Fremantle

Day 5:

Today, we headed to Fremantle, a vibrant and hip coastal town, south of Perth.  Instead of driving, we’ve decided to take a train.  Unexpectedly, we met lots of little Elsa at the station.  Perhaps there’s a Frozen themed party going on somewhere???  Eventually, we found out the reason.  The answer shall be revealed in a later post.  (*wink*)  About an hour plus later, we reached this seaside harbour port at the mouth of Swan River.

Our ticket to board the train - Family Ride (2 adults 2 kids)

Children playing in the train; other children were fascinated with their games

Town Hall - beautiful architecture

Another beautiful masterpiece

Playing a fool with ... (dunno what this is called??)

Our first destination is the Fremantle Prison.  This prison was built in 1859 for UK to ‘unload’ its convicts in Australia.  Various tours are available but we didn’t sign up for any.  However, we were still allowed to visit the Prisoner Gallery, Visitor Centre, Gift Shop and the Convict Café for free.  

Prisoner Gallery

From the prison, about 300m walk away we stopped at the Fremantle Market, which offers lots of local produce and artisan handicrafts.  Though Mommy was keen to explore the place longer, kids were getting a bit restless.  So, we finished walking around the market within ten minutes and marched towards the well known Kailis Café for lunch. 

yummy cheese... if only Mr Boss can transport them back to homeland

colourful!!!

It was not even lunch time yet the crowd was enormous.  Managed to find a seat in the café though dining outdoor seems alluring.  The scenery of the boats and ferries with the cold sea breezes… sounds pretty enticing, right?  Not to mentioned the sea gulls flying around you hoping to get a nibble.  However, we ended up sitting inside because it was heated.  Andrew thought that it was too cold for the mother outside though he would love to eat in that nice cold breeze.  Not knowing that yours sincerely was willing to endure the cold to experience the beautiful scenery…. miscommunication 101.

So, we got ourselves the traditional Fish and Chips.  Andrew bought a family set for 5 of us.  At first he was worried that it may not be enough.  The doubt became amazement when the plate arrived.  This set of fish & chips is very filling even though we were hungry at the beginning; we couldn’t finish the chips completely.

Mountain of chips

Lobsters!!  Anyone?

Fish and Chips Ice Cream - one of its kind. 

After the lunch, we strolled around admiring the building and enjoying the cold breeze.  Taking lots of pictures in between as well.

Standing right on the railway track... warn me if you see a train

This girl has found some affiliation here?!!

Finally, we returned to the Train Station and headed towards Elizabeth Quay.  It is a nice waterfront attraction with easy access by CAT bus services (Blue Line).  Taking a ferry from the jetty at Elizabeth Quay to Mends Street Jetty, South Perth; this is the cheapest way of viewing the city from the Swan River.  It only took us around 10 minutes.  Four years ago we had a surprised visit by the dolphins as we crossed the river.  Will they be there for us again this time?  The answer is ‘NO’.  Children were a little disappointed.  Thus this ferry ride doesn’t intrigue them anymore.  My kids have really grown!

Upon our return, we walked along the curvy Elizabeth Bridge and chanced upon this children playground.  The maritime themed Island Playground is very interesting and flooded with kids.  After a whole day of sight seeing and walking, this place was a gold mine for my two kiddos.  They joined in the fun and wished that time would cease.

Eventually, we got the kids out (after much persuasion and a little scolding).  Standing in front of us is the Bell Tower, one of Perth’s most significant buildings.  We missed the opening hours, hence were unable to feast our eyes with the stunning 360 degree view of the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay and Perth city from the observation deck. 

As time was running late, we left with haste.  After a full day of venturing the city, time to snuggle in our bed and rest for the night.