Fremantle & Perth 14/3 to 19/3

We drove the 180km north to Fremantle which is on the outskirts of Perth. First stop was the Fishing Boat Harbour to sample some Fish and Chips from Cicerello's.



Fremantle is still a working port and retains many heritage buildings. It used to be the first port of call for immigrants arriving in Australia by sea. Nowadays the town is thriving with restaurants, bars and markets.



We took a drive back down the coast to visit resorts like Mandurah and Rockingham. These areas are now bustling with new housing estates to accommodate the region's growing population.



Back in Perth we relaxed with a picnic in King's Park. The park offers peace and tranquility and stunning views over the city.





The shopping district of Perth is no larger than say Preston in the UK. Australian's tend to shop in large out of town shopping centres. A city like Perth has at least half a dozen of Trafford Centre sized retail premises. This is London Court in the city centre which contains lots of tourist shops including ones that sell British foods and confectionery.



As it was a weekend the city was quiet apart from these residents.



The Swan Bell Tower contains the bells of St Martin in the Fields, given to WA by the British government in 1988. We were lucky to hear them ringing out.



We took a visit to the Swan Valley wine region. It was Jayne's turn to take advantage of the sampling and a fine job she did too. On the return journey we stopped by the Swan River where the locals were enjoying their Sunday afternoon picnics and recreational activities.



Perth's northern suburbs have some fantastic beaches like this one at Cottesloe.



The Sculptures by the Sea exhibition we visited at Bondi Beach had made its way here with some new artwork.