FREMANTLE HARBOUR

The life of this quiet port was turned upside down by the 1987 America's Cup, won by the Australian II after 132 years of American hegemony. It is home to a huge freight and industrial zone, with cargo ships carrying WA's minerals to the four corners of the globe. The main part, to the north of the city, houses the Western Australian Maritime Museum, the E Shed Markets for food and souvenirs, and the embarkation pier for Rottnest Island.

To the south, the Fremantle Fishing Harbour, also known as the Pleasure Craft Harbour, regularly plays host to some impressively luxurious yachts. Numerous cafés and restaurants surround the piers, giving you the opportunity to admire them at your leisure. Fremantle's first prison, the Round House, overlooks the short Bathers Beach between the main harbour and the marina, with the Western Australian Shipwrecks Museum next door. A great place to come for fish & chips and local seafood. Cicerello's is an institution, with its many aquariums. There are also several breweries, including the famous Little Creatures. You can rent a pedal or electric bike nearby, although you can still visit the area on foot. Set back, other historic buildings, the University of Notre-Dame and several fine examples of colonial construction. Extensive redevelopment plans have been put in place to facilitate access to the city of Fremantle.