Fremantle (affectionately known as “Freo”) is a vibrant, historic port city in Western Australia, located just 30 minutes south-west of central Perth. Renowned for its maritime history, preserved 19th-century architecture, and creative arts culture, it sits where the Swan River meets the Indian Ocean.
Fremantle Prison: A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and the state’s only built convict prison. You can take history, torchlight, or underground tunnel tours. It would have been awesome to have been able to do a tour of the prison but dogs are not allowed.
It was original known at The Establishment, was built by convict labour between 1852 and 1859, the first prisoners moved into the cell block in 1855. Its name was later changed to Fremantle Prison in 1867, it remained in continual use until 1991.
From 1788 to 1868 over 167,000 men, women and children were transported from Great Britain to Australia as punishment for their crimes. For Britain transportation was not only a penal sentence but also a means of expanding it’s geopolitical influence. It further provided an avenue for British authorities to displace people from the lower classes, whom they labelled as undesirable, to the Australian colonies.
Surgeon Residence.
Magistrates Residence.
Monument Hill Reserve, Fremantle’s War Memorial. The main memorial at 14m in height is constructed from Donnybrook stone, was built and funded by the citizens of Fremantle in 1928 to commemorate the 59,330 Australians killed or posted as missing in action in WW1.
Fremantle is one of Western Australia’s most historic destinations. With its well-preserved heritage buildings, convict history. We were astounded at the how many amazing beautiful heritage buildings there were just in the main city area. Everywhere we looked down side streets, along the main street. All still in amazing condition and being used still by businesses. You could spend several days exploring them all.
Whalers Tunnel, In 1837, the Fremantle Whaling Company dug a tunnel through the cliff under the Round House so they could move whale oil from the beach directly to Fremantle’s main street.
Fremantle Round House is the city’s oldest public building, built in 1831. Originally used as a prison for convicts and colonial lawbreakers, the Round House has since been preserved as a historical site, offering visitors a glimpse into Fremantle’s early colonial history.
There is a daily Cannon Firing Ceremony at 1:00 pm, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century when it was used to signal ships in the harbour to set their timepieces.
The Roundhouse offers fantastic views over the Indian Ocean.
The Giants of Mandurah. Wow amazing, incredible, awesome. Today we walked with the giants and it was breathtaking. There are 6 giants hidden in the bush and around the bay. 5 in the Mandurah area and one closer to Perth.
5 are dog friendly, the 6th is in a National Park. The Giants of Mandurah were officially launched and opened to the public on November 12, 2022.
Follow us on our epic adventure. The first point of call is the Mandurah visitor centre, to pick up a book and map of the giants. You can also download it from the Mandurah Giants website. The book has a QR code for each of the giants that links back to google maps which directs you to the giants. It’s like playing a game, one kids would love, excited to track down the giants of Mandurah. At each giant those playing the game and doing them in order, take note of the symbol it is wearing. Once you have collected all 5 symbols at each site, head back to the visitor centre. To reveal the final location of the super secret giant of Mandurah. (Spoiler Alert, It’s the one in the National Park), so I didn’t get to see that one.
First a word about the incredible artist who created these amazing giants. Thomas Dambo born in Denmark, he is considered to be the world’s leading recycle artist, having been taught at a young age the importance of recycling, sustainability and an unlimited imagination. He is an artist and an activist, who has exhibited throughout the world. His vision is to create art that inspires people to go and explore nature and to demonstrate that trash can be turned into something beautiful. His works are accompanied by narratives that blend folklore, environmentalism, and community participation. He has created giants all over the world, check his website out. https://www.thomasdambo.com/
I think that it would be fair to say he has achieved that with the giants in Mandurah. The QR code maps we found take you for a bit of a tour or a tikitour as my friend would say, around Mandurah and has you walking along the water ways and through bush. Sometimes there is closer parking to the actual giant as we found out the hard way. So my advice is to also use Wikicamps along side the giants map as it may show you some closer parking. Also take some water. You are encouraged in the book to think about what the giant is doing, what are they looking for or at. What things did you see along the way.
