccer title |url=https://www.geraldtonguardian.com.au/news/geraldton-guardian/jambinu-indigenous-womens-team-aim-to-lift-soccer-title-for-wa-but-must-get-queensland-travel-green-light-ng-b882046242z |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=Geraldton Guardian |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Gratte |first=Stan |title=The Aboriginal History of Geraldton (Jambinu) and Surrounding Areas}}</ref> is a coastal city in the [[Mid West (Western Australia)|Mid West region]] of [[Western Australia]], {{convert|424|km|mi|0}} north of the state capital, [[Perth]].

As of the {{CensusAU|2021}}, Geraldton had an urban population of 38,595.<ref name=ABSSUA>{{cite web|title=2021 Geraldton, Census All persons QuickStats|url=https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/5006|publisher=[[Australian Bureau of Statistics]]|access-date=20 February 2024}}</ref> Geraldton is the seat of government for the [[City of Greater Geraldton]], which also incorporates the town of [[Mullewa, Western Australia|Mullewa]], [[Walkaway, Western Australia|Walkaway]] and large rural areas previously forming the shires of [[Shire of Greenough|Greenough]] and [[Shire of Mullewa|Mullewa]].

The Port of Geraldton is a major west coast seaport. Geraldton is an important service and logistics centre for regional mining, fishing, wheat, sheep and tourism industries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gpa.wa.gov.au/ |title=Home |website=gpa.wa.gov.au}}</ref>

==History==

===Aboriginal===
Clear evidence has established [[Aboriginal Australians|Aboriginal]] people living on the west coast of Australia for at least 40,000 years,<ref>{{cite book|last=Cane|first=Scott |title=First Footprints: The epic story of the first Australians|year=2013|publisher=Allen & Unwin}}</ref> though at present it is unclear when the first Aboriginal people reached the area around Geraldton.

The original local Aboriginal people of Geraldton are the [[Amangu]] people, with the [[Nanda people|Nanda]] immediately to the north and [[Badimaya]] immediately to the east. Today the Aboriginal people of the region generally identify as [[Yamatji]] or [[Wajarri language|Wajarri]] people. Wajarri country is inland from Geraldton and extends as far south and west as Mullewa, north to Gascoyne Junction and east to Meekatharra.{{cn|date=December 2023}} The Aboriginal people of the Murchison-Gascoyne region were instrumental in assisting early settlers in the area in identifying permanent water sources, and worked in the pearling, pastoral and fishing industries.{{cn|date=December 2023}}

Yamatji art is a distinctive style of painting, using thousands of dots of [[ochre]] and other earth-based pigments to create patterns and images relevant to Yamatji/Wajarri culture.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}

The Western Australia Museum at the marina in Geraldton hosts a permanent exhibit on Yamatji/Wajarri culture and history of the region.<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Australian Museum — Geraldton|url=http://museum.wa.gov.au/museums/geraldton|website=Western Australian Museum|publisher=Government of Western Australia|access-date=14 September 2015}}</ref>

===European arrival===
Many European mariners encountered, or were wrecked on, the [[Houtman Abrolhos]] islands {{convert|60|km}} west of Geraldton during the 17th and 18th centuries. Although two mutineers from the {{ship||Batavia|1628 ship|2}} were marooned on the mainland in 1629 there is no surviving evidence that they made landfall at or near the site of the current town.<ref>{{cite web|title=Batavia Shipwreck Site and Survivor Camps Area 1629 – Houtman Abrolhos|url=http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/pages/21948182-0d9f-450f-b973-8f425785fa73/files/national-heritage-batavia.pdf|website=Department of the Environment|publisher=Commonwealth of Australia|access-date=22 March 2016|location=Canberra ACT|date=6 April 2006}}</ref>

The wreck of the ''Batavia'', flagship of the [[Dutch East India Company]] (VOC) fleet on her maiden voyage, on Morning Reef of the Houtman Abrolhos on 4 June 1629, and the events surrounding the subsequent mutiny, rescue and punishment of her crew are of great historical significance to the region.<ref>{{cite web|title=Batavia's History|url=http://museum.wa.gov.au/research/research-areas/maritime-archaeology/batavia-cape-inscription/batavia|work=Western Australian Museum|publisher=Western Australia Government|access-date = 21 November 2016}}</ref> A detailed account of the events is recorded in a 24 December 1897 Western Mail article "The Abrolhos Tragedy",<ref>[[Wikisource:The Western Mail/24 December 1897/The Abrolhos tragedy]]</ref> translated from the notes of [[Francois Pelsaert]], the commander of the ''Batavia'' when she ran aground. The Western Australian Museum in Geraldton houses an exhibition of clay pipes, silver coins, cannons, the original ''Batavia'' stone portico and numerous other relics recovered from the wreck of the ''Batavia'' and other notable local historical shipwrecks such as the {{ship||Zuytdorp||2}}, {{ship||Zeewijk||2}} and {{ship||Vergulde Draeck||2}}.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}

The explorer [[George Grey]], while on his second disastrous expedition along the Western Australian coast, passed over the future site of Geraldton on 7 April 1839.<ref name=grey>{{cite book | last1 = Grey | first1 = George | author-link = George Grey| title = Journals of two expeditions of discovery in North-West and Western Australia, during the years 1837, 38, and 39, describing many newly discovered, important, and fertile districts, with observations on the moral and physical condition of the aboriginal inhabitants, etc. etc. | volume = 2 | publisher = T. and W. Boone | year = 1841 | location = London | page = 26 | url = http://www.gutenberg.org/files/16145/16145-h/16145-h.htm | access-date = 17 March 2012}}</ref> [[George Fletcher Moore]], the colony's [[Attorney-General of Western Australia|attorney-general]], on the colonial [[schooner]] ''[[Champion (schooner)|Champion]]'', explored the region in January 1840 and discovered [[Champion Bay]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Expedition to the Northwest|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article638800|access-date=6 November 2014|work=[[The Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal]]|date=8 February 1840|page=23}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Kimberly |first1=Warren Bert |chapter-url=https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/History_of_West_Australia/Chapter_13 |title=History of West Australia |chapter=13. Land Laws; Exploration; Australiand Settlement 1839–1842 |location=Melbourne |publisher=F. W. Niven & Co |year=1897 |access-date=22 April 2014 }}</ref> He was followed by Captain [[John Clements Wickham]] and Lieutenant [[John Lort Stokes]] of {{HMS|Beagle}}, who led an expedition to the area in April 1840, and named and surveyed Point Moore and Champion Bay.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Stokes|first1=John Lort|author-link1=John Lort Stokes|title=Discoveries in Australia, with an account of the coasts and rivers explored and surveyed during the voyage of the Beagle, 1837–1843, Volume 2|date=1846|publisher=T and W. Boone|location=London |chapter-url=https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Discoveries_in_Australia/Volume_2/Chapter_5|access-date=6 November 2014|page=140|chapter=Chapter 5: Victoria River to Swan River}}</ref>

