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Published: April 23rd 2014
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Arrived at a C/P about 10ks out of Perth and only 3ks to the airport. Our first night was spent on a drive through site so that we could remain hooked up to help with an early start to get the caravan to a local dealer for some warranty work and a service.The site is only 100mts from the banks of the Swan river and there is a river walk of about 4ks return out side of the park.The walk is along side of a beautiful part of the Swan river which when we walked it was a hive of activity with boats of all sizes,canoes and stand up paddle boards making use of the water.Also taking place was a country fete in a reserve fronting the river with all the usual stalls and activities including a wine tasting enclosure,what a way to spend a Sunday afternoon sipping wine in the shade by the river.
Leaving the caravan at the dealers early in the morning gave us a good start to the day so we headed for the City of Fremantle, which is 18ks outside of Perth and is where the Swan river flows into the Indian Ocean. The drive
in was terrible with 3 and 4 lanes of traffic,I hate city driving.The first sight of Fremantle as you drive in is the massive port with huge container ships berthed along side the quay very impressive.
Captain Charles Fremantle landed on this site in 1829 on board the HMS Challenger and took possession in the name of the King.The city was named in his honour by the then governor Sir James Stirling. Fremantle has developed into a major city with a strong European flavour,reflected in its restaurants, coffee shops,architecture.A commercial fishing fleet shares the port with a fully containerised working harbour and international port for ocean liners
After finding the visitor centre and obtaining a street map we headed off to explore the city which has many attractions.Of the many sites to see the prison is a must but having been here before and also seen a few prisons on our travels we elected only to visit the outside for a photograph.We did visit the Round house the oldest public building in WA built in 1831. Originally a prison and also the site of the colony's first hanging the house is now a famous tourist attraction.Adding to the
attraction is the time ball fitted to a mast behind the house and facing the ocean.Built in 1900 as part of a procedure to give both mariners and residents an exact daily time check.It was a visual reference for the 1 o'clock cannon fire which still takes place every day you can set your watch by it.We where there for the firing of the cannon and the dropping of the black ball, the cannon is loud.
The fishing harbour is surrounded by cafe's,bars and fish and chip shops and is a must when visiting Fremantle.The atmosphere is great with visitors and residents drinking and dinning at these venues.Our fish and chips were bought from a shop proudly advertising the best fish and chips in Australia and I think they may be right.This was a great place to eat while looking at the massive fishing boats moored up along the quay.
Although by the sea it does not immediately come to mind as a sea side place with beaches and the like,how wrong can you be.Just a short drive and passing through what looks like very expensive real estate is a beach area with adjacent park land,well laid out
and catering for families.I am sure had we explored more we would have found more beaches.The city while busy was not overcrowded and there was plenty of green space and is easy to get around.Like Perth there are several public transport options to choose from some even free to move around the city and see the sights.
Perth the capital of WA is built on the banks of the Swan river and is a vast sprawling city that continues to expand and develop to meet the huge demand for more.We chose to take public transport from outside our caravan park to visit the city,a bus that took us right into the heart of the city.Here we were able to hop on to a free bus that takes a circular route around the CBD. One of three free buses taking in different parts of the city.Other city's could take a lesson from Perth about public transport.First stop the bell tower which is situated on the waterfront and ferry terminal.Opened in 2000 as Western Australia's Millennium project the bell tower provides an opportunity for the public to see and hear bell ringers practice their specialised skills.The bells originate from one of
Bell tower Fremantle
one of the oldest bells in Australia London's most famous churches,St Martin-in-the-fields in Trafalgar Square and are over 600 years old.The bells were given to the city of Perth to commemorate Australia's bicentenary in 1988.Today the bell tower is now a must see for all visitors to Perth offering not just a magical experience of hearing these magnificent bells in action but the tower also offers the the opportunity to climb or take the lift to an observation deck for a 360deg view of the city.At the base of the tower is a a chain of love locks,these love locks originated in China but are now world wide.Couples can buy a padlock have their names inscribed on it and locked onto a chain at the base of the tower.Once locked legend has it that this symbolized their love and was locked together and would last forever, how quaint. Unfortunately for us the bell tower now sits surrounded by a building site where a new marina together with hotels and shopping arcades are being built,which spoilt the ambiance a little.Hopefully when finished it will all blend in.
A walk around the City centre revealed a well laid out viberent city that is multicultural catering for every ones
different needs.With a mixture of the old and new architecture the city has managed to blend them well together.We stumbled across a remarkable street with Tudor style buildings resembling a street in London UK it was quite quirky.
A drive out to the Swan valley revealed how rich the countryside is that surrounds Perth and only a short drive from the city.We came across a small country town called Kalemunda which describes it self as as a home in the forest offering real country hospitality and lots to see and do,the famous Bibbulmun walking track begins here.
A 20k drive from our C/P is a sea side and marina complex called Hilarys Boat harbour ,purpose built to cater for locals and visitors alike the complex provides the opportunity for all kind of water sports with safe swimming and picnic areas.The complex also offers all kinds of dining outlets from the fast food outlets to restaurants,keen for a fish lunch I was so disappointed to find that no one was selling Australian fish it was all imported!!!
Friends of ours who live in Perth invited us to have dinner with them at the casino What an experience,to see
bell tower Fremantle
A set of bells that play when money inserted into coin box so many people playing pokie machines and others gambling at the many card and roulette tables.The building itself is magnificent and houses many restaurants and a hotel,we opted for a smorgasbord and I checked if the seafood was Australian and it was,we had a great night in good company so thank you C & D.
Our next journey will take us to Cervantes home of the Pinnacles a natural phenomenon in the dessert.
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