Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island lies in the Indian Ocean just off the coast of Fremantle. It is a popular destination for a few hours or a getaway. Accessible by a short ferry ride from Fremantle, the island offers a relaxed atmosphere, with beaches, cycling tracks, walks and their unique animal, the Quokka which is a small friendly marsupial a bit like a wallaby.
Fremantle
Perth’s playground would have to be Fremantle, located just south of the city. Fremantle was home to the America’s Cup in the 1980s and saw an enormous boom in facilities, population and growth. Alfresco style cafés, eateries and restaurants line the streets and there are several great attractions. Fremantle is accessible by both rail and watercraft and a must-do for any visitor to Perth.
The Perth Mint
The Perth Mint is Australia’s oldest operating Mint, established in to mint gold sovereigns for the British Empire and now is a world leader in the production of precious metal coins, medallions and collectables. The Perth Mint was co-responsible for making the beautiful medals used at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. The mint offers a fantastic look behind the scenes of coin making, and you can see a real 200 oz gold bullion being melted, one of the world’s largest nuggets and a host of coins and medals. The centre has a magnificent gift shop where you can purchase coins and medals.
Fremantle Prison
The Fremantle Prison was built by convict labour during the 1850s and was used right up until 1991. Now a heritage listed tourist attractions, the Prison is open 7 days a week. There are tours available which take you on a somewhat eerie journey through Perth’s penal past.
