
Fremantle, or Freo as the locals call it, is next on our itinerary. That morning, we took the CAT bus from the hotel to the ferry terminal where we will take a ferry to Freo.
While waiting for our ferry at Barrack Street Jetty, we went up the Bell Tower.
You get a nice view of the Swan River and the city from the top. Xy loved the set of bells at the viewing floor which took turn to chime into a song. We later discovered that you actually had to drop dollar coins into a machine to make the bells play. So we have actually been free-riding on other patrons’ contributions.


The cruise to Freo took about an hour with the captain’s free commentary of the region’s sights and numerous huge riverside mansions.
The most extravagant one that we saw was this opulent estate on a hillside by the river – the owners built a 3 storey house for themselves, a separate 2 storey building (above theirs) for guests and lastly a single storey building (next to the guesthouse) for their servants and workers. You’d probably need a buggy to get around the premises.
The low drone of the ferry’s engine had a hypnotising effect on us. Xy fell asleep and the rest of us adults felt like taking a nap too.

Despite a forecast of rain, the weather turned out to be very sunny that day. We had to walk some distance from the ferry terminal to the bus stop but thanks to the occasional cool breeze and low humidity, it did not turn out too tiring.


We had our lunch at Cicerellos at the Fishing Boat Harbour where our new found friends, the native sea gulls waited patiently by our table. The moment we left, they promptly hopped up to our unfinished plates and picked up bits of food before the restaurant staff chased them away.
Before we went on the trip, I was trying to decide between visiting Cicerellos and Kailis for fish and chips. Both had their fair share of fans and awards. In the end I chose Cicerellos because of the fish tanks displayed in the restaurant, which I was sure Xy would love.

After dessert (ice-cream at Baskin Robbins), we did some shopping at Fremantle market before going back to the city. It was the first time in days that we were without a car so getting around took some time and effort. And because we decided not to bring Xy’s stroller for better mobility, everyone had to take turns carrying the toddler who seemed to get heavier and heavier with every step. The air-conditioned comforts of the train was indeed a welcomed relief to our feet and arms.
By the time we reached the city, it was almost 6pm. Since it was Friday, the malls and shops stayed open in the evening. It was the first time we had seen crowds in the city area after dark.




