A decade later, explorer [[Augustus Gregory]] travelled through the area. A member of his party, James Perry Walcott, discovered [[lead]] ore in 1848 in the bed of the [[Murchison River (Western Australia)|Murchison River]].<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Birman | first1 = Mary | title = Gregory of Rainworth : a man in his time | publisher = University of Western Australia Press | year = 1979 | location = Nedlands, WA | page = 32 | isbn = 0855641657}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | first = A.C. | last = Gregory | author-link = A.C. Gregory | title = Geological Remarks | date = 25 November 1848 | url = http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3170280 | work = The Perth Gazette and Independent Journal of Politics and News | page = 2 | access-date = 18 November 2013}}</ref> The ''Geraldine'' mine was subsequently established, named after the [[County Clare]] family home of [[Charles Fitzgerald|Charles FitzGerald]], the 4th [[Governor of Western Australia]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Crowley|first1=Francis Keble|title=Australian Dictionary of Biography|date=1966|publisher=Melbourne University Press|chapter-url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/fitzgerald-charles-2047|access-date=22 March 2016|chapter=FitzGerald, Charles (1791–1887)}}</ref> The town of Geraldton, named after Governor FitzGerald, was surveyed in 1850 and land sales began in 1851.<ref>{{cite news|title=Assist.-Surv.-Gregory's Report|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3171394|access-date=30 March 2016|work=The Perth Gazette and Independent Journal of Politics and News|date=15 March 1850|page=2}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Land Sales|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3172351|access-date=30 March 2016|work=The Perth Gazette and Independent Journal of Politics and News|date=28 March 1851|page=2}}</ref>

=== World War II ===

During [[World War II]], Geraldton was the location of [[No. 4 Service Flying Training School RAAF]]. This flying school was formed on 10 February 1941 and disbanded in May 1945.<ref>RAAF Historical Section (1995). Units of the Royal Australian Air Force: A Concise History. Volume 8: Training Units. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service. {{ISBN|0-644-42800-7}}</ref>

==Climate==
Geraldton has a [[Mediterranean climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''Csa'') with [[semi-arid climate|semi-arid]] (''BSk'') influence. Geraldton is very sunny, receiving around 164 clear days annually{{cn|date=August 2024}}. Summers are long lasting and hot, though with relatively mild nights. Winters are short but mild and wet with cool nights. Mean sea temperatures in the summer months (measured at 10m) are consistently above {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}}, often exceeding {{convert|24|°C|°F|1}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Coastal Ocean Temperatures off WA|url=http://www.marine.csiro.au/~lband/AlanPearce/regional/gerald.html|work=CSIRO|publisher=Australian Commonwealth Government}}</ref> Surface sea temperatures in summer regularly exceed {{convert|26|°C|°F|1}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Geraldton Port Authority Seaview Main Shipping Channel Entrance Sea Surface Temperature |url=https://www.gpa.wa.gov.au/Seaview.aspx?WebPageId=53 |publisher=Geraldton Port Authority |access-date=21 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226012650/http://gpa.wa.gov.au/Seaview.aspx?WebPageId=53 |archive-date=26 February 2014}}</ref>

In the winter the temperature is mild with daily highs averaging around {{convert|20|°C}}. Most of the yearly rainfall falls in this period.

In the summer months, Geraldton averages {{convert|32|–|33|C|F}}, with some days over {{convert|40|°C}}. Afternoon [[sea breeze]]s cool coastal areas and summer temperatures in coastal suburbs of Geraldton (Seacrest, Tarcoola, Geraldton CBD, Beresford, Sunset Beach, Bluff Point and Drummond Cove) are generally cooler than in inland suburbs, such as Strathalbyn, Utakarra, Woorree, Deepdale and Moonyoonooka.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}} On 18 February 2024 and 20 January 2025, Geraldton recorded its highest ever temperature of {{convert|49.3|°C}}, breaking the previous record of {{convert|47.7|°C}} set on 9 January 1954.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Kate |date=2024-02-18 |title=Geraldton smashes 70-year-old high with peak of 49.3C making it officially hottest day on record |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/weather/geraldton-smashes-70-year-old-high-with-peak-of-493c-making-it-officially-hottest-day-on-record--c-13638445 |access-date=2024-02-20 |website=PerthNow |language=en}}</ref><ref name=BOMMCS/>

{{Weather box
| location = Geraldton Airport, Moonyoonooka (1981–2020 normals, 1941–present extremes)
| metric first = Yes
| single line = Yes
| Jan record high C = 49.3
| Feb record high C = 49.3
| Mar record high C = 45.2
| Apr record high C = 39.7
| May record high C = 36.6
| Jun record high C = 29.5
| Jul record high C = 29.0
| Aug record high C = 31.6
| Sep record high C = 36.1
| Oct record high C = 40.7
| Nov record high C = 43.8
| Dec record high C = 46.8
| year record high C = 49.3
| Jan high C = 31.6
| Feb high C = 32.8
| Mar high C = 31.2
| Apr high C = 28.2
| May high C = 24.5
| Jun high C = 21.2
| Jul high C = 19.6
| Aug high C = 20.0
| Sep high C = 22.1
| Oct high C = 24.8
| Nov high C = 27.6
| Dec high C = 29.5
| year high C = 26.1
| Jan low C = 18.0
| Feb low C = 19.1
| Mar low C = 18.0
| Apr low C = 15.6
| May low C = 13.3
| Jun low C = 11.1
| Jul low C = 9.5
| Aug low C = 9.1
| Sep low C = 9.4
| Oct low C = 11.0
| Nov low C = 14.0
| Dec low C = 16.3
| year low C = 13.7
| Jan record low C = 9.4
| Feb record low C = 10.0
| Mar record low C = 8.8
| Apr record low C = 6.1
| May record low C = 2.1
| Jun record low C = 0.5
| Jul record low C = -0.4
| Aug record low C = 1.2
| Sep record low C = 1.2
| Oct record low C = 2.4
| Nov record low C = 3.8
| Dec record low C = 7.7
| year record low C = -0.4
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 5.0
| Feb precipitation mm = 10.7
| Mar precipitation mm = 18.9
| Apr precipitation mm = 19.5
| May precipitation mm = 65.2
| Jun precipitation mm = 82.5
| Jul precipitation mm = 87.5
| Aug precipitation mm = 63.5
| Sep precipitation mm = 34.4
| Oct precipitation mm = 15.9
| Nov precipitation mm = 10.4
| Dec precipitation mm = 5.5
| year precipitation mm = 416.3
| unit precipitation days = 1 mm
| Jan precipitation days = 0.6
| Feb precipitation days = 0.9
| Mar precipitation days = 1.5
| Apr precipitation days = 3.1
| May precipitation days = 7.0
| Jun precipitation days = 9.4
| Jul precipitation days = 10.9
| Aug precipitation days = 9.0
| Sep precipitation days = 6.7
| Oct precipitation days = 3.4
| Nov precipitation days = 2.3
| Dec precipitation days = 1.3
| year precipitation days = 56.1
| time day = 15:00
| Jan afthumidity = 44
| Feb afthumidity = 42
| Mar afthumidity = 42
| Apr afthumidity = 44
| May afthumidity = 47
| Jun afthumidity = 51
| Jul afthumidity = 56
| Aug afthumidity = 57
| Sep afthumidity = 53
| Oct afthumidity = 48
| Nov afthumidity = 45
| Dec afthumidity = 46
| year humidity = 48
| Jan dew point C = 16
| Feb dew point C = 16
| Mar dew point C = 13
| Apr dew point C = 12
| May dew point C = 9
| Jun dew point C = 8
| Jul dew point C = 8
| Aug dew point C = 9
| Sep dew point C = 9
| Oct dew point C = 10
| Nov dew point C = 12
| Dec dew point C = 13
| Jand sun = 11.8
| Febd sun = 10.5
| Mard sun = 9.4
| Aprd sun = 8.3
| Mayd sun = 6.9
| Jund sun = 6.6
| Juld sun = 6.5
| Augd sun = 7.4
| Sepd sun = 9.2
| Octd sun = 11.1
| Novd sun = 11.5
| Decd sun = 11.6
| Jan uv = 13
| Feb uv = 12
| Mar uv = 10
| Apr uv = 7
| May uv = 5
| Jun uv = 4
| Jul uv = 4
| Aug uv = 5
| Sep uv = 7
| Oct uv = 10
| Nov uv = 12
| Dec uv = 13
| source 1 = [[Australian Bureau of Meteorology]]<ref name=BOMMCS>{{cite web | url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_008051_All.shtml | title = Geraldton Airport Comparison – Site 008051 (1941–2014)| access-date = 7 June 2015 | date = 6 March 2014 | work = Climate statistics for Australian locations – Monthly climate statistics | publisher = Bureau of Meteorology}}</ref>
| source 2 = Time and Date (dewpoints 2005–2015)<ref>{{cite web
|url = https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/australia/geraldton/climate
|title = Climate & Weather Averages in Geraldton, Western Australia, Australia
|publisher = Time and Date
|access-date = 9 January 2022}}</ref>
Weather Atlas (sun hours)<ref>{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/australia/geraldton-climate#daylight_sunshine
|title = Monthly weather forecast and climate in Geraldton, Australia
|publisher = Weather Atlas
|access-date = 9 January 2022}}</ref>
| source = (Weatherzone)
https://www.weatherzone.com.au › ...
WA city equals its hottest day of 49.3°C
}}

==Demographics==
As of the [[2021 Australian census|2021 census]], the population of the Geraldton urban area was 38,595,<ref name=ABSSUA/> and in urban Geraldton:

* Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up 9.7% of the population. 
* 65.1% of people were born in Australia. The most common other countries of birth were England 7.7%, New Zealand 2.6%, South Africa 1.5% and Philippines 1.3%.   
* 82.7% of people only spoke English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Malay 0.7%, Afrikaans 0.7%, Tagalog 0.5%, Filipino 0.4% and Italian 0.4%. 
* The most common responses for religion were No Religion (41.2%), [[Catholic]] (22.2%), and [[Anglican Church of Australia|Anglican]] (11.9%).<ref name=ABSSUA/>

==Economy==
The economic output generated within Greater Geraldton, the {{convert|12626|km2|sqmi|adj=on}} [[Local government areas of Western Australia|local government area]] incorporating Geraldton, is estimated at $2.944 billion. Greater Geraldton represents 56.26% of the $5.233 billion in output generated in Mid West Region and 1.19% of the $247.705 billion in output generated in Western Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.economyprofile.com.au/geraldton/industries/gross-regional-product |title=Greater Geraldton Gross State Product, REMPLAN|publisher=City of Greater Geraldton |year=2016 |access-date=4 November 2018}}</ref>

===Port of Geraldton===
The Port of Geraldton is a major west coast port with seven bulk handling berths (and an average loading rate of seven tonnes per hour), ranking nationally (in tonnage for 2012/2013) 12th in exports (14,812,513); 23rd in imports (632,330); and 13th overall (15,444,843).<ref name=pa>{{cite web |url=http://www.portsaustralia.com.au/tradestats/?period=13 |title=Trade statistics for 2012/2013 |work=[[Ports Australia]] |access-date=1 July 2014 |archive-date=9 July 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140709203535/http://www.portsaustralia.com.au/tradestats/?period=13 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The major exports from the Geraldton port in 2012/2013 were (tonnage): iron ore (10,741,662); grain (2,618,507); mineral sands (849,933); copper concentrate (149,450); zinc concentrate (148,420); nickel concentrate (65,919); and livestock (2,758). Major imports were petroleum products (328,021). In 2012/2013 the Geraldton port serviced 328 bulk haulage vessels.<ref name=pa/>

==Tourism==

===Visitor Centre===
The Geraldton Visitor Centre is located in the art gallery on 24 Chapman Road. 
Its former location was the original Railway Station, a historic building in Geraldton's West End, and was originally built in 1878.{{cn|date=December 2023}} It was the first railway station constructed on a Government line in Western Australia.{{cn|date=December 2023}}

===Point Moore Lighthouse===
The Point Moore Lighthouse, located south of the Geraldton Port is a cultural and historical attraction. It is the oldest surviving Commonwealth lighthouse in Western Australia and was also the first steel tower to be constructed on the mainland of Australia. The Point Moore lighthouse stands 35m tall and its 1000w Tungsten Halogen Lamp can be seen for 23 nautical miles. It began operation in 1878.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Moore Point Lighthouse at Geraldton|url=http://www.lighthouses.org.au/lights/WA/Moore%20Point/Moore%20Point.htm|publisher=Lighthouses of Australia, Inc.|access-date=17 November 2015}}</ref> The tower was prefabricated in Birmingham, England in 1876 and reached Australia by boat in 1877. However, the foundation for the lighthouse was laid at the wrong place by the local contractors and had to be reconstructed at the new site. Currently, it is a heritage-listed structure which is visited by photographers, travellers, couples, artists, etc.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2011/11/07/3358385.htm|title=Stories of the light: The Point Moore Lighthouse podcast|date=9 December 2011|work=ABC Radio Perth}}</ref>

===Geraldton foreshore and city centre===
In 2007, the Geraldton foreshore area, previously an abandoned railway marshalling yard, was redeveloped and today hosts a playground with water activities, public green spaces, public beaches, picnic areas, basketball court and shaded play areas. The project was completed in 2008.{{cn|date=January 2024}}

Geraldton is a regular port of call for cruise ships with visits occurring approximately ten times per year. Volunteers, organised by the City of Greater Geraldton, greet visitors on arrival to provide information on activities and other assistance.<ref>{{cite web|title=Meet and Greeters Recognised for Hard Work |url=http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/news/meet-and-greeters-recognized-their-hard-work |publisher=City of Greater Geraldton |access-date=26 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214172311/http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/news/meet-and-greeters-recognized-their-hard-work |archive-date=14 February 2014}}</ref>

[[File:HMAS Sydney Memorial.jpg|left|Memorial to {{HMAS|Sydney|D48|6}}|200x200px|thumb]]

