Snapshot in Time: From hitchhikers to the $12 T-bone special, the colourful history of The 440 Roadhouse

The 440 Roadhouse on the North West Coastal Highway, opposite Drummond Cove, has been a Geraldton institution for many years. Many local teens would drive out there on a Friday night just to get one of the excellent steak burgers or a sausage roll. In days gone by, hitchhikers would get dropped off there by people going to Drummonds in the hope of getting a ride with a truck driver who had stopped for a meal and a sleep. A favourite of truck drivers stopping at 440 was the Truckie’s Special: a huge T-bone steak with mashed potatoes, mushrooms and vegetables, with a pot of tea to wash it down — all for $12. There were many semi-trailers stopping to fuel up or parking to stay for the night. Most truckies would sleep in their cabs, but some would rent a small room for the night. The 440 Roadhouse also serviced Drummond Cove as there was no local shop there. Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information, or to donate a historical photo or slide, contact 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au.