Fremantle ~ The Architecture

If Perth is regarded as a cosmopolitan city with tall skyscrapers and large explanades along the Swan River then I would say Fremantle is a hot, trendy city overlooking the Indian Ocean.  Much of the old Colonial architecture in Perth has been demolished and replaced with huge glass and concrete buildings.  Fremantle on the other hand has the ambiance of a colonial city.

Strolling through downtown Fremantle is like stepping back into the past.  As a port city, Fremantle, during the gold rush period, was a thriving city.  Hotels, public buildings, and the Prison were all examples fine Victorian, Colonial architecture.  The town was hopping with the new found money.  Then Fremantle went through a long period of decrepitude until the 1970's when Australia was defending the World Cup at Freo.  All of a sudden, Australians wanted to put on a "fine face" for all the visitors and tourists that would be coming to this port city.  Fremantle went through a gentrifying revival as the old hotels, pubs and public buildings were restored to their former glory.  Today Freo is a trendy hangout, a place of latte and gelato and little shops selling things of an arty nature.  Let's take a stroll through the downtown area.  We will start our tour at the Round House on Arthur's Head.  Looking down, we see High Street.

Another one of Magi's watering places!

Opening to Fremantle Markets.

Lunch, anyone?

Oh, you need a place to sleep tonight?  Try the Backpacker's hostel.

Fremantle Town Hall

Hope you enjoyed the tour.  I know I did...but hell, where did that Magical Poet go again?  Another coffee shoppe most likely.