The Geraldton Boat Ramp, also as the Francis Street Boat Ramp, is tucked away at the Esplanade at Town Beach in beautiful coastal Geraldton. It’s a handy little spot with two concrete lanes and a decent-sized jetty between them, making boat retrieval and launching a breeze.

One of the best things about this ramp is how well-sheltered it is, thanks to rock wall barriers on either side, which help protect it from those gusty winds that can sometimes sweep through the area. There’s even a security camera watching over the ramp, so you can feel safe leaving your gear or launching early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Just behind the ramp, there’s plenty of space to park your vehicles, and there are even dedicated spots for boat trailers and caravans. And if you feel like stretching your legs, the Geraldton Yacht Club is just a short stroll along the foreshore.

The ramp area is pretty well set up for boaties and visitors alike, thanks to its convenient amenities. There’s drinking water with a hose connection, non-potable water for cleaning down gear, a handy water disposal point, toilets, plenty of bins, and even BBQ stations and picnic spots if you’re planning to make a day of it. Streetlights help keep the area lit if you're out before sunrise or after sunset.

For land-based anglers, the breakwater and the walkway leading to the Esplanade are a solid spot to cast a line or for a relaxing stroll. The surrounding area is also a hit with cyclists; there’s a bike trail right there that’s perfect for a cruisy ride.

Heads up though; some remedial works are planned for the ramp and jetty starting March – April 2025, which are expected to take a few weeks. During this time, both the ramp and the road leading to it will be closed to the public to keep everyone safe. According to City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune, the upgrade is all about giving the facility a longer life and keeping it in top shape for years to come.

So if you’re planning a launch from Geraldton, the Francis Street Boat Ramp is definitely a solid choice, with great facilities (now being upgraded), easy access, and a scenic foreshore to boot.

Feature	Description
Number of ramp lanes	2 (with a jetty)
Fish cleaning facilities	None
Carpark spaces	Wide parking spaces for cars and trailers
Amenities	Potable water with hose, non-potable water with water disposal beside it, a drinking fountain, toilets, plenty of rubbish bins and streetlights, and picnic areas with BBQ stations
Ramp rating	- Excellent