Day 34. A day in pretty Geraldton with its very busy port and shops. A large Chinese tanker loading iron ore in the harbour and escorted out by a tug boat. Ross has coffee with his step sister and a haircut while I go exploring. First St Francis Xavier Cathedral, another design masterpiece by Monsignor Hawes. Inside the cathedral it looks Spanish Moorrish with its red striped arches and domes. A visit to the information centre in the old train station/customs house building reveals some interesting history on Geraldton and a display of dried wild flowers. Along Marine Terrace a stop for coffee at my favourite cafe from 4 years ago, Fleur Cafe and its very friendly staff. Next along the esplanade to admire the new foreshore development of bike paths and parks. A visit to the Geraldton Museum of Western Australia is fascinating, especially the Shipwrecks Gallery. Relics from the Dutch East India company sailing ships, including the flagship vessel ‘Batavia’ wrecked on the nearby Abrolhos Islands in 1629 and the murderous mutiny by junior merchant Jeronimus Cornelisz. Cannons and Dutch coins recovered from the islands together with skeletons in 1963 by a lobster fisherman. Then a drive around Geraldton visiting the boat harbour, white sand Back Beach, Point Moore lighthouse and the HMAS Sydney Memorial on the top of the hill. Tonight we are going to the Orana Cinema to view ‘Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan’ followed by dinner at nearby Thai Tantis restaurant. We have a craving for Asian food! Hot and sunny today 29 degrees. It’s still winter here!