The first giant is Santi Ikto “First the sun must hit the ocean so the ocean turns to clouds” 1.3km return, grade 3 trail. There is actually two ways in to see the giant. We stumbled across the easiest way, which was also shorter in distance. It was an incredible site to see Santi Ikto reaching up to the sky as if praying to God overlooking the Indian Ocean. Maybe he is asking for protection on this land. We just thought it was incredible, the details, the skill and imagination required was amazing.
Also in this area are rock formations down on the beach which we found very fascinating. We spent a bit of time checking them out. Thomas’s giant drew us and others to this area to also see the incredible spectacle of nature. Which is what Thomas’s art is all about.
Seba’s Song “Then the wind must move the clouds to the land, collect them in a crowd” 1.2km easy return walk. Seba points out to the waterways sitting on a rock wall facing the boaties as they pass by. A harder one to get in front of to photograph. Again the face, the teeth with one missing, the eyes, the hand held up to shield the eyes from the bright sun, as they look out across the waters. Searching the horizon, maybe looking and waiting for their love to return from the sea, such incredible detail. There are table and chairs and toilets at the parking area.
Yaburgurt Winjan Cirkelstone “The clouds must let the raindrops fall until the earth will open” He is named after a very important Binjareb Noongar leader, George Winjan “the old one”. This giant was lying down on the job holding a rock. Apparently he is lying around the fire, yarning after catching crabs, making jokes . He is lying down because he ate too many crabs. Taking a full walk around looking at all the details even his bottom is well shaped. I loved the face on this one, such a kind looking face, I guess he is content after eating the crabs. Google maps takes you to a parking area a bit further up, than is required. A short easy 550m walk depending on where you park.
Little Lui “Then mountain water, rivers run and flow back to the ocean” The QR code has you parking some distance away. The walk from there is 3.6km return. It is an easy walk through park and bush. If you look at Wikicamps there is a carpark listed that is much closer. As mentioned the artist aim was to have people explore nature so taking the long route seems to be part of the game.
This giant was incredible, it sat with its back against a fallen tree. The roots of the fallen tree were the hair of Little Lui, so incredible well done, blending in with nature, holding onto a branch, it could easily be missed if you did not know it was there. The way Lui looked down on you when you sat on their knee. The smile and perfect teeth, the details of the ears. Just sitting there having a rest, maybe resting after having google maps take you the long way around. Feet so big, Jess sitting only covered half of the foot.
Bille Bob in Subiaco Perth, is an easy 2min walk from the carpark. Is this where the giants story starts or ends? Bille Bob is a long way from his friends at Mandurah, we are asked to make up a story as to why. Billie Bob can be found in a beautiful park with lots of green grass, trees, shade and a great playground. I think all the giants were playing here, singing their song, Bille Bob being younger got tired while playing with his friends and had a lie down, to have a rest and fell asleep. Bille Bob looked so peaceful that his friends did not want to wake Bille so they left and all went to find their own place to have a rest.
As mentioned the 6th and final giant is in a National Park, it is called. Jyttes Hytte. It is a 3.5km walk from the carpark. Due to having Jess I was not able to see this giant in person. I bought a wooden stencil of Jyttes from the visitor centre to take home as I thought this one looked the best.
The below photo was taken from Thomas Dambo’s website.
We had loads of fun, saw at lot of Mandurah we might not have, got some fresh air and exercise and saw some incredible amazing works of art. And Jess got to come along too.
The Rhythm of the Raindrops, by Thomas Dambo
The words you are about to here, they hold a special meaning
I know they’re seemingly untrue, but trust me, you’re not dreaming
There is a rhythm in the rain – you can hear it drop by drop
But if no-one sings along, then soon the song of rain will stop.
