Yacht Racing and Fremantle
Fremantle has had a long standing history with major yachting events. The 1987 America's Cup regatta is remembered for the dramatic saiing as the teams battled it out, match racing in the howling winds of the "Fremantle Doctor".
Fremantle was stopover host for the prestigious Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race (now known as the Volvo Ocean Race) in 1993 and 1997-98 and was widely regarded by the sailors as the most enjoyable and relaxing host port of the race. Fremantle's superb yachting facilities, its hospitality, the race organisation and perfect weather conditions assured an unsurpassed stop over.
In 2005 Fremantle will be a host port for the Clipper 2005 Round the World Yacht Race and will follow that up by hosting the Leg 1 stopover for the VELUX 5 OCEANS in 2006.
Tourism Minister, Bob Kucera, when announcing the VELUX 5 OCEANS stopover in 2003, said of the race, "It is an event which is known as sailing's ultimate challenge so it will bring some of the toughest and most exciting sailors in the world to our backyard. This comes hot on the heels of securing host port status for the Clipper 2005 Round the World Yacht Race and together the races reinforce Fremantle's return to international yachting prominence. Together with the Clipper 2005 race, this successful VELUX 5 OCEANS bid means that the Western Australian economy stands to gain a $3.3million boost. The visit will provide a valuable jobs boost in the tourism and hospitality industries."
He went on to add, "As with the Clipper Race, Fremantle will be the only Australian stop for these 25 or so solo sailors, which represents quite a coup for the State, and for the Fremantle Sailing Club."
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Fremantle Port & Fishing Boat Harbour
Fremantle was established in 1829 as a port for the fledgling Swan River Colony and was the major city in Western Australia for much of its early history. It was the first port of call in Australia for many migrants and visitors and today Fremantle sustains a rich mixture of cultures and nationalities.
Fremantle is Western Australia's major commercial port and handles the majority of the State's imports and exports. The distinctive nature of a port city and the availability of warehouses made vacant by the modernisation of the port attracted artists and arts organisations seeking low cost accommodation.
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Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is a thriving community of restaurants and cafes situated on the bay and harbour in Fremantle, Western Australia. Specializing in all the best mouthwatering food the ocean has to offer, this picturesque area has plenty to enjoy, with boardwalks over the water and Bathers Beach nearby.
Fremantle Sailing Club
The VELUX 5 Oceans will be hosted by Fremantle Sailing Club. It is a members' only club situated in the heart of Fremantle's waterfront. Historically, Fremantle is the gateway to Australia, when many European people came by ship, and this has made Fremantle a cosmopolitan town with many restaurants, hotels and tourist sights.
This historic club held races along the South Fremantle foreshore and the main Harbour from about 1879, and conducted the first ocean race in Western Australia from Mandurah to Bunbury in 1906.
Its 640 boat pens are provided with mains and wash-down water, power and telephones. Ample provision is made for slipping and lifting craft at reasonable cost, hardstand facilities for parking trailer boats, wash-down area, fuelling facility and boat ramps.
The club offers a first floor a-la-carte dining room with magnificent views over Success Harbour to Rottnest Island . For information on Fremantle Sailing Club, visit www.fsc.com.au.
Tourism in Fremantle
Fremantle is a major tourist attraction for travellers from all parts of the world and attracts large numbers of residents and visitors on a daily basis. The city offers a unique blend of a lively multicultural yet relaxed lifestyle.
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Fremantle has long been known as Perth's other capital. Known locally as 'Freo', it is just 20 minutes drive from Perth city. Within easy walking and cycling distance around Freo, visitors can experience contemporary circus, fine crafts, original music and theatre, exciting galleries, museums, bookshops and buskers. Along with maritime history and extensive architectural conservation, the Arts have become a central part of Fremantle life where visitors can discover the past and present. |
Western Australia's pioneering history lives on in the port city, where convict prisons and maritime museums tell fascinating stories of courage and mischief.
Sitting on Victoria Quay is the Western Australian Maritime Museum. Designed to depict a boat stranded on a sandy promontory, the museum houses famous sailing vessels along with hands on exhibits bringing sea-faring heritage to life.
Many Arts organisations are housed in historic buildings providing a contemporary use for some of the most spectacular reminders of an earlier history. Fremantle oozes heritage and cosmopolitan culture. Seven days a week, the streets are abuzz with shoppers and al fresco diners, while pubs brim over with patrons from across the globe. A strong Italian influence has produced a vast array of pizza and pasta restaurants, alongside a wide selection of other international eateries. Fremantle's cultural diversity is reflected in the range of cuisines from Europe to Asia, catering for every taste from the traditional to the exotic. Highlights can be found on 'cappuccino strip' along South Street.
The weekend markets are great for fresh fruit and veggies or that unique gift. Some of the state's most popular seafood restaurants and cafés are dotted around Fishing Boat Harbour - best of all, are the fish and chips. Weekends make way for an array of street performers, setting an artistic and fun-loving tone for shoppers.
Relax at Rottnest Island
To travel between Freo and Perth, you can take the scenic route and go by ferry. Rottnest Island, or 'Rotto', lies half an hour's ferry ride from Fremantle - perfect for a day trip or short escape.
'Rotto' has a tranquil atmosphere - it's the island where the locals go to get away from the every day. It is renowned for superb snorkelling, diving, surfing, fishing, boating and swimming in crystal bays. There's plenty for land-lovers to do too, including golfing and walk trails. Private vehicles are not permitted on the island. Instead, visitors hire bicycles and pedal their way from bay to bay - or catch the bus.
Accommodation is in villas, cabins, hotel rooms or on the campsite, but needs to be booked well in advance.
There's no shortage of accommodation choices ranging from stunning hotels to backpackers' lodges.