Geraldton viewed as a ‘must-see’ destination by interstate tourists

As soon as the WA border came down, Geraldton became a “must-see” destination for James Gibson and Kayleigh Brown after they heard big winds and waves were on offer. The Sunshine Coast couple were two of the first people to enter WA early on Saturday, after the State’s strict border ban was lifted. Mr Gibson, 29, and Ms Brown, 24, came into WA via the Northern Territory between 5am and 6am. “There was a big wave of people soon after midnight . . . and we were in the second wave,” Mr Gibson said. “Crossing the border was a lot more intense than we thought it would be. “My heart was in my throat, there were questions and screenings and so on. “There were border officials and police and they were very efficient and strict with rules. “And there were the usual checks and taking of fruit and vegetables. “But the officials seemed well organised and professional . . . and they were very chatty.” But less than 48 hours after WA’s hard border was relaxed, it was tightened again for South Australia after an outbreak in Adelaide. This move prompted criticism from the Federal Government, with Health Minister Greg Hunt saying the sudden change would have been “immensely disappointing” for people travelling from or set to travel from SA. On Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged WA to “stay safely open” and rely on the nation’s improved contract tracing rather than closed borders. Mr Gibson and Ms Brown, who lost their jobs teaching sailing and kite surfing in Queensland due to the pandemic and are travelling in two cars, are staying at a caravan park at Lake Argyle. Mr Gibson is hoping to find work in the mining industry there. He said Ms Brown, a kite surf instructor, was intending on heading to Exmouth. Told there were plenty of wind and waves in Geraldton, he replied: “Is there? We may be heading to see you . . . no, we will be there.” In an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19, WA’s borders were closed for 222 days.