First the sun must hit the ocean so the ocean turns to clouds
Then the wind must move the clouds to the land, collect them in a crowd
The clouds must let the raindrops fall until the earth will open
Then mountain water, rivers run and flow back to the ocean
And there are six old hidden giants in the bush and on the bay
And each of their voices is crucial for the harmony to play
They used to sing the song together – the hidden giants
So go and find the hidden giants, and help restore the order
Cause a giant needs its company, like fire needs its water
There’s one in Perth, four in Mandurah, and one hidden far apart
But find the five and bring the mark before the last you start
Just one thing you must remember, be brave and do not tire
Through sun and clouds and rain and rocks, the ocean and the fire
Sing this song for them in honour – just like the old hidden giants
That’s all I had to say today: now on your way, and find them.
We stayed the night at Pinjarra RV Rest area. A 24hr free camp within walking distance of the town, a great spot, with some more murals.
Although Bunbury and Albany are very similar in size we found them very different.
Bunbury has a lot of historic buildings, you can get a map or download one online of the Heritage Building Trail, we walked up the main CBD of Bunbury looking at a few of them.
Bunbury’s Old Post Office & Bonded Store, is a restored limestone building with a shingled roof and is the oldest building in the CBD. It is understood to be the original post office probably constructed with convict labour in the early 1850’s.
The Old Commonwealth Bank built in 1928 in a classical style no longer represented in Bunbury. In 1978 it was used by Telecom and accommodates Real Estate offices.
Rose Hotel one impressive heritage buildings. It is the grandest of the remaining gold boom hotels and was built in 1865 for Samuel Rose.
The Prince of Wales Hotel was first built in 1882 and remodelled in 1907. The decorative veranda dominates the streetscape and the place was highly valued as a holiday venue.
The Old Railway Station built in 1905. Passenger trains remained here until 1985 when the railway was moved out of town.
A beautiful arrangement at The Green Depot Flowers.
The CBD also has a lot of murals. You can pick up a map of the mural trails from the information centre.
We had the privilege of seeing some of these amazing artworks. The Old jetty in it’s working days
A seedling with soil gently cradled in someone’s hands.
The 3 photos above were all part of the one mural. The historical mural is on the side wall in Victoria St. You can see clearly the story it tells. The “Timber Workers” mural in Bunbury was painted by acclaimed Australian aerosol artist Jerome Davenport, widely known as Ketones6000.
An amazing mural of an aboriginal man. Part of a long mural off a lane way.
By Gemma O’Brien.
One most people would recognise from the kids movie “Cars” Mater.
The CBD also has plenty of cafe’s, coffee shops, eateries, pubs. One such pub was the Lone Star Rib House.
It caught our eye as it had a sign for a senior’s lunch of $20 which included a choice of 5 meals, with a drink and desert.
We ordered the Classic Mini Chicken Parmi served with salad and chips. Desert was cheesecake. It was all delicious and the perfect size. Service was amazing. The owner served us personally, taking us to our table. But first, I was outside with Jess at a table, when he came out and said that a helper dog like Jess was more than welcome inside. He said that we allow dogs and well behaved human owners. He even offered Jess a bone as a special helper dog.
He was such a character, with grandma working out the back. Highly recommend this place if you are ever in Bunbury.
Created by acclaimed artist Jon Tarry in 2000, the four-figure monument celebrates the region’s rich maritime history and ties to the ocean. Each of the four figures holds a different symbolic object representing the core identity of Bunbury:
A Ship: A nod to the port city’s maritime and industrial heritage.
A Fish: Represents the region’s vibrant marine life and fishing culture.
A Surfboard: Highlights the area’s popular coastal lifestyle and surfing community.
A House: Symbolizes the local community and the growth of the town
Bunbury also has some great beaches. A place you could easily spend a few days.
Busselton was one of the places I was very keen to see. I had heard so much awesome things from my mother, and on some youtube channels.
We got a really good special at Discovery Parks so stayed there for 5 nights. We had a few days over the stay of catching up with chores, washing and other bits. We also visited the famous historic Busselton Jetty taking the solar train ride along the 1.8km jetty.
