Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 08-9431 7878;
www.indigenouswa.com
; adult/child $25/15; 10.30am daily)
Highly regarded tour
covering the history of Fremantle and the Noongar and Wadjuk people. Book through the
Fremantle visitors centre.
WALKING TOUR
Two Feet & A Heartbeat
( 1800 459 388;
www.twofeet.com.au
;
per person $20-40; 10am daily)
Operated by a younger, ener-
getic crew, with the focus on Fremantle's often rambunctious history. 'Tight Arse Tues-
days' are good value.
z
Festivals & Events
West Coast Blues 'n' Roots Festival
(
www.westcoastbluesnroots.com.au
)
Held late March to early April and interpreting its remit
widely: recent festivals have featured Steve Earle, Grace Jones, Elvis Costello and My
Morning Jacket.
MUSIC
Blessing of the Fleet
(Esplanade Reserve, Fishing Boat Harbour)
An October tradition since 1948, brought to Fremantle
by immigrants from Molfetta, Italy. It includes the procession of the Molfettese Our Lady
of Martyrs statue (carried by men) and the Sicilian Madonna di Capo d'Orlando (carried
by women), from St Patrick's Basilica (47 Adelaide St) to Fishing Boat Harbour, where
the blessing takes place.
RELIGIOUS
Fremantle Festival
(
www.fremantle.wa.gov.au
)
In November, the city's streets and concert venues come alive with
parades and performances in Australia's longest-running festival.
CULTURE
4
Sleeping
Old Firestation Backpackers
( 08-9430 5454;
www.old-firestation.net
; 18 Phillimore St; dm $27-31, d $72; )
There's entertain-
ment aplenty in this converted fire station: free internet, foosball, movies and a sunny
courtyard. Dorms have natural light and the afternoon sea breeze fluttering in, and there's
HOSTEL
$
