Perth Day 2: Enjoying "Freo"

Even though I like Perth a lot, I didn’t just want to explore the city but also its surrounding areas. So I got on the train this morning to Fremantle, or “Freo” as the locals call it. Half an hour, and numerous stops later, I arrived in this charming little town.

I went straight to the Visitor’s Center where I picked up a free walking tour (I am after all Dutch ;), and I also have decided that I want to do most of my sightseeing by foot). This tour would lead me through historic and modern parts of Fremantle.

I saw the main Fremantle shopping street ( with various lovely shops) and the charming buildings of the Fremantle Market (alas closed today).
I took a slight detour (this was a planned detour, not a detour made by accident :D) and made my way to the Fremantle Prison (after first passing the stadium of Fremantle Football Club). I didn’t have the time to do a tour of the prison itself, so I decided to wander around its great walls a bit. Even from the outside the prison is impressive, cannot imagine how it must look from the inside.

After the Fremantle Prison, I got back onto the actual route of the Walking Tour. Wandered past the fanciest hotel in Fremantle (the Esplanade Hotel) and the adjecent lovely Esplanade Parc. From there it was on to the Shipwreck Galleries, to see the remnants of the Batavia. This ship, from the Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, sank along the West Australian Coast line in 1629. There was even an skeleton of one of the crew members of the Batavia on display. Rather gruesome of course ;).

Then walked back to the train station along the waterfront, which was absolutely beautiful (the views, but also the many statues and plagues). “Smurf” even got his picture taken with one of the statues there :P. A little further along they way, where I could get very close to the crashing sea waves (sat on a rock nearby the sea to eat my lunch), Rottnest Island came into view. Didn’t see any Quokkas in the distance lol.

After returning to the train station, and shopping for some souvenirs, I got back on the train to the city. The weather was rather weird today. At some moments it was way too warm for my coat. While at other moments it was, all of a sudden, freezing and pouring rain.

In Perth, I walked around the cities’ main shopping streets for a bit. And planned another tour. For tomorrow that is.

I will take the 8.45 am ferry to Rottnest Island, where I have plenty of time to explore the island
by bike. Really hope for better weather.

I am also almost sure what I am going to do with my last full day in Perth, Wednesday. I would like to do a half day tour to Swan Valley, which will give me the opportunity to wander around Perth for the remainder of the day.

Thurday morning is reserved for running (this time not in the gym, but outside) and some last minute exploring (if I still have the time).

Better go to the McDonald’s right now to upload this blog. Btw, I cooked my own meals today and yesterday. Will cook again tomorrow. Saves me a lot of money, and it tastes pretty good as well! Fortunately, in my dorm room, there is now a very nice lady (who actually talks back to you ;)).

PS. I seem to have found out the map thingy. According to this map I am now actually in Perth, not somewhere in the Australian outback :D.