WAPort & river
Geraldton
A port created by inland mineral discoveries.
1850Town surveyed
WHAT STARTED IT
Geraldton grew as the coastal outlet for lead and copper discoveries inland. Champion Bay provided a shipping point, allowing mines and pastoral properties to connect with outside markets.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
The town was surveyed in 1850, following the discovery of lead deposits and early ore exports. A jetty was built in 1857, and a railway later connected the port with Northampton’s mines. Grain and other mineral exports broadened the waterfront economy.
TURNING POINTS
1850The town is surveyed.
1857Construction begins on the first town jetty.
2001The HMAS Sydney II memorial marked the sixtieth anniversary of the cruiser’s loss, adding a major commemorative landmark above the city.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A regional centre for the Mid West, with a working export port, fishing, services and tourism. The connection between inland resources and coastal shipping still explains much of its role.