Home

Photo gallery: Foreshore packed with activities as Geraldton marks Australia Day restriction-free

Phoebe PinGeraldton Guardian
Milla, 7, Liliana, 9, Carter, 11, and Darren Wass.
Camera IconMilla, 7, Liliana, 9, Carter, 11, and Darren Wass. Credit: Phoebe Pin/Geraldton Guardian/Geraldton Guardian

Dressed in the official national uniform of boardies, thongs and a singlet, Geraldton locals flocked to the foreshore to celebrate being Australian on Wednesday

Deb "Fairy Deb" Reader
Camera IconDeb "Fairy Deb" Reader Credit: Phoebe Pin/Geraldton Guardian/Geraldton Guardian

The beach was filled with swimmers frolicking in crystal clear waters on Australia Day while others munched on sausage sizzles and lamingtons from the shore.

Locals took to the beach to celebrate Australia Day in Geraldton.
Camera IconLocals took to the beach to celebrate Australia Day in Geraldton. Credit: Phoebe Pin/Geraldton Guardian/Geraldton Guardian

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Many were spotted slurping on ice-cold slushies to beat the heat, but only the brave and strong-stomached took to the skies on thrilling rides.

Kids braving the Cliff Hanger ride on Australia Day in Geraldton.
Camera IconKids braving the Cliff Hanger ride on Australia Day in Geraldton. Credit: Phoebe Pin/Geraldton Guardian/Geraldton Guardian

Keeping a watchful eye on the water were local surf lifesavers, with Geraldton police also doing their part to ensure everyone enjoyed a safe public holiday.

Sen. Const. Charlie Comeagain and Const. Michael Mongoo.
Camera IconSen. Const. Charlie Comeagain and Const. Michael Mongoo. Credit: Phoebe Pin/Geraldton Guardian/Geraldton Guardian

But the day was a much more sombre affair for some, with Yamatji artist Charmaine Green gathering with loved ones to mark the 50th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.

A gathering held in Geraldton on Australia Day to mark the 50th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.
Camera IconA gathering held in Geraldton on Australia Day to mark the 50th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. Credit: Phoebe Pin/Geraldton Guardian/Geraldton Guardian

Former Geraldton resident Bernadette Clarke was also spending a reflective time with her family on the foreshore, about three months after a police officer was acquitted of murdering her sister JC in 2019.

Marilyn Little, 4, and Shanice Clarke, 5.
Camera IconMarilyn Little, 4, and Shanice Clarke, 5. Credit: Phoebe Pin/Geraldton Guardian/Geraldton Guardian

Some Perth travellers were seen wearing masks and SafeWA check-in points were available during the event.

Nathan, 5, Elissa, 9, and Isabelle Dawber, 6.
Camera IconNathan, 5, Elissa, 9, and Isabelle Dawber, 6. Credit: Phoebe Pin/Geraldton Guardian/Geraldton Guardian

Visitors were not required to show proof of COVID vaccination.

Jarni Ryan, 15 Harmony Whitby, 13, and Tylily Ryan, 18.
Camera IconJarni Ryan, 15 Harmony Whitby, 13, and Tylily Ryan, 18. Credit: Phoebe Pin/Geraldton Guardian/Geraldton Guardian

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails