Batavia Coast

Batavia Coast Review

A drive along this part of the coast, which starts at Greenhead, 285 km (178 mi) north of Perth, and runs up to Kalbarri, takes you past white sands and emerald seas, and some lovely small towns. Among them are the fig-shaded, seaside village of Dongara and the more northerly Central Greenough Historical Settlement, whose restored colonial buildings—including a jail with original leg irons—date from 1858. A few miles north is Geraldton, whose skyline is dominated by the beautiful Byzantine St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Also of note is the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, recognized as the only national War Mermorial outside of Canberra. The huge Batavia Coast Marina has a pedestrian plaza, shopping arcades, and the Western Australian Museum houses a collection of artifacts from the Batavia which was shipwrecked in 1629.