An insider guide from a happy local. Read on for tried and tested things to do, see and eat in Fremantle, the awesome port side town in Perth, Western Australia.
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The Fremantle Esplanade isn't huge, but it's most definitely got it going on! Rarely does a weekend pass when the joint isn't jumping. If the ferris wheel with views over the town, port and Indian ocean doesn't cut it for you, then stop and take a closer look around. The newly opened Esplanade Youth Plaza was positively pumping throughout the school holidays and this continues every weekend. Designed to attract skateboarders, BMX, scooter fans and stunt riders, the Plaza brings together youngsters of every age, something that we don't see often enough. The opening was dubbed as "one of the most monumental moments that Australian skateboarding has ever seen" bySkateboarding Australia.
Here's a little video of theirs from the opening:
The Esplanade also has a viewing platform, where friends and family can sit and watch the action. It's a fantastic way to bring the community together. And when you've had enough, Baskin & Robbin's is just on the other side of the fence.. :)
So, tomorrow is the 11th May and Mother's Day. Wondering what to do in Fremantle? Here's a few options: 1. Urban Walkabout | Click on the link for a whole heap of suggestions or just follow the suggested plan, starting at The Attic and finishing up at Bib & Tucker. You can also download the App to help you out on the fly! 2. Lunch on the River |The Tradewinds Hotel are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and promise a free flower if you turn up with mum. Diners also receive a chance to win a complementary facial at Bliss in East Fremantle. 3. Perth Zoo | Ok, not quite in Fremantle but all mum's get free entry on Mother's Day so this was worth a mention. :) 4. High Tea at The Esplanade| Sandwiches, scones, live music and pots of tea. A glass of Moet is optional. Oh go on then.
I've been asked to spread the word about a fabulous little event that's kicking off in our beloved Fremantle tomorrow, 9th May.Fairly Fashionable is a fashion show (darling) to promote the awareness of Fair Trade, encouraging the shopaholics amongst us (Hello, My name is Sarah..) to consider the conditions under which our beloved threads are made. Even if you can't make it tomorrow you can show your support by liking theFairly Fashionable Facebook Page. For those than can attend, here's the skinny. Consider yourself invited:
Fair Trade Freo and the WA Fair Trade Collective invite you to celebrate with us an exciting collaboration between Australian designers and Fair Trade textile producers and suppliers - Fairly Fashionable? 2014!
The Fairly Fashionable? event is the culmination of a challenge for Australian designers to come up with a fashion piece that incorporates Fair Trade fabric in just 14 days. This challenge was launched on Fashion Revolution day which marked the first anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory disaster in Bangladesh. We invite you to a public event on the eve of World Fair Trade Day:
When? Friday May 9th, 6:30-8:30pm
Where? MANY 6160, Fremantle's exciting fashion precinct in the former MYER building.
What? Join us for a talk on Ethical Fashion by Jessica Priemus, founder of Bahlo followed by our headline fashion parade of the Fairly Fashionable? challenge. Door prize, raffle, fair trade tastings and more! Tickets: Click here to buy for $10 or pay $15 on the door.
1. Walk out to the green lighthouse, sit on a rock and watch the world go by. (Ok, I know that's technically 3 things but..) 2. Stroll along George Street in the afternoon, stopping for brunch and a 'Isn't life Awesome' moment. 3. Go to France, as in the Whisper Wine Bar for some cheese and vino. 4. Visit the Fremantle Arts Centre and enjoy a brew in the garden whilst deciding which short and arty course you should sign up for. 5. Head to Port Beach and watch the sun go down.
Think it's time you got to know Fremantle a little better? Well here's the festival for you! The Fremantle Heritage Festival is set to be a whirlwind of walking treks, bicycle tours, art, music and dancing. There will be antique treasure shows, exhibitions and a chance to learn the jitterbug. (Yup). Check out the full version of events here: http://issuu.com/fremantle-festivals/docs/2014fremantleheritagefestival
May the Fourth (Insert Dodgy Star Wars Slogan Here) - Actually, just a regular Sunday in and around Fremantle...
Sunday Morning at the Growers Green Farmers Market
Funny old day today in our neck of the woods. The sun sits high in the sky but can barely be seen for the clouds. Its definitely chillier than we've encountered in a while, but still a beautiful day. First port of call was theGrowers Green Farmers Market. Not quite in Freo but literally a stones through over the border into Beaconsfield. We arrived around 9:30am and the joint was already jumpin'. A good mix of stalls selling locally grown organic foods, freshly baked bread, fair trade products, arts and crafts, flowers and face painting and a fabulous array of hot breakfast foods. Check out their website for alist of stallholders.
Fresh baked bread!
There was a tough decision involved regarding breakfast. Taste some of the wonderful international foods on offer at the market or head off to one of our regular Fremantle haunts? The lack of tea on offer sent us off to Freo, more specifically toOoton & Lincoln. Ooton & Lincoln is a quirky, busy cafe in South Fremantle, just a couple of streets back from the Esplanade. Unpretentious and yet oh so trendy, we return time and time again for one of the best weekend breakfasts that Freo has to offer. The hubby ordered Polenta with mushrooms, rocket and poached eggs, predictably delicious, and banana bread with yoghurt, poached pears and praline for myself. Simply devine.
Breakfast @ Ooton & Lincoln
Bellies full, time to cycle home. We were drawn across the park to watch the random Salsa Band and dancers doing their thing. Turns out this was the start of the May DayUnions March! Never a dull moment in Fremantle and always full of surprises...
Perhaps I should rename this blog "What to do FIRST in Fremantle?
