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It was time to sample Fremantle. We had studied the tourist books and realised that it was going to be a 2 day adventure to get around and see it all. We therefore decided to travel the 70km to get there by train and bus. Russell and Noelene (our travelling neighbours) told us the tickets to buy, and the buses to catch, easy peasy!
After a very helpful station guard assisted us to buy the correct tickets, we boarded the train, which was immaculate. There were signs up asking the public to report anything that they saw which was damaging or annoying and they could receive a $1000 fine. Aaron tried to engage me in vandalism of the train so that he could take a photo of it and claim the money. Not likely!
We got off at the station and boarded the bus to Fremantle. It was here that the bus driver told us we had the wrong tickets and we had to hand over another $10.30. We explained that the station master helped us but he wouldn’t have it. We paid again and while I tried to Google a Transperth number to call, Ray noticed an info line number printed largely just above our heads. He was deep in conversation with the consultant, agreeing that we had been overcharged. We approached the driver when we arrived at the Fremantle railway station. After radioing in his query, he refunded us the $10.30 with numerous apologies. It pays to be persistent but I feel a bit sorry for the station guard who sold us the incorrect tickets in the first place. I hope he doesn’t lose his job.
We set off to see the Round House first. This building is the oldest public building in Western Australia. It was used to house prisoners who became the labour force to help build Fremantle. From there we felt peckish so we headed to the Wharf and enjoyed some fish and chips overlooking the water. This is a must do when visiting Fremantle but (just quietly) we found the fish a little bland and second in quality, not price, to the fish and chips we had in Carnarvon.
From there we wandered the streets, found the Information Centre, handmade chocolate shop (yes we bought some), and Myer. We were surprised to see sale signs indicating that the store was closing down for good. Of course, we went inside. The prices were unbelievable. Everything in the store was 30% off. Many items were already reduced and then a further 30% came off that. For instance, in Darwin I purchased a “must have” new bather top. It cost me $99.95 (an Australian Seafolly brand). Today I saw the same top reduced to $35 then another 30% off that. The bargains there almost made me cry because due to space restrictions, I couldn’t buy anything. It was absolutely criminal!
Caleb bought some books, yes books, and read them on the way home on the train. We were doubly amazed. One that he bought them, two, that he actually started reading them.
We ran out of time for the long public transport journey home again and so we left, knowing that we would be returning tomorrow.