Geraldton is a city and port in Western Australia located 263 miles north of Perth. According to the 2001 census, Geraldton has a population of 29,996, making it the fifth-largest city in Western Australia. Today the city is an important centre for mining, fishing, wheat, sheep and tourism.
The construction of the St Francis Xavier Catholic Cathedral started in 1916 but was not completed until 1938. The cathedral was designed by Monsignor John Hawes who was both an architect and a priest. The lighthouse located on Point Moore was recently repainted and established as another cultural attraction of Geraldton. Geraldton is also an internationally renowned windsurfing location. The most popular spot is Coronation Beach, located just north of the town. Geraldton is also home to a flourishing horse racing industry, that since 1887 hosts the annual Geraldton Gold Cup. The 2007 Geraldton Gold Cup was won by the Clive Lauritzen trained 8yr old Tap Dog.