Geraldton

Testimonials

"I grew up here, and as far as raising a family here it is GREAT! I returned about six months ago and am loving some of the changes that have happened since I left. The foreshore has had a complete transformation, everything is becoming even more family friendly. There is a large number of families that do FIFO/DIDO work from Gero. Also, with smaller mines starting up, there are even more opportunities around. If you like sports there are lots to get involved with under or on the ocean, on land or even the sky! Some people will say it's a boring place but really it is what you make it ... and if a laid-back, beach life is what you want on R&R, it's perfect. Far better than the hussle and bussle of a busy city any day. Also worth noting:

• There's a cuddly animal farm to the north, Nignhan Park and The Lavender Farm in 'the valley'
• Every Saturday at Maitland Park there's a farmers market with produce from surrounding areas and sometimes from as far north as Carnarvon!!
• A plethora of other markets operate in and around Gero and the old gaol houses several small business/arty crafty people."

- Jessica Chan, Geralton

"We have been in Geraldton for three years, after moving in from Twin Peaks Station three hours inland. We love Geraldton because it has fantastic facilities like Aquareena, Sydney Memorial, Foreshore playground and water park, world class windsurfing and surfing/boogie board beaches, large library and new museum the list goes on. I think that every sport imaginable is available for adults and children and we have a wide variety of shops. There are several 24-hour roadhouses and plenty of takeway food facilities along with some fantastic restaurants. We have the luxury of six flights per day to Perth and many FIFO families live here. The climate in Geraldton is one of my favourite features after being out on the station. All the flies get blown inland and the sea breeze early in the afternoon during summer is very welcome. We have had many cruise ships here in the past year and the town really celebrates and makes a big effort to welcome our visitors. We are very close to lovely short holiday destinations like the outback during winter and places like Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Dongara, Abrolhos Islands and the Mingenew Coalseam. Each year the local business, sporting, community groups and local Shires make a huge effort for the Sunshine Festival, Blessing of the Fleet, Windsurfing and Kitesurfing events, Speedway, BMX, showjumping and go carts. Within a couple of hours of Geraldton there are many places for families to go camping and fishing. Geraldton's population is now nearing 40,000 people, this is very different to the small community of 200 where I was brought up in South Australia. I guess this is why I appreciate all that we have on offer in Geraldton.

- Katrina Foulkes-Taylor, Geraldton (www.thehousequeen.com.au)

Ever lived in Geraldton? Tell us what it's like!