Page 316 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

314  WESTERN A USTR ALIA

3 Fremantle

Fremantle is one of Western Australia’s most historic cities.
A wealth of 19th-century buildings remains, including superb
examples from the gold rush period. Founded on the Indian
Ocean in 1829, at the mouth of the Swan River, Fremantle was
intended to be a port for the new colony, but was only used
as such when an artificial harbour was dredged at the end of
the 19th century. The town still has thriving harbours and, in
1987, it hosted the America’s Cup. Many sites were renovated
for the event, and street cafés and restaurants sprang up.
Busy fruit and vegetable stall in the
Fremantle Markets
the site are clear views across
Bathers Bay to Rottnest Island ( Fremantle Markets
(see pp312–13). Cnr South Terrace & Henderson St.
Tel (08) 9335 2515. Open 9am–8pm
E Western Australian Fri–Sun (to 6pm public hols).
Museum – Shipwreck Closed 25 Dec. 7
Galleries In 1897, a competition was held
Cliff St. Tel (08) 9431 8469. to design a suitable building to
Open 9:30am–5pm daily (25 Apr: act as Fremantle’s market hall.
1–5pm). Closed 1 Jan, Good Fri, The winning design still stands
25–26 Dec. Donation. 7 today, having been renovated in
∑ museum.wa.gov.au 1975. There are more than 170
Housed in the Commissariat stalls offering everything from
building, an 1850s convict- vegetables to opals. The market
Twelve-sided Round House built government storehouse, is open until 8pm on Fridays.
the Shipwreck Galleries is a
P The Round House renowned centre for maritime R St John the Evangelist
Below High St. Tel (08) 9336 6897. archaeology and exploration. Anglican Church
Open 10:30am–3:30pm daily. The museum’s prize possession Cnr Adelaide & Queen sts. Tel (08)
Donation. 7 limited. is a reconstruction of part of the 9335 2213. Open 9am–5pm daily. 7
Built in 1830, the Round House hull of the Dutch East Indiaman This charming church, completed
is Fremantle’s oldest building. Batavia from timbers discovered in 1882, replaced a smaller church
It was the town’s first gaol and, at the wreck off the Abrolhos on the same site. Its Pioneer
in 1844, site of the colony’s first Islands in 1629 (see p328). The Window tells the story of a
hanging. Beneath is a tunnel, exhibit tells the story of the pioneer family across seven
dug in 1837 to allow whalers to shipwreck and mutiny of the generations, from its departure
transfer cargo from the jetty to vessel and gives an insight from England in the 18th
the High Street. To the left of into life on board. century, to a new life in Western
Australia. The window next to it
is from the old church. The ceiling
The America’s Cup Bonanza and altars are of local jarrah wood.
The America’s Cup yachting
race has been run every four E Western Australian
years since 1851. Not until 1983, Museum – Maritime
however, did a country other than Victoria Quay. Tel (08) 9431 8444.
the United States win this coveted Open 9:30am–5pm daily (25 Apr:
trophy. This was the year that 1–5pm). Closed 1 Jan, Good Fri,
Australia II carried it home. In 1987, alia II carried it home. In 1987, alia II
Austr
Austr 25–26 Dec. & 7
the Americans were the challen- ∑ museum.wa.gov.au
gers, and the races were run in This museum houses the
Australia II’s home waters, off Australia II, the racing yacht with
Fremantle. Investment poured the winged keel that won the
into the town, refurbishing the America’s Cup in 1983. Also
docks, cafés, bars and hotels popular is the submarine HMAS
for the occasion. Ovens, which can be toured
The Americans regained the
trophy, but Fremantle remains (pre-booking essential). Visitors
can find out what life is like
forever changed by being, for aboard a submarine and
once, under the world’s gaze. The 1983 winner, Australia II
immerse themselves in
Fremantle’s wartime history.
For hotels and restaurants in this area see p 490 and pp519–21