[Travel, Perth] A Perth-fect Two Day Getaway

I’m back from a short 4 days trip to Perth & Margaret River (Western Australia). It was the end of summer over there so the weather was pleasantly cool, which was such a wonderful change from warm, humid and rainy Singapore. We explored Perth City for two days and then drove 4 hours down to Margaret River (more of that in another post). Here’s our two day itinerary and travel photos from Perth City to share.

Perth City

Sightseeing

The Bell Tower is an interesting sight in Perth City. Basically you won’t miss it when you’re at the city, coz the building stands out both in the day, as well as at night where it glows in various hues. If you decide to go into the tower (remember to print the discount voucher from the website), you will see some exhibits and witness how the bells are actually operated by human “ringers”.

The Bell Tower

Address: Barrack Square, Riverside Drive (How to get there, opened 10am to abt 4pm except Good Friday and Christmas Day)

King’s Park Botanic Gardens is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon at Perth City. You will get a good view of Perth City and its shoreline from here. Take a walk along the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, admire the beautiful plants and flora or picnic near the war memorial area. View here for directions and opening hours.

Other sights

Perth Mint – opening hours and address here
Historical building dating back to 1899. We joined a guided tour and watched a gold pour demonstration which was quite entertaining.

Retail Theraphy

Most of the sightseeing locations close at 5pm. We planned our trip such that we’ll be at Perth City on a Friday, where we can indulge in some late shopping as most shopping malls close at 9pm on Fridays (instead of 5pm on other days). Visit the main shopping area at Hay Street (main train interchange) where you will find malls such as David Jones and Myer. There is also a Woolworths supermarket in the area so you can stock up your home pantry with Australian food products.

Eating In

Dinner of roasted chicken in the hotel room

We had the good fortune of staying at a really nice hotel (thanks to w ^^) so we enjoyed the room by eating in. We bought roasted chicken from Woolworths supermarket, a bottle of white wine and some fruits for a relaxing room dinner.

Fremantle

Sightseeing

The next day, we head out to Fremantle, which is the port and a must visit at Perth. As you walk around, soak in the beautiful views of the swan river and indulge in the delicious fish and chips afterwards. You need to take the train to reach the Fremantle Station which is the last stop. You may wish to consider dropping by Subiaco station along the way to shop at Angry Almond (located at the Subiaco Station Markets, opened Fri to Sun 7am – 530pm). It is very well stocked with Asian cooking ingredients (I found my Srichacha chilli sauce there for only A$7!) as well as economical packs of herbs & spices.

Unexpected find – My “international” loot from Angry Almond – Have been looking for the chilli sauce and ginger tea for a long time! Cheapy prices.

Once you reached the Fremantle Station, you can either explore the entire place by walking, or take the free CAT buses which bring you to all the various attractions within Fremantle.

Sightseeing at Fremantle:: Walking along the streets

Sightseeing at Fremantle:: Fremantle Railway Station

Sightseeing at Fremantle:: Street Graffiti

Sightseeing at Fremantle:: (Part of) The Round House with lots of graffiti on the wall

Sightseeing at Fremantle:: Bathers’ Beach (walking from the Round House)

Other Places of Interests in Fremantle

Fremantle Prison is a historical building built in the 1850s. There are a few different tours to choose from. I chickened out at the last minute because I was really scared so I didn’t take any tours, but my friend who did said it was interesting.

Address: The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, opened 10am-5pm except Good Friday and Christmas

Eating Out

Cicerello’s is a good place to stop by for delicious & affordable fish and chips by the harbour.

Address: Fishermans Wharf, 44 Mews Road, Fremantle 6160 (10am – 830pm daily)

Cicerello’s at Fremantle

Grilled Garfish with Side Salad

Signature Fish and Chips (delicious!)

Other places of interests in Fremantle:

Fremantle Markets – click here for opening hours and address

Fremantle Markets

Here you can find all kinds of goods on sale – fresh foods, dry foods, aromatherapy, toys, clothings and so on. I bought quite a bit of herbs and spices from The herb+spice_tea shop where there is a huge variety of herbs and spices sold at very affordable prices.

from the herb+spice+tea shop at Fremantle Markets

Hope you find my two day itinerary useful if you are visiting Perth.  Coming up next – our road trip to Margaret River ^^