Old Geraldton Gaol & Craft Centre

West Coast Australia


The gaol's gloomy cells held prisoners from 1856 to 1985, and framed historic documents weave a fascinating tale of daring escapes, gruesome executions, and offences punishable by transportation to – and forced labour in – Australia (such as theft of £149 worth of cigars, cigarettes and asparagus).

Spot peanut wood, bloodstone, snakeskin jasper and 'thunder eggs' in the large display room where there's an impressive collection of locally mined semiprecious stones. You can purchase said stones – along with handmade clocks, wrought-iron and mosaic crafts, organic skincare products and soft toys – from local craftspeople who've set up shop in the cells.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby West Coast Australia attractions

2. HMAS Sydney II Memorial

0.28 MILES

Commanding the hill overlooking Geraldton is this moving, multifaceted memorial commemorating the 1941 loss of the Sydney and its 645 men after a skirmish…

3. Geraldton Regional Art Gallery (GRAG)

0.38 MILES

With an excellent permanent collection, including paintings by Norman Lindsay and Elizabeth Durack, this petite gallery also presents provocative…

4. Foreshore

0.54 MILES

Geraldton's foreshore is a great example of waterfront redevelopment: loads of beach space and grassy spots, walking paths, picnic shelters, free…

5. Cathedral of St Francis Xavier Church

0.61 MILES

Geraldton's cathedral, built between 1916 and 1938, is arguably the finest example of the architectural achievements of the multi-skilled Monsignor John…

6. Point Moore Lighthouse

2.36 MILES

At the westernmost point of the city stands this 34m-high, candy-striped red-and-white lighthouse. You can't visit the interior, but it's a photogenic…

7. Greenough Museum & Gardens

11.53 MILES

The quirky local museum just off the Brand Hwy recreates life in an 1880s homestead with interactive displays of period pieces and local artefacts, plus a…

8. Leaning Trees

13.32 MILES

Around 2km north of Central Greenough Historic Settlement, look out for the quirky Leaning Trees, river gums that have been twisted into idiosyncratic…