Latest news with #Skeetas
Perth Now
06-08-2025
- Perth Now
Australia's Coral Coast is blooming beautiful
Something magical is happening: flowers are bursting at the seams, with hues of blue and yellow and pink painting our coastline. This natural phenomenon, known as wildflower season, takes centre stage each year, opening the show in late July before closing the curtains around early October. A trip to Wildflower Country (inland from Coorow to Mullewa) invites adventure and colour into life during and beyond winter, but, more impressively, also showcases Western Australia's incredible biodiversity, home to thousands of wildflower species with a whopping fifty per cent found nowhere else on earth. It's pretty damn special. Thanks to Australia's Coral Coast, we invite you to experience wildflower season in full bloom. From scenic hikes and guided tours to cosy cafes and stunning coastal views, it's a colourful adventure waiting to unfold. One of the best ways to kick off your Wildflower Country adventure is to plan your route. How many days can you spare? Are you after a quick, easy stroll, or ready to lace up your boots for a full week of wildflower hunting? Whether you're a novice or a pro, Australia's Coral Coast has mapped out a bunch of trails to suit your pace (and get you hyped). Make sure to check-in with the local visitor centres or ACC's wildflower watch page for the latest updates when planning as this is a natural phenomenon and changes happen unexpectedly. The Coastal Charm Wildflower Trail, for instance, is a six-day drive along the Indian Ocean Drive, taking you from Cervantes through Kalbarri and looping back via Geraldton to Perth. Or there's the Everlasting Trail, perfect for a shorter escape, exploring trails lined with everlastings over farmlands and hillsides, taking you from Coorow to Mingenew, Mullewa and ending up in Kalbarri. There are other tracks perfect for meandering, including multi-day road trips stretching across the Mid-West and that explore regional towns. In other words: start dreaming and plan ahead. While you're on the move, make note of these local spots that are just as keen to serve up good food as they are warm hospitality. One L of a Good Feed (the name says it all, really) is a welcoming cafe nestled in the heart of Carnamah – right in the thick of Wildflower Country. With its bucolic, vibrant atmosphere, it's a favourite among locals and visitors alike, serving up breakfast, lunch and weekly specials. It's also the perfect pit stop for a barista-made coffee and a sweet homemade treat. In Geraldton, Skeetas has been a local institution for 34 years, offering all-day dining, local wines, and friendly service. Perched along Geraldton's stunning waterfront, it's a must-visit for anyone craving good food with a view. Tours can be a godsend for the time-poor, or anyone keen to simply sit back and let someone else do the work. D'Guy Journeys is a team of passionate local guides offering half-day, three-day and five-day wildflower tours. With them, you'll experience everything from carpets of everlastings to rare orchids, explore breathtaking vistas, discover hidden spots, and soak up the region's most vibrant blooms. Prefer to set sail? Eco Abrolhos Cruises offers a one-of-a-kind way to see WA's wildflowers – by sea (and it's currently a free bonus before heading off to enjoy a 5-day Abrolhos Islands cruise). This boutique cruise lets you spot humpback whales and nesting seabirds, snorkel around remote islands, take a glass-bottom boat tour, try your hand at catching Western Rock Lobster with a Pot Pull, and learn about the infamous Batavia shipwreck, all while enjoying warm October days in comfort and style. Looking for somewhere to stay? RAC Cervantes Holiday Park is ideally located just two hours north of Perth and a short drive from Lesueur National Park, home to one of WA's richest wildflower displays, with over 900 native species blooming from winter to spring. Adventure. Discovery. Escape. Wildflower Country along Australia's Coral coast is abundant and beautiful and is sure to brighten up your calendar. To find out more details about the trails and tours and all that's on offer for a trip to remember, visit the website.
