Perth is the capital and the largest city for the Australia state of Western Australia. The city of Perth was founded in 1829 by Captain James Stirling and the city was named after the town of Perth in Scotland. Before this, the Aboriginal Australians had stayed in this area for at least 38,000yrs, through archaeological findings. The city was used as a naval base for the Allies during world war 2.
5:10am: Arrive at Perth Airport
After an overnight flight to Perth, we arrive at the airport in the early morning. Since this is meant to be a road trip, we will be renting a vehicle. Do note that not all rental companies operate 24hrs.
6am: To Tribe Hotel (20mins), Me Me Joans
After collecting our vehicle, we head down to Tribe Hotel, a 20mins drive from the airport. Breakfast will be a quick snack at Me Me Joans, which opens at 6am. After dropping our luggage, we can either chill at the hotel lobby first, or at Me Me Joans - a kiosk that offers coffee and bagels. The next stop which is Fremantle Markets, opens at 9am, so we have a couple of hours to spare.
9:30am: Fremantle Markets (2hrs)
Fremantle Markets is a historic market that started in 1897. Back then, visitors will arrive in horses and carts! The place was used as a wholesale food and produce market until the 1950s, then as a packing and distribution centre for the next 20yrs. It then underwent a complete restoration in 1975 and reopened as a market. Today, other than fresh food traders, you can also find gifts, toys, clothing, homeware and souvenirs here.
11:30am: Lunch at Kailis Fishmarket Cafe
Kailis is an award-winning seafood place and is voted as the best fish and chips place in Perth! Other than fish, they also have other kinds of seafood done raw, bbq or fried. The cafe is located on the waterfront, so it offers great sea views.
12:30pm: Fremantle Prison (45mins)
A former prison now listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was used from 1855-1991. The prison was eventually closed due to a series of prisoner riots and growing concerns over prison conditions. Prisoners were transferred to Bandyup Women's Prison and Casuarina Prison. After the closure, the state government ensured that the prison is preserved for further generations, and is one of the largest surviving convict prisons in the world today.
1:30pm: Explore Fremantle Arts Centre (2.5hrs) – events and exhibitions, Rainbow Sea Container
This heritage-listed building was built between 1861-1868 using prison labour and was originally used as a psychiatric hospital. It is now used as a venue for art programs, events and exhibitions. If time allows, pop by for a pottery or painting lesson, or sit by the lawn for some amazing live music!
Don't forget to pop by the Rainbow Sea Container that is nearby! A rainbow-coloured arch constructed from 9 recycled sea containers.
4:30pm: Chill and sunset at Blue Boat House
The sun sets pretty early during winter, around 5:20pm. The Crawley Edge Boatshed, better known as the Blue Boat House, became one of the top photo spots in Perth in the recent years.
The boatshed was built in the 1930s. After multiple change of ownership, it was repainted in 2001 to a bold blue shade. It also went through multiple refurbishments throughout the years. With the help of social media, this location quickly became a hot spot for tourists. It is also often used for tourism marketing.
With the tourism impact, the City of Perth announced a $400,000 investment for a toilet block on Mounts Bay Road to cater to tourists visiting the boathouse. It is hard to believe that the boatshed was once threatened to be demolished by the government in 2001 as it was so run down and unsafe.
6pm: Dinner at Pollito Chipotle Grill
Pollito Chipotle Grill is a Mexican place that offers amazing flame-grilled chicken that they are proud of. Only fresh chicken is used, delivered daily, never frozen. They also do wraps and burgers.
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