===HMAS ''Sydney'' memorial===
[[File:HMAS Sydney II Memorial, Geraldton, October 2023 13.jpg|thumb|upright|''The Waiting Woman'' sculpture by Joan Walsh-Smith and Charles Smith<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hmassydneymemorialgeraldton.com.au/construction-the-waiting-woman/|title=The Waiting Woman Construction|work=HMAS Sydney II Memorial|date=September 2012 |access-date=12 November 2023}}</ref>]]
The memorial for the World War II cruiser {{HMAS|Sydney|D48|6}} is located on Gummer Avenue, at the summit of Mount Scott.<ref name=McCarthy>{{cite web |url=http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/sydney/ |title=The HMAS Sydney/HSK Kormoran engagement: an analysis of events leading up the 60th anniversary celebrations in November 2001 |last=McCarthy |first=Michael |date=June 2002 |publisher=Western Australian Maritime Museum |access-date=31 October 2010}}</ref> The memorial recognises the loss of the light cruiser during a [[Sinking of HMAS Sydney|mutually destructive fight]] with the [[German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran|German auxiliary cruiser ''Kormoran'']] off [[Shark Bay, Western Australia|Shark Bay]] in November 1941, with none of the 645 crewmen aboard surviving.<ref name=MVA>{{cite press release |title=HMAS Sydney II Declared a National Memorial |publisher=[[Minister for Veterans' Affairs (Australia)|Minister for Veterans' Affairs]] |date=21 May 2009 |url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/media/pressrel/PTNT6/upload_binary/ptnt60.pdf |access-date=12 October 2011}}</ref> A temporary memorial, consisting of a large boulder, a flagpole, and a bronze plaque, was erected in 1998.<ref name=McDonald205>{{cite book |last=McDonald |first=Glenys |title=Seeking the Sydney: a quest for truth |publisher=[[University of Western Australia Press]]|location=Crawley, WA |year=2005 |isbn=1-920694-54-4 |oclc=62557643 |page=205}}</ref> A permanent memorial was dedicated on 18 November 2001, the day before the 60th anniversary. The HMAS [http://bv8ja7kw5x.search.serialssolutions.com/?ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&ctx_enc=info%3Aofi%2Fenc%3AUTF-8&rfr_id=info:sid/summon.serialssolutions.com&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:book&rft.genre=book&rft.title=Search+for+HMAS+Sydney+%3A+An+Australian+Story&rft.au=Graham%2C+Ted&rft.date=2014-09-01&rft.pub=UNSW+Press&rft.isbn=9781742234205&rft.externalDBID=n%2Fa&rft.externalDocID=1766779&paramdict=en-AU Sydney] memorial<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Stephens|first=John Richard|s2cid=145698018|title=Commemorative Landscapes to the Missing: The HMAS Sydney II Memorial|journal=Landscape Research|volume=39|issue=5|pages=523–541|doi=10.1080/01426397.2012.756862|year=2014|bibcode=2014LandR..39..523S }}</ref> is made up of four major elements: 1. A [[stele]], based on the ships prow; 2. A granite wall listing the ships company; 3. A bronze statue of a woman looking out to sea and waiting in vain for ''Sydney'' to return; and 4. A dome made up of 645 stainless steel seagulls. The 645 stainless steel seagulls represent the souls of the lost sailors. In Folklore,<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.1080/01426397.2012.756862 | volume=39 | issue=5 | title=Commemorative Landscapes to the Missing: The HMAS Sydney II Memorial | journal=Landscape Research | pages=523–541| year=2014 | last1=Stephens | first1=John Richard | bibcode=2014LandR..39..523S | s2cid=145698018 }}</ref> birds such as seagulls are sometimes known as 'soul birds' because they are regarded as the souls of people who died at sea. (Armstrong, 1958) ''Sydney''<ref>McDonald, ''Seeking the Sydney'', pp. 206–11</ref>

[[File:The Dome of Souls.jpg|thumb|"The Dome of Souls"<ref>Emily,H.(2016). The Dome of Souls. Geraldton. retrieved from: Geraldton, Taken myself.</ref>
|alt=Seagulls representing the 645 souls lost.]]
In May 2009, the memorial was recognised by the Australian government as being of national significance.<ref name="MVA" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hmassydneymemorialgeraldton.com.au/symbolism/|title=Symbolism {{!}} HMAS Sydney II Memorial Geraldton|website=www.hmassydneymemorialgeraldton.com.au|date=8 September 2012 |access-date=2016-05-16}}</ref>

===Activities===
The Geraldton foreshore area has pathways for walking, running, cycling, dog-walking, skateboarding and in-line skating. There are skate parks at Cape Burney, Maitland Park, Wonthella, Strathalbyn, Tarcoola Beach, Forrester and Drummond Cove.

Farmers markets occur on Saturday from 8 am to 12 noon in Maitland Park on Cathedral Avenue and on Sunday at the [[Geraldton railway station|Old railway station]] on the corner of Chapman Road and Forrest Street.

4WD access is permitted on many beaches around Geraldton. Many beaches are impassable at times around high tide and during periods of ocean surges. At certain times of year, access may become impossible due to [[Coastal erosion|beach erosion]].

===Beaches===
[[File:St Georges Beach.jpg|thumb|St Georges Beach]]
The main beaches in Geraldton are Tarcoola Beach, Back Beach, Separation Point, Point Moore, Pages Beach, Town Beach, Champion Bay, St Georges, Sunset Beach and Bluff Point.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parks and Beach Facilities in Geraldton |url=http://cgg.wa.gov.au/facilities/parks-and-beaches |publisher=City of Greater Geraldton |access-date=25 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306233342/http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/facilities/parks-and-beaches |archive-date=6 March 2014}}</ref>

==Sport and recreation==
===Windsurfing and kitesurfing===
During the spring, summer and early autumn months from September through April, Geraldton experiences consistent seabreezes. [[Windsurfing]] and kitesurfing locations include Back Beach, Separation Point ("Seppos"), Point Moore, Hell's Gate, St. George’s and Sunset Beach. The region is a popular windsurfing location, attracting significant numbers of overseas visitors and product testing by manufacturers. In 2005, Geraldton was host to the Australian KiteSurfing Association [http://www.aksa.com.au/ (AKSA)] Australian National Championships.<ref>{{cite web|title=2005 AKSA National Championships, Geraldton |url=http://www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/General/Nationals-Split-Comp-Bites/?page=2|publisher=Australian KiteSurfing Association|access-date=25 May 2005}}</ref>

===Surfing and stand-up paddlesurfing===
{{Unreferencedsect|date=December 2023}}
[[Surfing]], and more recently [[Stand up paddle surfing]], are also popular activities in and around Geraldton. Popular surf spots include Flat Rocks, Greenough, Back Beach, Sunset Beach and Glenfield. Stand-Up Paddlesurfing spots include Point Moore, Town Beach, The Foreshore, St. Georges Beach and Drummond Cove to the north.

In winter, local weather conditions shift to predominantly easterly (offshore) winds. Indian Ocean storms generate large swells that produce good conditions for surfing (though the fringe barrier reef protecting the Geraldton coastline blocks much of the swell, significantly reducing the size of the waves that reach the beaches). Large swells may create potentially dangerous [[rip currents]] as water flows through passages between the reef.