Extending 1.841km out from Geographe Bay, the Jetty is a heritage listed icon for the seaside town of Busselton and is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.
When the Jetty was built in 1865, it spanned a total of 161m. However, over the next 100 years many extensions were made which led to the Jetty’s enormous 1.841km length that stands tall today.
Busselton Jetty officially closed as a Port in 1973 which ceased all shipping and government maintenance.
At the end of the jetty. You can also buy tickets for the Underwater Observatory which we have heard it is very good. With a real time view looking into the ocean around the jetty.
There are murals of whales on the boardwalk at the end of the jetty.
Following the decline of government funding and the crippling effects of Cyclone Alby on the 4th of April 1978, which swept down the coast and much of the first 700m of the oldest section aligning with Queen Street was damaged beyond repair. a community group was formed to raise funds for much needed restoration and maintenance.
Between 1987 and 2003, the community organisation now known as the Busselton Jetty Environment and Conservation Association (BJECA) raised sufficient funds to replace 50 per cent of the Jetty structure, establish the train service, and construct the iconic Underwater Observatory and Interpretive Centre.
In 2011, a $27 million refurbishment of the Jetty structure was completed with $24 million of this amount contributed by the Western Australian State Government and the rest contributed by the Shire of Busselton and BJECA.
The old Sea baths constructed in the area of water between the original jetty and the new Viaduct.
From the jetty some of remains of the Skeleton Jetty can still be seen.
After the Jetty ride we walked around the foreshore. Grabbed some breakfast. A great park with an awesome pirate ship play area. A big green space with tall pine trees, eateries, the information centre. A short distance from the town centre. With a really cool pirate ship play area.
We did a walk up the town. Some interesting things to see.
One night we came in and took some photos of the sunset.
After the sun had set and the jetty lights came on. It was a lovely mild night in town.
All up we loved our time in Busselton Jetty and it reminded me of my home area.
Pemberton is home to towering karri forests. A nature lovers paradise which would be fantastic to explore if you didn’t have a dog. So we were rather restricted on what we could do and see in Pemberton.
The town is lovely with autumn colours in full swing, something I don’t see very often where I live in Qld. So I love to see the changing colours of the leaves and how bright the reds can be.
We walked up the street taking photos of a few things of interest.
Then a very brief super quick detour to see the Gloucester Tree.
Before the introduction of spotter planes to look out for fires, a network of 18 fire lookout trees and towers were spread out across the south-west forests in Western Australia. From the top of these lookouts, foresters used to scan the landscape around them for the first signs of smoke.
Foresters selected the Gloucester Tree to use as a fire lookout in 1947. It was one of eight lookout trees built in the south-west between 1937 and 1952.
Today, the Gloucester Tree has retired from its duties as a fire lookout tree but people still climb it. No way would I climb that, I’d be “just beam me up Scotty”. Spikes just sticking out from the tree going up in a spiral, no mesh, nothing much to hang onto 61m tall. It is currently closed for climbing due to renovations of the new platform.
Original Lookout Height: 53–58 metres.
Reopening Height: Following safety works, a new platform is being installed at 37 metres, anticipated to reopen by late 2025.
Climb Structure: Originally 153 spikes (pegs) in a spiral staircase, with no mesh support.
Status: It is the world’s second-tallest fire-lookout tree.
There is also an Aerial Adventure with steps in a spiral up trees, rope bridges, zip lines & high rope courses, this was also closed when we were there.
Albany was a star base stop, with some jobs to be done.One being to take Trek in for an issue I was having with the climate control, all to be done under warranty. Turns out the whole middle console needs to be replace due to an internal fault. These modern space ships, one little thing fails and it’s a throw out job and a big part needs replacing.
They could not do it there, the part may take sometime to come in so unsure if I can get it fixed this side of the galaxy. I’ll be checking with some more Hyundai stations along the way.
