Geraldton

About

Of the multitude of ships that foundered on the island chains west of Geraldton the most famous was the Batavia, the flagship of the Dutch East India Company, on her maiden voyage. The Batavia ran aground in 1629 with the loss of 40 souls - you can take a boat out to the wreck and snorkel around the remains of the once proud ship. On shore the HMAS Sydney memorial commemorates the sailors lost in a mutually destructive battle in World War II, a fight which led to the loss of the entire crew. The Dome Of Souls is made up of 645 stainless steel seagulls, one for each of the fallen mariners, and nearby a bronze statue of a woman waiting forlornly for the sailors to return. The Museum of Geraldton reveals some tragic stories inspired by the relics of past shipwrecks, brought to life in a moving exhibit and 3D film.