The Woody's Great Aussie Trek: Fremantle

Firstly we just want to send a get well message to Michelle’s Dad (Pop). Unfortunately he had a fall from a ladder, which has resulted in Nan & Pop cancelling their trip to join us for a week in Perth. We miss you both and are so sorry you could not make the trip. Get well quick Pop.

We have travelled to the home of the Dockers. I must say it’s not a bad town, apart from their footy team. It is full of history with its old buildings, port and now a great waterfront full of restaurants.

First up we visited the Fremantle Prison which was a real eye opener. Our tour guide provided us with a chilling insight into life in this maximum security prison which housed 1,000 prisoners. To think it was only closed in 1991 & the conditions were appalling (I guess though they are in prison, so you can’t expect too much).

The prison started from its convict origins in the 1850’s and has been the longest operational prison in Australia. We were shown the cells, exercise yards, a whipping post, the kitchen, gallows, solitary cells and the Church (still used today for weddings – what better way to start a life sentence of marriage). Just joking Michelle!

The Gatehouse

Amy & Hayley behind the second gates (officially as prisoners)

One of the exercise yards - it did have a tennis court

This cell block is the longest of its type in the southern hemisphere

This watch tower still has a ghostly presence today, where even the old guards won't go

A typical exercise yard with bolted down furniture

3 storeys of cells - the site of a 1988 riot

Prisoners had plenty of time on their hands (this
prisoner was an impressive artist, but had committed
shocking crimes)

A close up of his art work

This painting was painted the year the prison closed

Don't leave me in here!

Solitary confinement exercise yard (1hr a day in here with no communication)

To soak in the atmosphere and appreciate the waterfront, we decided to have a seafood lunch at Cicerellos. They claim to serve the best fish n chips in WA. We only needed 2 meals between the 5 of us, as the meals were quite large.

A view of Cicerellos & a ferris wheel

It was good!

We explored the port precinct on foot, where there was some serious money tied up in some of the luxury cruisers (& of course the fishing boats). There were also quite a few statues in the area, including one of the famous & late Bon Scott (ACDC lead singer) who grew up in Fremantle after arriving from Scotland at a young age. I even got to find the brewery of one of my favourite beers (Little Creatures Pale Ale).