Yellow Submarine installed on Eastern Breakwater as vessel finds permanent home

The Yellow Submarine has found its forever home in Geraldton, with the vessel taking its spot on the Eastern Breakwater on Monday.

The truck carrying the vessel arrived at the site just before 10am and a crane used to lift it on to a concrete slab.

City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune said the city was glad to find a permanent home for the submarine.

“I think it’s in a great position. It’s quite highly visible from a lot of locations, and it’ll probably get a little bit more activation along the Esplanade,” he said.

“We’ve got a beautiful little spot. Not everyone realises what a great spot it is to come out and have a view of Geraldton that you don’t always see.”

The relocation of the vessel was not a decision made lightly by the council.

After being restored by the Batavia Coast Rotary Club, the vessel was offered back to the city and several options were put forward about where to permanently place it.

These included the 440 Roadhouse, under the fig trees near Sail Inn and along the foreshore at Stow Gardens.

However, in June the council voted in favour of the Eastern Breakwater location due to its lighting, CCTV and foot traffic.

Mr Clune hoped the submarine would prove to be a popular landmark, much like the Horizon Ball.

“There’s never an evening when no one’s at the Horizon Ball. It doesn’t matter what the weather’s like, and now that summer’s coming on, there’ll even be more people,” he said.

“I reckon this will be the similar thing. If you come to Geraldton, you’ve got to have a photo by the Yellow Submarine.”

The vessel was first built as a grey submarine in 1968 in Dongara, which coincided with the release of The Beatles movie Yellow Submarine.

There was speculation about its original purpose, with some believing it was made for catching western rock lobsters, while others believe it was to retrieve treasure from shipwrecks.

However, after its maiden voyage was aborted due to toxic fumes from the car batteries that powered it, it found many homes in Geraldton as a landmark when it was painted yellow.

Wear and tear took its toll on the vessel as it sat in a council depot before the Rotary club took it in and restored it.

The city’s 2024-25 budget included $80,000 for its installation.

It is understood temporary fencing will surround the landmark over the coming weeks before an official unveiling is held.