Perth Now
23-04-2025
- Perth Now
This WA destination deserves a spot on your bucket list
If you've ever travelled up WA's Coral Coast, chances are you've treated Geraldton as little more than a handy stop on the way to Kalbarri or Coral Bay. But linger a little longer, and you'll quickly realise this coastal town isn't just a pit stop but a destination in its own right. Just a short flight or scenic drive from Perth, Geraldton has it all – jaw-dropping natural beauty, vibrant culture and a foodie scene that punches well above its weight. Whether you're chasing thrills, sunsets or seafood, Geraldton is proof that some of WA's best destinations are often part of the journey. Geraldton is serving up flavours as incredible as its ocean views. Dine on fresh crayfish, dhufish and scallops straight from the boat to your plate. Head to Skeetas for a coastal bite or pop into Flow Cafe for healthy bowls and excellent coffee. If craft spirits are more your vibe, 30 Knots Distillery is shaking things up with small-batch spirits infused with local botanicals and inspired by Geraldton's maritime history. Soak up the distillery's warm atmosphere as you sip with views of Geraldton's stunning coast. 30 Knots Spirits. Credit: Supplied. And for something heartier, the Burnt Barrel delivers sticky, smoky BBQ goodness. Famous for their Kansas City-style smoked meats, ice-cold craft brews, and family-friendly atmosphere, this local gem is a must-visit for mouthwatering flavours and good vibes. Burnt Barrel. Credit: Supplied. With the Indian Ocean as its backyard, Geraldton offers up water sports and adventures for all levels of thrill-seeker. It's a mecca for windsurfing and kite-boarding, thanks to consistent wind and clear blue waters—just ask the international pros who flock here every summer. Prefer your adventures a little more relaxed? Join a Blue Juice Charters luxury adventure tour of the Abrolhos Islands. Opt for a 3,4- or 5-day tour and spend your days fishing, diving and snorkelling, enjoying fresh crayfish and seafood, and relaxing on the sundeck. Blue Juice Charters. Credit: Supplied. Take to the skies with Geraldton Scenic Flights for jaw-dropping aerial views. Soar above the Abrolhos Islands, where a chain of 122 coral-fringed islands sparkles against the Indian Ocean. Continue north to witness the candy-pink hues of Hutt Lagoon, a surreal salt lake that changes colour with the light, best appreciated from the sky. Round out the journey with a flight over the dramatic Kalbarri River Gorges, showcasing WA's rugged natural beauty in all its glory. Geraldton Scenic Flights. Credit: Supplied. Geraldton may be small in size, but it's big on culture. The Museum of Geraldton offers a powerful window into the area's Aboriginal heritage and maritime history, including a moving tribute to the ill-fated Batavia. Art and culture lovers will enjoy the city's ever-growing public art trail, where bold murals, sculptures and hidden treasures give Geraldton a fresh, modern edge. Time your visit right (late winter to spring) and you'll be treated to one of WA's most dazzling natural wildflower displays. Geraldton is the gateway to wildflower country, where stunning carpets of everlastings, orchids and wreath flowers burst with colour. Take a tour with local experts New Leaf Connect, who'll guide you through secret wildflower spots and off-the-beaten-track trails filled with meaningful connections to people, places and produce in the Mid west region of WA. New Leaf Connect: Irwin River. Credit: Supplied. Visit the website to learn more about how you can experience Australia's Coral Coast.
West Australian
23-04-2025
- West Australian
This WA destination deserves a spot on your bucket list
If you've ever travelled up WA's Coral Coast, chances are you've treated Geraldton as little more than a handy stop on the way to Kalbarri or Coral Bay. But linger a little longer, and you'll quickly realise this coastal town isn't just a pit stop but a destination in its own right. Just a short flight or scenic drive from Perth, Geraldton has it all – jaw-dropping natural beauty, vibrant culture and a foodie scene that punches well above its weight. Whether you're chasing thrills, sunsets or seafood, Geraldton is proof that some of WA's best destinations are often part of the journey. Geraldton is serving up flavours as incredible as its ocean views. Dine on fresh crayfish, dhufish and scallops straight from the boat to your plate. Head to Skeetas for a coastal bite or pop into Flow Cafe for healthy bowls and excellent coffee. If craft spirits are more your vibe, 30 Knots Distillery is shaking things up with small-batch spirits infused with local botanicals and inspired by Geraldton's maritime history. Soak up the distillery's warm atmosphere as you sip with views of Geraldton's stunning coast. And for something heartier, the Burnt Barrel delivers sticky, smoky BBQ goodness. Famous for their Kansas City-style smoked meats, ice-cold craft brews, and family-friendly atmosphere, this local gem is a must-visit for mouthwatering flavours and good vibes. With the Indian Ocean as its backyard, Geraldton offers up water sports and adventures for all levels of thrill-seeker. It's a mecca for windsurfing and kite-boarding, thanks to consistent wind and clear blue waters—just ask the international pros who flock here every summer. Prefer your adventures a little more relaxed? Join a Blue Juice Charters luxury adventure tour of the Abrolhos Islands. Opt for a 3,4- or 5-day tour and spend your days fishing, diving and snorkelling, enjoying fresh crayfish and seafood, and relaxing on the sundeck. Take to the skies with Geraldton Scenic Flights for jaw-dropping aerial views. Soar above the Abrolhos Islands, where a chain of 122 coral-fringed islands sparkles against the Indian Ocean. Continue north to witness the candy-pink hues of Hutt Lagoon, a surreal salt lake that changes colour with the light, best appreciated from the sky. Round out the journey with a flight over the dramatic Kalbarri River Gorges, showcasing WA's rugged natural beauty in all its glory. Geraldton may be small in size, but it's big on culture. The Museum of Geraldton offers a powerful window into the area's Aboriginal heritage and maritime history, including a moving tribute to the ill-fated Batavia. Art and culture lovers will enjoy the city's ever-growing public art trail, where bold murals, sculptures and hidden treasures give Geraldton a fresh, modern edge. Time your visit right (late winter to spring) and you'll be treated to one of WA's most dazzling natural wildflower displays. Geraldton is the gateway to wildflower country, where stunning carpets of everlastings, orchids and wreath flowers burst with colour. Take a tour with local experts New Leaf Connect , who'll guide you through secret wildflower spots and off-the-beaten-track trails filled with meaningful connections to people, places and produce in the Mid west region of WA. Visit the website to learn more about how you can experience Australia's Coral Coast.
