Geraldton

As mentioned, on our last morning at Kalbarri, while sitting eating breakfast we noticed one of the van tyres had a deformity in the wall.

Rather than risk a blow out on the highway, we changed the tyre before we left. 

So glad we did as it made for a more relaxed drive to Geraldton, about 250 km south where we bought a replacement tyre. $330 well spent we think.

On the way we stopped at Port Gregory to see the famous Pink Lakes. You know how sometimes something is given a name that vaguely describes that thing? Not these... they are certainly pink!

We got to Geraldton around lunchtime and went to where we are staying; a spot in the backyard of someone's house about 5km west of Geraldton city. 

It's nice here. Quiet, six chickens, friendly hosts, a couple of other travellers to talk to, private and spacious.

Being a little inland, the wind, while constant, isn't sandy and gale-force as it is closer to the beach and harbour where caravan parks are.

Geraldton has the feel of a proper city. It's the 3rd biggest population in WA with about 45,000 residents so is obviously the biggest place we have been to since Darwin in August (more than 2x the size of Karratha or Broome). 

We spent six nights here. We got the tyre replaced, did a bit of maintenance to the van and car and wired in Starlink properly so it's easy to turn on.

We visited the local museum. Lots of local land and sea history, including of course HMAS Sydney II and Batavia. The Batavia story is amazing! Mutiny, murder, rape. Quite the yarn!

Another HMAS Sydney II memorial here. 645 lives lost so it's going to feature prominently up and down this shipwreck coast. This one really well done. There are 645 gulls in the sculptures, great symbolism. Loved it.

HMAS Sydney II

Geraldton from HMAS Sydney II memorial

Geraldton from HMAS Sydney II memorial

HMAS Sydney II memorial - the waiting women

HMAS Sydney II memorial

HMAS Sydney II memorial, pointing to the spot where the Sydney went down and giving the coordinates.

Another busy working port. More Iron Ore and Lithium and grain.

Love this sundial

Really interesting Catholic Cathedral

Nippers on a Sunday morning down at the beach.

On the waterfront is an art installation called the Horizon Ball. The locals refer to it as The Big Marble. We thought it was pretty cool. 

Its very windy in Geraldton in spring and summer.

Some great playgrounds along the foreshore.

Moving on about 90 kms inland to a couple of free camps for a few days. Just an hour's drive so a slow start to the day.