Geraldton, Western Australia
Categories: Towns in Western Australia | Local Government Areas of Western Australia
Geraldton (28°46′ S 114°36′ E) is a town in Western Australia located 424 km north of Perth. According to the 2001 census, Geraldton has a population of 29,996, making it the fifth-largest town in Western Australia.
Today the town is an important centre for mining, fishing, wheat, sheep and tourism. It is also a major port.
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History
The first European to explore the area was George Grey in 1839. A decade later the explorer A. C. Gregory travelled through the area. He discovered lead on the Murchison River and the mine which was subsequently established was named Geraldine after the Governor Charles Fitzgerald. The town of Geraldton was gazetted in 1850.
Attractions
The construction of the St Francis Xavier Cathderal started in 1916 but was not completed until 1938.
The HMAS Sydney is thought to have been lost off the coast and there is a memorial overlooking the city.
Near the town is also a station of the spy-system Echelon.
Nearby
North of Geraldton is the town of Northampton, as well as the Hutt River Province, an area which claims to be an independent nation, since its self-proclaimed secession from Western Australia in 1969.
The Houtman Abrolhos islands are 60 km to the west of Geraldton. They are famous for the 1629 wreck of the Batavia. A stone portico recovered from the wreck has been reconstructed at the local museum, along with other artifacts.
Twenty-five kilometres south of Geraldton near Walkaway a windfarm was completed in August 2005. It consists of 54 turbines, each producing 1.8 MW and 80 metres high with 40 metre blades.
Images of Geraldton
 Bill Sewell Complex |
Windfarm |
St Francis Xavier Cathedral |