Snapshot in Time: The Geraldton Hotel’s journey, from council meetings and births to live gigs in beer garden

Established in 1860, The Geraldton Hotel is Geraldton’s first public house and the city’s longest-running licensed premises.

The premises was home to the Geraldton Town Council’s meetings until the original Council Chambers were built in Gregory Street in 1871.

A lack of medical facilities in the area meant the hotel was often frequented by pregnant women, who would stay in a room to give birth.

In 1874 the Geraldton Hotel hosted a lavish meal and farewell ceremony for the celebrated explorers John and Alexander Forrest as they undertook their second journey across Australia.

To this day, a plaque commemorating this historic event can be found on the building.

Today, the hotel has 14 guest rooms, a dining room, a front bar and beer garden, and a bottle shop. The venue also features regular live music performed by local and visiting bands in the popular beer garden.

Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information, or to donate a historical photo or slide, contact 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au