===Fishing, boating and sailing===
Saltwater [[fishing]], [[boating]] and [[sailing]] are popular along Geraldton's coastline.

Local and visiting recreational fishermen and women target a wide variety of native sport fish from the beaches and wharves that includes Mulloway, Bream, Tailor, Whiting, Sharks and Cod; larger fish such as Dhufish, Mackerel, Tuna, Snapper, Sampsonfish, Coral Trout and larger sharks, amongst many others are found on Geraldton's offshore reefs, located from approximately 8&nbsp;km to more than 80&nbsp;km offshore. A recreational fishing licence is not required when fishing from the shore but a licence must be obtained from the Department of Fisheries to fish from a boat. Significant fines apply for non-compliance.  Recreational fishing for local Western Rock Lobster is also permitted during the season from December–April (exact dates vary from year to year) however, a special licence is required. Size and daily bag limits apply to certain species of fish and to all lobster catches.<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Rock Lobster |url=http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/species/rock-lobster/Pages/default.aspx |publisher=Western Australia Department of Fisheries |access-date=11 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140211234917/http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/Species/Rock-Lobster/Pages/default.aspx |archive-date=11 February 2014}}</ref>

The city is home to the Geraldton Yacht Club, which marked its 100th anniversary in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=About the Geraldton Yacht Club|url=http://www.gyc.yachting.org.au/assoc_page.cgi?c=0-9989-0-0-0&sID=297195|publisher=Geraldton Yacht Club|access-date=27 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227115913/http://www.gyc.yachting.org.au/assoc_page.cgi?c=0-9989-0-0-0&sID=297195|archive-date=27 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Scuba diving and snorkelling===
[[Scuba diving]] and [[snorkelling]] are popular activities around Geraldton. There are several [[wreck diving]] sites off the coast, including the ''South Tomi'', which was sunk in 2004. The South Tomi is a 58.7-metre long, 9.81-metre wide vessel that was built by Niigata Engineering and Shipping Co Ltd. in Niigata City, Japan. In March 2001, the Republic of Togo registered South Tomi. The same month, the ship was identified fishing illegally in Australian sub-Antarctic waters and pursued by Australian Fisheries officers for 14 days, covering 3,300 nautical miles (approximately 6,100 kilometres). The vessel was boarded by Australian defence forces 320 nautical miles (approximately 600&nbsp;km) south of Cape Town in South Africa and inspected. The vessel was found to be carrying an illegal catch of protected [[Patagonian toothfish]] and the vessel and its catch were confiscated by Australian authorities. The vessel was escorted 8,500&nbsp;km to Western Australia and arrived on 5 May in Fremantle. The catch was sold by the Australian government for $1.4 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-us/publications/australian-antarctic-magazine/2001-2005/issue-2-spring-2001/international/another-one-that-didnt-get-away!|title=Another one that didn't get away!|publisher=Australian Government, Department of the Environment, Australian Antarctic Division|date=2001|access-date=17 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118120015/http://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-us/publications/australian-antarctic-magazine/2001-2005/issue-2-spring-2001/international/another-one-that-didnt-get-away!|archive-date=18 November 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The City of Geraldton secured the vessel to be sunk as an artificial reef. The ship was towed from Fremantle to Geraldton and scuttled on 18 September 2004 2.9 nautical miles off the Geraldton coast. The site is registered with the WA Department of Fisheries as a wreck and is closed year round to fishing within the defined boundaries – commencing at 28°43.968'S 114°33.392'E, then east to 114°33.206'E, then north to 28°43.752'S, then east to 114°33.392'E, then south to the commencement point. Water depth at the site is approximately 24.5 metres and the deck is 13 metres from the surface. The wreck of the South Tomi provides an easily accessible diving alternative to the nearby [[Houtman Abrolhos]].

===Team sports===
[[File:Activewest Stadium October 2023 01.jpg|thumb|Activewest Stadium in [[Wonthella, Western Australia|Wonthella]], home of the [[Geraldton Buccaneers]]]]
Geraldton has a number of resident sporting teams, including Australian Rules Football, Basketball, Netball, Soccer and Roller Derby League.

The men's basketball team, the [[Geraldton Buccaneers]] of the [[NBL1 West]], has been described as the "pride of the city". They play at Activewest Stadium on Eighth Street, where most home games are sold out to capacity with upwards of 2,000 people.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pike|first=Chris|url=https://nbl1.com.au/news/ralph-with-so-much-to-be-excited-about-ahead-of-grand-final/west/|title=Ralph with so much to be excited about ahead of Grand Final|work=NBL1.com.au|date=10 August 2023|access-date=10 August 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230810074545/https://nbl1.com.au/news/ralph-with-so-much-to-be-excited-about-ahead-of-grand-final/west/|archive-date=10 August 2023}}</ref>

Geraldton is home to the Mid West Academy of Sport, a non-profit community organisation providing support to sporting talent (athletes, coaches, officials and administrators) throughout the Mid West Region of Western Australia.

===Horse racing===
Geraldton is home to a [[horse racing]] industry and since 1887 has hosted the annual [[Geraldton Gold Cup]] meeting.<ref>{{cite news|title=Geraldton Races|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/66079485|work=[[The Inquirer & Commercial News]]/[[Trove]]|date=14 December 1887| first=|last=Special Reporter}}</ref>

===Entertainment===
Queens Park Theatre is the largest entertainment and conference venue in Geraldton, with a 673-seat auditorium (including box and circle seating), two large foyers with bars, a reception room, and a 500-seat outdoor amphitheatre. The theatre hosts professional events and performances from around the world.

Theatre 8 is an amateur theatre that presents various local talents.

The Orana Cinemas in the historical West End is Geraldton's only cineplex with 3D available on selected movies. During the summer months, a movie is sometimes shown at the side of Dome on Foreshore Drive by Sun City Cinema.

==Events==
The Geraldton Sunshine Festival,<ref>{{cite web|title=The Geraldton Sunshine Festival|url=http://www.sunshinefestival.com.au/|publisher=Sunshine Festival Organisers|access-date=27 February 2014}}</ref> established in 1958, is one of Australia's longest-running festivals. The festival takes place annually in October, celebrating the arrival of Spring and providing opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with local businesses and other organisations.

The Goodness Sustainability and Innovation Festival<ref>http://pollinators.org.au/event/goodness-festival-2014/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330053007/http://pollinators.org.au/event/goodness-festival-2014/ |date=30 March 2015 }} Goodness Festival</ref> is held each August in and around Geraldton and showcases and celebrates innovation and achievement towards sustainability in the Mid West.

The Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival – The festival has been hosted by the City of Geraldton and run by The Geraldton Library staff.  Australian and International authors come together to share their knowledge and experiences in many ways, from intimate dinners to large scale debates.<ref>{{Citation | author1=City of Greater Geraldton Regional Library | title=Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival : reading between the lines : final report | date=2012 | publisher=City of Greater Geraldton Regional Library | url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/192046842 | access-date=30 January 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Citation | author1=Smith, Susan | title=Geraldton-Greenough Regional Library | journal=Incite | date=December 2009 | volume=30 | issue=12 | pages=23–24 | issn=0158-0876 }}</ref>

==Churches==

[[File:St Francis Xavier Cathedral.jpg|thumb|St Francis Xavier Cathedral]]
The [[St Francis Xavier's Cathedral, Geraldton|St Francis Xavier Cathedral]] is the [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] cathedral of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Geraldton|Diocese of Geraldton]]. It was designed by the architect and Catholic priest [[John Hawes]]. Construction began in 1916 and was completed in 1938.<ref>{{cite news |date=2 September 1938 |title=Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article260038787 |accessdate=23 August 2024 |newspaper=[[The Mount Magnet Leader And Youanmi Miner]] |location=Western Australia |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia |volume=4 |issue=186}}</ref>

The [[Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Geraldton|Cathedral of the Holy Cross]] is the [[Anglican]] cathedral of the [[Anglican Diocese of North West Australia|North West Anglican Diocese]]. It was built during the early 1960s, and "is renowned for having one of the largest areas of stained glass windows in Australia."<ref>[http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Pages/Attraction.aspx?n=Cathedral_of_The_Holy_Cross&pid=9010741 Discover WA] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103044612/http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Pages/Attraction.aspx?n=Cathedral_of_The_Holy_Cross&pid=9010741 |date=3 January 2015 }}</ref>

==Facilities and services==

The Greater Geraldton Regional Library is open seven days a week and provides free access to the Internet via a public WiFi hotspot. Other free public WiFi hotspots are available along the Geraldton Foreshore, from the marina to the Esplanade.

The Geraldton Batavia Coast Marina consists of three jetties, 47 commercial and recreation boat pens, 42 floating pens, boat ramps, toilets, carpark, fishing platform and a boardwalk.

Geraldton Volunteer Marine Rescue (active on weekends and public holidays) monitor marine radio frequency 27.88&nbsp;MHz and VHF Channel 16. Local groups also monitor other frequencies such as 27.90&nbsp;MHz, 27.91&nbsp;MHz and VHF channels 72 and 73, as well as their own channels.<ref>{{cite web|title=Geraldton Volunteer Marine Rescue|url=http://geraldton-vmr.org.au/|publisher=Geraldton Marine Rescue|access-date=10 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125094222/http://geraldton-vmr.org.au/|archive-date=25 January 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Geraldton Regional Art Gallery opened in 1984 and was one of the first "A Class" regional galleries in Australia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Geraldton Art Gallery |url=http://artgallery.cgg.wa.gov.au/about |work=Geraldton Regional Art Gallery |publisher=City of Greater Geraldton |access-date=11 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311093712/http://artgallery.cgg.wa.gov.au/about |archive-date=11 March 2014}}</ref>

The Aquarena is a public swimming facility managed by the City of Greater Geraldton. It has 50-metre and 25-metre pools, a leisure pool, a water slide and hydrotherapy facilities, with water polo and swimming squads and group fitness sessions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Geraldton Aquarena|url=http://aquarena.cgg.wa.gov.au/|publisher=City of Greater Geraldton |access-date=25 February 2014}}</ref>

The Queen Elizabeth II Centre (QE2) is home to a variety of community and seniors' groups, and offers facilities for public hire, including two large halls with equipped kitchens. The QEII Centre is available for local and visiting seniors, group meetings and also provides an internet hub for seniors.

==Communications==
Geraldton is host to one of the 121 "points of interconnection"<ref name=POI>{{cite web|title=NBN points of interconnection | url=http://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/NBN%20points%20of%20interconnection.pdf |publisher=Australian Competition and Consumer Commission|access-date=29 September 2016}}</ref> for the Australian [[National Broadband Network]] (NBN), providing service to the largest geographic region in Australia. Geraldton was the first regional community in Western Australia where the NBN [[Fiber to the x#Fiber to the premises|Fibre to the Premises]] (FttP) network was deployed in July 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=NBN switched on in Geraldton|newspaper=ABC News |date=10 July 2013 |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-10/nbn-in-geraldton/4811726|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=10 July 2013}}</ref> NBNCo provides a fixed wireless broadband service for some parts of the region and in 2013/2014 introduced high speed optic fibre broadband services to areas of Geraldton in and near the city centre.<ref>{{cite web|title=NBN rollout map|url=http://www.nbnco.com.au/when-do-i-get-it/rollout-map.html?address=Geraldton+WA+6530%2C+Australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301181847/http://www.nbnco.com.au/when-do-i-get-it/rollout-map.html?address=Geraldton+WA+6530%2C+Australia|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 March 2014|work=National Broadband Network|publisher=NBN Co Limited|access-date=20 February 2014}}</ref>

All occupiable premises in Geraldton's urbanised areas between Tarcoola Beach in the south and Drummond Cove in the north are outfitted with NBN Fibre to the Premise services, with construction completed in mid 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last1=National Broadband Network|title=nbn's 3-year rollout plan|url=http://www.nbnco.com.au/learn-about-the-nbn/three-year-construction-plan.html|website=nbn|access-date=29 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029103511/http://www.nbnco.com.au/learn-about-the-nbn/three-year-construction-plan.html|archive-date=29 October 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> (Excluding Mandurah) Geraldton is currently (2017) the only regional town in Western Australia with NBN Fibre to the Premise services.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://johnmenadue.com/quentin-dempster-nbn-are-you-one-of-the-lucky-ones-in-turnbulls-two-speed-society/ | title=QUENTIN DEMPSTER. NBN - Are you one of the lucky ones in Turnbull's two-speed society? | date=18 December 2016 }}</ref>

A number of Internet Service Providers offer services to Geraldton that include (where available) Fibre to the Premise (FttP) via NBNCo, private fibre networks (Seacrest Estate), as well as via public spectrum (5.8&nbsp;GHz Class License) wireless links. Upon completion of the nbn rollout, nearly all copper-based services (ADSL, Frame Relay, Standard Analogue Telephone lines, etc.) were decommissioned and are no longer available.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

In 2012, the City of Greater Geraldton was one of 33 cities worldwide selected to receive a Smarter Cities® Challenge grant from IBM. The stated aim of the project is to "identify smart digital services and opportunities that leverage the increasing availability of broadband and to develop smart energy strategies that will enable the community's vision of becoming a carbon-neutral region by 2029".<ref>{{cite web | title=IBM’s Smarter Cities Challenge: Report - City of Greater Geraldton | url=https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/Profiles/cgg/Assets/ClientData/Documents/Council-Meetings/64/CEO014---Attatchment-1--IBM-SMarter-Cities-Challenge-CGG-Report.pdf | access-date=2025-06-11}}</ref>

The region is serviced by the major mobile phone companies with [[4G]] networks provided by [[Telstra]], [[Optus]] and [[Vodafone]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.optus.com.au/aboutoptus/About+Optus/Media+Centre/Media+Releases/2010/Optus+expands+mobile+coverage+in+Geraldton | title = Optus expands mobile coverage in Geraldton | access-date = 17 April 2012 | date = 17 February 2010 | publisher = SingTel Optus Pty Limited}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Liana |last=Pappas |title=Telstra lights up 4G mobile services in Australia |date=27 September 2011 |publisher=Niche Media Pty Ltd |url=http://www.macworld.com.au/print/37545 |work=Macworld Australia |access-date=17 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012052026/http://www.macworld.com.au/print/37545 |archive-date=12 October 2013}}</ref>

==Healthcare==
Geraldton has two hospitals: Geraldton Regional Hospital (GRH) (public) and St John of God Hospital (SJOGH) (private). Geraldton Regional Hospital is the only facility in Geraldton with a 24-hour Emergency Room.

