Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SCARBOROUGH Scarborough's white sands stretch for miles from the base of
the Hotel Rendezvous Observation City, Perth. Swimming is generally safe, and
surfers are always guaranteed a wave, although inexperienced swimmers should
take a rain check when the surf is rough. The busy shopping precinct across the
road means there's always somewhere to buy lunch and drinks. Bus: 400.
TRIGG Surfers like Trigg best for its consistent swells. Bus: 400 to Scarbor-
ough, then a 10-minute walk north.
A DAY OUT IN FREMANTLE
The heritage port precinct of Fremantle, 19km (12 miles) from downtown
Perth on the mouth of the Swan River, is probably best known outside Australia
as the site of the 1987 America's Cup challenge. Before that event, the city
embarked on a major restoration of its gracious but derelict warehouses and Vic-
torian buildings. Today “Freo” is a bustling district of 150 National Trust build-
ings, alfresco cafes, museums, galleries, pubs, markets, and shops in a masterfully
preserved historical atmosphere. It's still a working port so you will see fishing
boats unloading and yachts gliding in and out of the harbor. The ambience is so
authentic that locals make a beeline for the place every weekend, resulting in a
wonderful hubbub of buzzing shoppers, market-stall holders, java drinkers,
yachties, tourists, and fishermen. Allow a full day to take in even half the
sights—and don't forget to knock back an ale or two on the veranda of one of
the gorgeous old pubs.
ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE Parking is plentiful, but driving is frustrating in the maze
of one-way traffic. Most attractions are within walking distance (or hop on the
free CAT bus, below), so take the train to Fremantle and explore on foot.
A nice way to get to Freo and see Perth's river suburbs is on the cruises that
run once or twice a day from Barrack Street Jetty. See “Whale-Watching Cruises,
Tram Trips & Other Tours,” later in this chapter, for cruise operators.
GETTING AROUND The silver Fremantle CAT bus makes a running loop of
local attractions every 10 minutes Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 6pm,
and on weekends and holidays from 10am to 6pm, except Christmas, Boxing
Day (Dec 26), and Good Friday. It is free and departs from the train station.
VISITOR INFORMATION The Fremantle Tourist Bureau is located in
Town Hall, Kings Square at High Street, Fremantle, WA 6160 ( & 08/9431
7878 ). It's open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm (until 4pm Sat in
winter) and Sunday noon to 4:30pm. The best website is that of the Fremantle
Council, www.fremantle.wa.gov.au.
SEEING THE SIGHTS IN FREMANTLE
You'll want to explore some of Freo's excellent museums and other attractions,
but take time to stroll the streets and admire the 19th-century offices and ware-
houses, many painted in rich, historically accurate colors. When you arrive,
wander down to the docks—either Victoria Quay, where sailing craft come and
go, or Fishing Boat Harbour off Mews Road, where the boats bring in their
catches—to get a breath of salt air.
Freo's best shopping is arts and crafts, from hand-blown glass to Aboriginal
art to alpaca-wool clothing. Worth a look are the assorted art, crafts, and sou-
venir stores on High Street west of the mall; those in the E Shed markets on
Victoria Quay (open Fri-Sun only, and public holidays that fall on a Mon,
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