Geraldton is another port that was added to our itinerary.  It’s not just the region’s capital but also an area for adventure.  It’s rugged beauty is evident along the coast or red rock gorges of Kalbarri National Park.  It’s just north of Perth and situated on a spectacular stretch of coastline known as the Batavia Coast.  Population is approx 41,000.

We docked in a commercial docking area where there were some large ships loading up with grain and another with iron ore.  We could see the small town of Geraldton across the bay.  We could also see a bunch of wind surfers, twisting high in the air.

We took a shuttle bus to town and purchased a hop on, hop off bus ticket.  There waiting for us were many, many volunteers.  They were prepared to answer any questions and direct us to areas of the town.  We rode the full circuit of the bus and then picked out what we wanted to see.  

We started at the very top of the hill and went to the HMAS Sydney II Memorial.  Australia’s worst naval disaster took place on Nov 19, 1941 off the coast of Western Australia when the HMAS Sydney II engaged the German armed raider HSK Kormoran (disguised as a commercial ship).  Both ships were lost and while most of the German crew survived, all 645 crew from the Sydney perished at sea.  In 2008, the ship wreck was found 112 nautical miles off Steep Point.  This memorial was built to help ease the pain of many Australians and others involved.  

I will say, it was a very moving Memorial with a lot of symbolism and detail.  It was very well thought out.  The site’s striking centerpiece is a dome on seven pillars that represent seven states and territories of Australia.  The details of the ship sinking, the ripples that it left, the dome of birds flying to heaven.  It was beautiful. 

We also visited St Francis Xavier Cathedral.  It’s a very ornate cathedral that took 23 years to complete.  As we were walking in the bells began to ring.  O how sweet!…they were playing the National Anthem of the United States.  

It was a very warm day so we decided to hop the bus and go to the Marina.  We found a restaurant right on the water and went in for lunch.  Bob and Pedro decided to have Rock Lobster since this area is famous for this particular species.  We enjoyed the cool breeze and view of the marina.

Took the shuttle back to the ship and sat out on deck watching the other ships in port.  The grain elevators were enormous.  We sat and watched a ship filling up with grain and wondered where it would be heading.

We stood out on deck as the ship sailed away.  We watched the wind surfers as we passed some of the beaches.  It was fascinating to watch them.

The sun was starting to set and we recalled the places we saw today. What a nice little town.