Geraldton Regional Hospital is a 55-bed hospital comprising accident and emergency, medical, surgical, paediatrics, maternity, intensive nursing, chemotherapy unit, day surgery and a renal dialysis unit.

Allied health services (speech pathology, psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy and audiology) are also available at the hospital.

St John of God Hospital is a 60-bed hospital with medical, surgical, acute care, maternity and palliative care. There is also an adjoining specialist centre where residential specialists are based. This included three general surgeons, radiologists, an orthopaedic surgeon, two obstetrician/gynaecologists, an ophthalmologist, GPs and anaesthetists.{{cn|date=December 2023}} Visiting specialists consulting rooms are also based here.

There are 42{{cn|date=August 2024}} private general practitioners resident in Geraldton, including four general practitioners employed by the Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS).{{cn|date=December 2023}} Most of the GPs and resident specialists in Geraldton are involved in teaching Rural Clinical School medical students.

Community services include the Aboriginal Medical Service, the Community Drug Service Team, the Community Health and Development Centre, and the Community Mental Health Team.

==Education==
===Tertiary education===

The Geraldton Universities Centre<ref>{{cite web|title=Geraldton Universities Centre|url=http://www.guc.edu.au/|access-date=25 February 2014}}</ref> is an independent, not-for-profit, incorporated body, supporting university courses in Geraldton on behalf of a range of universities including CQUniversity, Charles Sturt University and the University of Southern Queensland. The centre is an Australian first with university places allocated specifically for Geraldton, allowing students to study locally while living and working in the Mid West. The majority of graduates now work in regional Western Australia. The student body has grown from 20 student places in 2001 to more than 200 enrolled students in 2015, undertaking a range of bridging and full degree programs.

Central Regional TAFE (formerly Durack Institute of Technology) is a college of [[TAFE]] providing education, training programs and services to the community including school leavers, mature age students, industry/corporate groups, international students, employers and those who study for their own personal and professional development.

The Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI), a subsidiary of Central Regional TAFE, is a training, research and development facility located at Separation Point in Geraldton.

===Primary and secondary schools and colleges===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! School !! Year range !! Funding
|-
| Allendale Primary School  || K–6 || Public
|-
| Beachlands Primary School || K–6 || Public
|-
| Bluff Point Primary School || K–6 || Public
|-
| Geraldton Primary School   || K–6 || Public
|-
| Leaning Tree Steiner School || Pre–K–9 || Private
|-
| Mt Tarcoola Primary School || K–6|| Public
|-
| Rangeway Primary School || K–6 || Public
|-
| St Francis Xavier Primary School || K–6 || Private
|-
| St Lawrence's School Bluff Point || K–6 || Private
|-
| St John's School Rangeway || K–6 || Private
|-
| Waggrakine Primary School || K–6 || Public
|-
| Wandina Primary School || K–6 || Public
|-
| [[John Willcock College|Champion Bay Senior High School]] || 7–12 || Public
|-
| [[Geraldton Senior College|Geraldton Senior High School]] || 7–12 || Public
|-
| Geraldton Grammar School  || K–12 || Private
|-
| [[Nagle Catholic College]] || 7–12 || Private
|-
| [[Geraldton Christian College]] || K–12 || Private

|}

==Nearby==
The [[Houtman Abrolhos]] islands are {{convert|60|km}} west of Geraldton.

The Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory Support Facility<ref>Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory Support Facility http://www.atnf.csiro.au/projects/askap/MSF_Overview.pdf</ref> in Geraldton, operated by [[Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation|CSIRO]], provides support services for the [[Square Kilometre Array]] project located at the [[Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory]], 315&nbsp;km northeast of Geraldton.<ref>{{cite web|title=Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory Support Facility | url=http://www.atnf.csiro.au/projects/askap/MSF_Overview.pdf|website=Australia Telescope National Facility |publisher=CSIRO|access-date=11 September 2015}}</ref>

The [[Australian Defence Satellite Communications Station]] is located at [[Kojarena, Western Australia|Kojarena]], 30&nbsp;km east of Geraldton.

==Transport==
Geraldton has a public bus service run by [[TransGeraldton]] and is connected to Perth with coach services provided by [[Transwa]]. [[QantasLink]] and Nexus Airlines provide commercial services from [[Geraldton Airport]]; Several charter companies provide tourist charter flights and services to the mining industry.  The airport is also used for [[general aviation]]. The airport provides multiple daily flights to and from Perth, operated by [[QantasLink]] and Nexus Airlines. General aviation services include charter flights to the Abrolhos Islands, to WA minesites and to various tourist destinations. Flight training schools, aircraft maintenance facilities and a local aero club are based here. Construction is underway as of 2014<ref>{{cite web|title=City Starts Delivery of Technology Park |url=http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/news/city-starts-delivery-technology-park |publisher=City of Greater Geraldton |access-date=11 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311075824/http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/news/city-starts-delivery-technology-park |archive-date=11 March 2014}}</ref> on an Airport Technology Park.

==Media==

===Radio===
Radio services available in Geraldton:
* [[Vision Christian Radio]] (87.8FM) – Christian talk and music
* Tourist Radio (88.0FM) – (Information for travellers and tourists)
* TAB Radio (88.6FM) – Racing and sport
* 6 TTT (97.3FM) – (Community Access Radio Station)
* [[ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt]] (6GN 828 AM) – Part of the [[ABC Local Radio]] Network.
* [[Radio National]] – (6ABCRN 99.7 FM) – Speciality talk and music.
* [[Triple J]] – (6JJJ 98.9 FM) – Music for young Australians (non-commercial, ABC affiliate)
* [[ABC News Radio]] – (6PNN 101.3 FM) – Rolling News bulletins, news magazine programs and LIVE coverage from Federal Parliament House of Representatives.
* [[ABC Classic]] – (6ABCFM 94.9 FM) – Classical and Jazz Music.
* [[WAFM (Australia)|WAFM]] (96.5FM) – Top 40 Music
* [[The Spirit Network]] (Radio 6BAY FM 98.1 \ 1512 AM) – Classic Hits / Adult Contemporary Music format aimed at 35 years + audience.
*Radio Mama – 100.5FM – Indigenous Community station

===Television===
Free-to-Air Television services:

* [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]
* [[Special Broadcasting Service|SBS]]
* [[Seven Regional WA]] (formerly GWN7)
* [[WOW (TV station)|WIN Television]] ([[Nine Network|Nine]])
* [[West Digital Television]] ([[Network 10|Ten]])

The programming schedule is mainly the same as the Seven, Nine and Ten stations in Perth, with variations for news bulletins, sport telecasts such as the [[Australian Football League]] and [[National Rugby League]], children's and lifestyle programs and [[advertorial]]s. [[GWN7|Seven]] produces a 30-minute regional news program each weeknight (originating from [[Bunbury, Western Australia|Bunbury]]) with a newsroom based in Geraldton, covering the local area.

