Australia, Fremantle-Perth (Western Australia) Nov 8th, 2011 Tuesday

Perth & Fremantle Highlights

Departing the ship, your panoramic drive takes you through historic Fremantle, past the Western Australian Maritime Museum, which houses some of the most iconic vessels from the state's maritime history, and the Fremantle Prison and the Round House. The oldest building in Western Australia, the latter was purpose-built as a jail and was the first permanent building in the colony. You’ll head along the Esplanade to take in the interesting and historic colonial architecture of this delightful suburb. Proceeding into Perth itself, you’ll pass through the exclusive suburbs of Mosman Park, Peppermint Grove and Dalkeith. Watch for the Royal Perth Yacht Club, Matilda Bay and the Old Swan Brewery. Your next stop will be for some photography and free time at the delightful Kings Park. Featuring just shy of 1,000 acres of bushland, botanic garden and parklands, the park overlooks the Perth central business district and the Swan River. Relax among the cultivated gardens of unique native plants, pay your respects at the State War Memorial, or simply be inspired by the breathtaking views over the city. Continue out of Perth to Cottesloe Beach scenic point, where the smooth terraced lawns and lovely beach provides the perfect lookout for views of the Indian Ocean. Stop briefly to snap some photos at this beachside suburb before re-boarding your coach for the return to Fremantle.

Drive In Liquour Store

West Coast Wineries

traveled east to the Swan Valley passing views of the City of Perth and Swan River on the way. We journeyed through fertile farming valleys to our first stop at Sandalford’s Caversham Estate. The estate produces 90,000 cases per year including many premium table wines. After touring the cellars, we ended in the tasting area. We tasted six different wines including chardonnay, rose, shiraz and cabernet.

Our coach passengers reassembled for a 10 minute trip to Houghton’s, the next winery. It features historic buildings and gardens including a magnificent jacaranda grove. There was no cellar tour available, but our group dove right into a tasting of another five delicious wines. We also wandered through an art exhibition of local artists and a wine museum. Two groups of twentyish age women arrived by mini-bus to provide some variety from the 70-80 age ladies that inhabit the ship. Apparently these pre-wedding parties are frequent in the Swan Valley.

We all staggered back to the bus and returned to the port by noon. Nap time for the afternoon, but a good tour and worth visiting.