Western Australian Museum

Getty Images

Western Australian Museum – Geraldton

Top choice in West Coast Australia


At one of the state's best museums, intelligent multimedia displays relate the area's natural, cultural and Aboriginal history. The Shipwreck Gallery documents the tragic story of the Batavia, while 3D video footage reveals the sunken wrecks of HMAS Sydney II and the Kormoran. A highlights tour is run daily at 11.30am.

Enquire about public sailing days held on the replica Batavia longboat moored behind the museum (see www.batavialongboat.org).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby West Coast Australia attractions

1. Old Geraldton Gaol & Craft Centre

0.2 MILES

The gaol's gloomy cells held prisoners from 1856 to 1985, and framed historic documents weave a fascinating tale of daring escapes, gruesome executions,…

2. Geraldton Regional Art Gallery (GRAG)

0.35 MILES

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

3. HMAS Sydney II Memorial

0.4 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…

4. Foreshore

0.43 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

0.62 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

2.21 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

11.67 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

13.46 MILES

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