===Newspapers===
The ''[[Geraldton Guardian]]'' was established in 1878 as the ''Victorian Express'' and is the state's second oldest extant newspaper in continuous circulation (after [[The West Australian]]). It is published on Tuesday and Friday.<ref>{{cite news | title = Occasional Paragraphs by an Idle Man | date = 26 June 1880 | url = http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110470881 | work = The Herald | pages = 3 | access-date = 14 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.slwa.wa.gov.au/pdf/prefedpapersfeb03.pdf | title = Access to Early WA Regional Newspapers: Pre-Federation to 1905 | access-date = 12 March 2014 | last = Hartnup | first = Margaret | date = February 2003 | work = J S Battye Library of Western Australian History | publisher = State Library of Western Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = The Geraldton Guardian with which is incorporated the "Geraldton Express" | date = 3 January 1948 | url = http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page6604364 | work = Geraldton Guardian | pages = 1 | access-date = 11 March 2014}}</ref>

''Yamaji News'', published since 1995 by the Yamaji Languages Aboriginal Corporation, is a fortnightly Geraldton newspaper presenting issues and stories affecting indigenous people in the Gascoyne and Murchison districts.<ref>{{cite book | url = http://henrietta.slwa.wa.gov.au/record=b1682845~S2 | title = Yamaji news | access-date = 2012-06-22 | work = SLWA Online Catalogue | date = 1995 | publisher = State Library of Western Australia}}</ref>

The ''Midwest Times'' is published on Wednesday and is issued free to residents and businesses in the Geraldton and the Mid West.


==Notable residents==
* [[Liam Anthony]] (1987– ), Australian rules footballer<ref name="chance">[http://www.theage.com.au/news/rfnews/anthony-makes-the-most-of-his-chance/2009/07/20/1247941873458.html Anthony makes the most of his chance]. Theage.com.au (2009-07-20). Retrieved on 2012-08-16.</ref>
* [[Alfred Carson]] (1859–1944), journalist and social worker
* [[Edith Cowan]] (1861–1932), the first woman elected to an Australian Parliament, was born and raised at Glengarry Station
* [[Patricia Gallaher]] OAM (1937–2014), regional librarian established the Randolph Stow award for young writers
* [[Geoff Gallop]] (1951– ), 27th [[Premier of Western Australia]]
* [[Nene Gare]] (1919–1994), her novel [[The Fringe Dwellers]] was inspired by and set in Geraldton
* [[Xavier Herbert]] (1901–1984), [[Miles Franklin Award]]-winning writer, was born here
* [[Brenda Hodge]], the last person sentenced to death in Australia. Her sentence was [[Commutation (law)|commuted]] when WA abolished the death penalty; she was eventually released from prison and now lives in Geraldton.
* [[Chris Mainwaring]] (1965–2007), an [[Australian rules football]]er, inaugural player for the [[West Coast Eagles Football Club|West Coast Eagles]]
* [[Jack Martin (Australian footballer)|Jack Martin]] (1995– ), Australian rules footballer
* [[Stephen McCann]] (1958–), Australian rules footballer<ref>[https://australianfootball.com/players/player/stephen%2Bmccann/11102 Stephen McCann Australian Footballer]</ref>
* [[Judd McVee]] (2003–), Australian rules footballer<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.geraldtonguardian.com.au/news/geraldton-guardian/geraldtons-judd-mcvee-joins-melbourne-demons-in-afl-dream-ng-b882090093z|title=Geraldton's Judd McVee joins Melbourne Demons in AFL dream|date=29 November 2021|work=GeraldtonGuardian.com.au|publisher=Geraldton Guardian|access-date=7 May 2023}}</ref>
* [[Johny Narkle]] (2001– ), basketball player
* [[Doris Pilkington]] (1937–2014), author best known for her 1996 book ''[[Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence]]''<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | last = Kovacic | first = Leonarda |author2=Lemon, Barbara | encyclopedia = The Australian Women's Register | title = Pilkington, Doris (1937 – ) | url = http://www.womenaustralia.info/biogs/AWE1185b.htm | access-date = 20 February 2014 | date = 20 May 2005 | publisher = The National Foundation for Australian Women & The University of Melbourne}}</ref>
* [[Graham Polak]] (1984-), Australian rules footballer<ref>[https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/geraldton-prepares-to-host-pre-season-western-derby-ng-ya-123059 Geraldton prepares to host pre-season western derby] by Mark Duffield from The West Australian 11 November 2016</ref>
* [[Liam Ryan (footballer)|Liam Ryan]] (1996– ), Australian rules footballer
* [[Paddy Ryder]] (1988-), Australian rules footballer<ref>[https://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/1279169/paddy-ryder-returns-to-essendon Paddy Ryder Returns to Essendon] by essendonfc.com.au 6 March 2023</ref>
* [[John Sanderson|Lieutenant General John Sanderson]] (1940– ), 29th [[Governor of Western Australia]], former [[Chief of the Army (Australia)|Chief of the Australian Army]]
* [[Brett Sheehan]] (1979– ) Rugby Union player for Reds, Waratahs and Western Force
* [[Randolph Stow]] (1935–2010), Miles Franklin Award-winning novelist. His ''The Merry-Go-Round in the Sea'' was set in the Geraldton area in the 1940s
* [[Tasma Walton]] (1973– ), a television and film actress, wife of Australian comedian, television presenter and producer [[Rove McManus]]
* [[John Willcock]] (1879–1956), 15th Premier of Western Australia
* [[Ronald Wilson|Sir Ronald Wilson]] (1922–2005), Justice of the [[High Court of Australia]], President of the [[Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission]]
* [[Albert Wolff (Australian judge)|Sir Albert Wolff]] (1899–1977), [[Chief Justice of Western Australia]], [[Lieutenant Governor of Western Australia]]

==See also==
* [[City of Greater Geraldton]]

==References==
{{Reflist|33em}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage|Geraldton}}
{{Commons category|Geraldton, Western Australia}}
* [http://www.geraldtonvisitorcentre.com.au Geraldton Visitors Centre]
* [http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au City of Greater Geraldton]
* [http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/oursites/geraldton/geraldton.asp Western Australian Museum – Geraldton]
* [http://www.findingsydney.com Finding Sydney Foundation]
* [http://www.gpa.wa.gov.au/ Geraldton Port Authority] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516184129/http://www.gpa.wa.gov.au/ |date=16 May 2014 }}
* [http://www.library.cgg.wa.gov.au Greater Geraldton Regional Library]
* [http://www.guc.edu.au Geraldton Universities Centre]
* [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:OIC_geraldton_cbd_queens_park_theatre.jpg Queens Park Theatre]
* [http://www.everythinggeraldton.com.au Everything Geraldton]

{{Western Australia}}
{{Towns Mid West WA}}
{{Cities of Australia}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Geraldton| ]]
[[Category:Coastal cities in Australia]]
[[Category:Mid West (Western Australia)]]