Geraldton

Mea culpa! I should say, regarding my last blog "The tyranny of distance". Looks like the figures for the size of Europe are less than accurate, but thanks to my friend Heinz in Germany, he has supplied more accurate data which you can read if you click onto the comments at the bottom of that blog….

Quite a nice town, Geraldton is. There are 2 big Terminals for Shipping, one for Ore and other metal concentrates, one for Grain with the associated Grain Silos along the foreshore. There are also large starage facilities under the sky for Talc which is also shipped from here.

There is certainly an air of prosperity around Geraldton, with many of the population working for Mining or Shipping. The foreshore is only metres from the central part of town. It is currently undergoing re-construction and modernisation. Massive fortification have also been put down along parts of the harbour to provide safe docking for the ships that come into harbour via a dredged channel. I also note that the population is very friendly and ready for a chat at practically anytime. Must have something to do with the state of happiness, indicating a pretty happy lot around this town. I recommend it highly!

The Courthouse


There are several older style buildings, like the Courthouse looking out onto the water, next to modern architect designed buildings like the Museum which I visted yesterday as the weather was not quite up to scratch.

The Museum on the right, a modern structure directly on the foreshore.

There are comprehensive display regarding the discovery of HMAS Sydney that was lost in 1941 with all Hands. When no-one had yet discovered the whereabouts of the wreck.

Overlooking Geraldton is a large Memorial for HMAS Sydney, that was erected back in 2001. Only recently has her wreck been discovered as well as the wreck of the German Raider Kormoran. Both ships were incapacitated during a battle at sea, not far from Geraldton, both coming to grief.


The HMAS Sydney Memorial at Geraldton


The town also has a lovely Cathdral built in a Spanish Style, fitting in very nicely with the other buildings around town.



The Cathedral At Geraldton

The weather has had its up-and-downs over the last five days. I have decided to stay a while until the rains stop and temperature rises east of here. Tomorrow I intend to drive to Mullewa to check out the spring flowers which I am told is particularly good this year.