Weekend in Geraldton

A smart, modern museum with exhibits on local maritime history, Aboriginal culture, and the Batavia shipwreck. Hands-on displays keep kids engaged.

Tip: Don't skip the rooftop viewing platform – it's a great spot for photos of the coast. Allow about 1.5 hours to see everything properly.

A powerful memorial overlooking the ocean, featuring the Dome of Souls and a bronze statue of a woman awaiting news. Commemorates the 645 sailors lost in 1941.

Tip: Go at sunset for the best light on the dome and to see the names etched in the pavement. It's usually quiet mid-afternoon.

A long stretch of sandy beach with a playground, barbecue spots, and a boardwalk. Calmer than the main beach, good for families and swimming.

Tip: Park near the northern end for the best picnic tables. The water can be chilly even in summer, so bring a wetsuit if you plan to stay in long.

A shady park with mature trees, a small lake, and the restored 1915 railway station building (now a museum open irregularly). Good for a quiet picnic.

Tip: The train display isn't always on, but the park itself is lovely. Bring your own food – the café is long gone. It's a 20-minute walk from the main strip.

Australia's first all-steel pre-fabricated lighthouse, built in 1878. You can't enter the tower but the grounds are open, with good coastal views.

Tip: Combine with a walk along the adjacent Point Moore Beach. It's a short drive or a 25-minute walk from town – cycle is best. No facilities on site.