Marine Terrace Heritage Trail Marine Terrace Heritage Trail

Following a leisurely stroll along the Foreshore, take in historic Marine Terrace.  Your walk includes a stop at the original Geraldton Railway Station - WA's first Government Railway Station building - opened in 1879.  Enjoy other fine examples of Victorian, Federation and Art Deco buildings along this walk.  There are plenty of shopping, coffee and eating places to enjoy, along with an opportunity to learn more about local Aboriginal culture at Yamaji Art.  This walk includes a visit to the Batavia Memorial - a sad tale of shipwreck and treachery.  Finish this walk at Ilgarijiri - a cast bronze and ceramic sculpture which evolved from the interpretation of two paintings – The Emu in the Sky by Margaret Whitehurst (Wajarri) and The Seven Sisters and the Hunter by Barbara Merritt (Badimaya).

Cast your mind back to 1880 and imagine a railway line heading straight down Marine Terrace.  In the years from 1860-70 Geraldton quickly developed into a bustling port town and a rail link to the lead mines at Northampton became a priority.  Western Australia's first Government Railway Station (prior to Perth and Fremantle) was completed in 1879, connecting the old Gregory Street Jetty (built 1857) to Northampton along Marine Terrace and then out past Bluff Point, along some 33 miles of rail. 

The discovery of the Murchison Goldfields led the town to further prosper and various businesses were soon established along the Terrace.  Fine Federation buildings constructed of local White Peak stone graced the streetscape.  The construction of a new, much larger jetty at the end of Durlacher Street (the Railway Jetty) in 1893 led to the removal of the rail tracks from Marine Terrace.

In later years, Marine Terrace continued to play a central role in the life of the town.  The development of the Foreshore led to many businesses along Marine Terrace taking advantage of the scenic views and access to Champion Bay. Today, the original "High Street" still offers an interesting and bespoke shopping experience.