Perth City

Perth - a city of wide open spaces,
a world of it's own on the Western side of the Australian Continent.
Because of it's separation from the rest of Australia, Perth has developed a unique and friendly atmosphere.

Making the most of the pleasant Mediterranean style climate, lucky West Australians enjoy one of the happiest and most relaxed lifestyles in the world.

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Fremantle

Situated at the mouth of the Swan River, at the Northern end of the FUN COAST, the port city of Fremantle retains much of the character and charm of the past combined with the vibrant mix of cultures that makes up the population of this harbourside city.

Ever since Alan Bond's Australia 2 syndicate wrested the Americas Cup from the New York Yacht Club in 1983 (the Americans had previously been unbeaten for 132 years), the once sleepy port of "Freo" has been growing into a major tourism and recreation centre. In later years Jon Sanders epic three times circumnavigation of the world started and finished here. David Dicks recently became the youngest sailor to make a full circumnavigation, and of course, Fremantle was his home port.

The City

Declared a city in 1929, Fremantle (now with a population of 25,000 people) remains a working port city
with both the Fremantle Harbour and Fishermen's Harbour offering a unique range of commercial and tourism
activities. Maritime and historical themes are found throughout the city and the seafood is delicious.

The People

The people of Fremantle are a diverse and multicultural mix. The cultures, lifestyles, food and languages they
brought with them to this country all contribute to the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city.
Students, business people, tourists and residents mingle in the wide array of sidewalk cafes on Fremantle's famous
"Cappuccino Strip".

The Arts

The city abounds with galleries and other venues featuring contempory art, craft and other activities which
contribute to the diverse cultural identity of Fremantle.

Accommodation

Fremantle provides a perfect base for a wider ranging exploration of Perth by rail, bus or car or daily business runs to the Perth CBD. There is a wide range of accommodation to choose from backpackers to 4 star hotels.
A uniquely Fremantle experience is the enjoyment of village life while staying in fine heritage properties close to the city centre.

Festivals and Events

Fremantle is a festival city so watch out for the Fremantle Festival in November, The Sardine Festival in January
and the Blessing of the Fleet in October.

The Markets

State Premier Sir John Forest laid the foundation stone for the markets on Saturday 6 November 1897, since that time the markets have developed into a vibrant centre of activity with a unique identity. Over 150 stalls are housed in a grand old Victorian building of remarkable character. Visit the markets

The West End of Fremantle has been little disturbed and is a prime example Victorian architecture in a port
city. The local community plays an important role in retaining and refurbishing these heritage buildings, many of which are classified by the National Trust.

The History

Fremantle's name honours Sir Carles Howe Fremantle who, as the 28 year old Captain of "HMS Challenger",
took possession of the Western Coast of Australia for Britain in 1829. Settlers from Britain followed in the
"Parmelia" and established the "Swan River Colony". Aboriginal had lived in this land for many thousands of years before these events. Much of their past and present heritage and culture is recorded in Museums in Fremantle and Perth.

Convict labour was used for many civil works in the colony, and in 1897 the first steamer entered the new
Fremantle Harbour. The goldrush years were responsible for quick growth in Fremantle, the influx of goods and gold seekers bringing many a new business to the port, nowadays a thriving and prosperous community.

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Swan Valley

Located between the Darling Ranges and Coastal plain, the Swan Valley is WA's oldest wine growing region.

Only twenty minutes from Perth, it is a compact area full of award winning restaurants and wineries, galleries and fine accommodation.

The History

The Swan Valley was one of the first areas settled in Western Australia and it still contains a number of historic sites open for visitors. Historic Guildford at the entry to the Swan Valley has many fascinating old buildings. Colonial buildings have been restored and an historic hotel offers hearty meals beside open wood fires in winter or light fare in breezy open-air courtyards in summer. Local artisans and craftspeople are delighted to show their wares to visitors with a number of galleries set in landmark buildings including the original local goal.

The Wines

The major attraction of the Valley is the wine industry. Vineyards dot the Swan Valley and hectares of vines line the roads.
The Swan Valley is perhaps Western Australia's most awarded wine-growing region with a history of producing great wines that stretches back to 1829. Many of the vineyards trace their beginnings back to the early days of European settlement and others were established by a wave of Italian and Croatian immigration before and between the two wars.

The Valley is renowned for a number of varieties including Chardonnay¡¯s, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc and Verdehlo and fortified wines - Muscat¡¯s, Tokays and ports. The region has been both winner and runner up in the best WA wine awards for the last two years.

You will discover two of the state's largest wineries and a large number of small family wineries - all are open for cellar door tastings and some offer superb lunches in an alfresco or indoor setting. You won't need to drive for miles to visit two or three.

The Swan Valley boasts one of the top two winery restaurants in Australia and a restaurant whose wine list was voted the best in Australia. You'll find superb restaurants, tearooms and cafes that offer everything from homestyle morning and afternoon tea to international sat.

You'll find a number of galleries, including WA's largest private gallery showing local arts, crafts and gifts and local artisans who open their studios to visitors.

Accommodation in the Valley suits all budgets, tastes and numbers. From a five star resort to self-contained chalets. Whether caravanning or holidaying in style you'll find what you are looking for in this beautiful region.

The highlight of the year is "Spring in the Valley" - a showcase of local food, wine, the arts and music on the second weekend of October every year. There are also sporting events, live jazz concerts and community fairs throughout the year. There's always something happening in the Swan Valley.

The Swan Valley can be explored by car, coach trip or river cruise. The Swan Valley Tourist Information Centre (Ph 9250 4400 or 9279 9859) can tell you everything need to know.

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Kalamunda

Only 30 minutes drive from the centre of Perth, you will discover the magic of Kalamunda set among the wildflowers and rocky outcrops of the Darling Escarpment, with views accross the coastal plain to the sparkling Indian Ocean.
Tree covered valleys rolling eastward delight at every turn of the undulating roads.

Kalamunda began as a timber settlement in the late 1860's By the early 1900's it became important as a resort as people sought to escape the "maddening pace" and "cacophonous noise" of urban living at the turn of the century!
(the population of Perth was only 40,000 at that time.)

This in-rush of visitors prompted the construction of many large, beautiful guest houses with magnificent gardens, many can still be found dotted around the area.

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The Fun Coast

The Fun Coast has it all!! ..... Beginning along the picturesque shores of the Swan River, the region includes the historic port of Fremantle and extends down past the relaxing holiday destination to Safety Bay and Warnbro Sound. A drive or tour through the region is "must see" stuff for any visitor to the Perth area.

The region features many safe and beautiful beaches for swimming, fishing or boating plus a number of offshore islands which are home to abundant marine and bird life. Whales (seasonally), penguins, dolphins, seals and even the occasional flying fish can be seen in the surrounding waters.

Inland from the coast you can visit wildlife parks, visit wineries, browse in craft shops, view art galleries, sight see, delve into the history of the region or spend the day at W.A.'s largest adventure park.

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