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.

Hillarys Boat Harbour

Our original plan for today was cancelled because of this sick mommy.  Staying at home and rest seems to be the best choice for now.  Well, health is more important, right?  Consoling myself, of course. 

Hubby brought the kids out to the nearby playground for some fun.  We also took the opportunity to do some laundry.  As for yours sincerely, I was asleep the whole day.  ALMOST the whole day. 

 Finally, when I felt a little better, we headed to Hillarys Boat Harbour.  Admiring the ocean view with the beautiful yachts and sailing boats; taking a gentle stroll along the coastline; and the little ones playing with the super soft white sand… A perfect day to chill out.

Knowing that yours sincerely has a sweet tooth, Bi Ee Ean brought us to the yummiest place on earth, San Churro – perfect for chocolate indulgence.  The long cinnamon doughnuts are crispy, served with 2 bowls of sinfulicious chocolate sauce.  This is simply irresistible!!!

In the evening, we made our way to Ji Ee's house (Andrew's aunt) for a family reunion dinner with the Lloyd's clan.  

Elyse and Erwyn were the only children during our last gathering.  But four years later, we had a room full of children.  Six, to be exact.  Ranging from 3 months old to 9 years old.  Such a big gap!  Children’s laughter filled the whole house, accompanied by all the chaos and mess.  Ji Ee graciously prepared a sumptuous meal for all sixteen of us.  It was a night to be remembered!

Caversham Wildlife Park

Caversham Wildlife Park.  Memory of yesteryears is still fresh as yesterday.  The kangaroos crowding around Erwyn was so comical and sweet; it was engraved so deeply into our memories.  Today, we hope to revive this memory again as we re-visited this park.

We reached the park around 9ish.  As we entered into this familiar zone, we were greeted by the lovely koalas.  No chance of carrying them, at least a gentle touch is guaranteed.  Little did we realize that this would be our last chance in this trip to have a picture with this Australian icon.

Next, we headed to the Farm Show.  The farmhand demonstrated to us how to shear a sheep; taught us on the different parts of the wool; and invited the crowd to participated in swinging the billy and crack a whip.  I was thrilled when Andrew was hand pick to swing a billy.  He was very reluctant but sporty enough to accept the challenge.  Elyse was selected to feed the lambs with milk bottles.  But be mentally prepared for the speed and intensity of these little lambs.  They sucked the bottles with such might as though they have been starving for ages!!!   Erwyn, however, was very upset that he was not chosen for this experience. 

The next attraction is ‘Wombat and Friends’.  We walk around the display of animals and birds, taking pictures and touching the reptiles and owls as instructed by the handlers.

At lunch time, we took a walk to Village Café, the only F&B at Whiteman Park.  There is a kiosk in the Caversham Park but the food option is limited and almost nothing for my two picky kids.  They do have a picnic area but we didn’t pack any food for lunch.  In Malaysia, you are never allowed to bring food into the theme park.  On the contrary, it is a common practice here.

Village Café - this is the same restaurant we had our lunch four years ago...*smile*...

The kids had fish and chips (what else?!) but Andrew ordered a kangaroo burger.  It tasted like venison, Andrew claims.

Next, we hop onto the Vintage Train Ride for a tour around the Whiteman Park.  Since this is the last train ride of the day, the conductor graciously offered us a generous discount on the train tickets.  For three adults 2 kids, we only paid for 1 adult and 2 kids.  The train took us around the outer rims of the park.  The excitement soon turned into boredom as the kids were worn out sitting in a low speed coach looking at bushes after bushes.  After the ride, both kids warned us not to bring them for such gruesome journey again.  LOL

Last but not least, the most fun bit of the park – feeding the kangaroos!!!  Since there is no specific timing for this, we left it to the finale.  We went back to the Caversham Park in anticipation for some fun time with these gorgeous marsupials.  However, to our frustration, there was no sight of them lurking around for food.  Instead, all of them were in their dreamland.  Looks like we missed their meal time and bump into their nap time.  We searched high and low for the few who were still half awake.  Like a nursing mother, gently we feed them with the tablets provided by the park little by little under the warm afternoon sun.  At last, we called it a day and retreated to our car and headed back home.

Memories remain as memories.  Though it was a bit disappointing, we treasured our moment spent in the park.  A hilarious moment when Erwyn talked to the kangaroos, “You all don’t remember me already.  Four years ago I feed you ler.  Come and eat lar.”  Oh my sweet little boy!

Then came the worst nightmare in this trip: I fell sick!  This was our 3^rd day in Perth and yet I felt discomfort in my throat since morning.  I drank lots of water yet to no avail.  Finally, I was down with fever, sore throat, running nose and cough.  With this, I ended my day on my sick bed feeling miserable, upset and worried.  Good night, Perth!  Hoping for the best the next day.