At first we did not take to Albany. We didn’t like the traffic and roads some of the roads really are not good. A couple of the intersections, one in particular was quite dangerous. And is listed as the number 1 riskiest intersection in regional WA. I can well believe it.
We did have one day in town when Trek was being diagnosed. We parked opposite the Brig Amity overlooking Shoal Bay.
A replica of Brig Amity is at the Museum of the Great Southern. Amity means friendship. It left Sydney on the 9th November 1826 with 21 soldiers, 23 convicts, a small group of support staff, animals and building materials heading to King George Sound to establish the first settlement in Western Australia. After some delay due to storms it arrived in Menang Boodja (King George Sound) on the 25th December 1826. You can walk around on the top deck for free and take a tour on the below deck for $5.
A beautiful large Moreton Bay Fig, amazing root system.
A couple of murals, absolutely beautiful.
We spent all morning walking up the main street of Albany. A much better way to explore the area. There really is some lovely old buildings. And people were incredible friendly.
The town hall.
We also had rain for most of our time there. We stayed at the Rifle club which was really good peaceful and away from the hustle and bustle.
Star date 6/5/26
After we left Albany we headed towards Pemberton. We stopped at a small town called Mount Barker for a few hours.
What a lovely town, some beautiful murals on buildings, a massive IGA and a friendly nice town.
Painted by the children and community of Mount Barker.
What a wonderful tribute to an incredible talented lady.
On the IGA building, there were lots more murals around town.
Lake Muir, a truckie told us about this place. A board walk out to the view over the lake which was dry when we were there.
Our dock for the night was just a pull off the road.
The town of Ravensthorpe is home of the largest free standing lollipop in the world!! At Yummylicious Candy Shack.
It has an assortment of lollies that reminded me of some of the lollies we had as kids. Of course we had to buy a few. And some lollipops for the grandkids, I’m sure the parents will thank me 😂 They also have 15 flavours of ice cream.
Ravensthorpe is also know for its ‘Farm Gate Art Trail’’. Apparently the project currently has 32 locations. These fabulous sculptures, mainly crafted from farm scrap metal, are themed around local wildflowers and dotted around the country side. We came across a few on the way to Hopetoun.
Hopetoun is back on the coast and has that beach town vibe. Relax, chill and take in the beautiful water. Again the weather was not in our favour with overcast skies and rain.
We stayed a few nights at the free RV camping area, a short walk into town with easy beach access. You have to be self contained, it does have some bins.
Nice easy run to Kalgoorlie from Norseman. After stocking up on a few wares we settled in to the Kalgoorlie self contained RV park. You can stay here for 72hrs, camping is on gravel which was very handy when it rained. Bins, and toilets can be found at the near by park. On site is a dump point and drinking water. It’s a popular spot.
Star Date 22/4/26
We went exploring, visiting the Hannans North Tourist Mine first. One of the first registered mines in Kalgoorlie. With over 30 exhibits in Kalgoorlie’s largest open-air museum. Entry cost $20A or $17 concession, it is self-guided tour, with historical buildings from the 1920’s, plenty of gold mining equipment, you can go gold panning, and climb the modern day equipment aboard a 793C haul truck and 994 wheel loader.
Even though it is outside dogs are not allowed. Which personally I thought was disappointing and saw no reason why dogs could not go, if people were responsibility. The word being responsible.
We spent over 1 1/2hrs there and you could have spent more. On the eve of the 1st anniversary of Chris passing, I kept thinking how much he would have loved this place. He would have been right into it climbing and exploring all the machinery, reading all the history, he loved things like this.
There were automated stories, which were interesting.
Lots of old relics.
Old buildings and mining huts.
In the 1800’s the game of Two-up was born. Toss the coins games dated back to Roman times but the custom of launching two pennies from a wood bat seems to be Australian introduced. 1890 with the gold rush in Kalgoorlie it became the hub for all fans of two-up.
In 1983 two-up was legalised in Kalgoorlie. Only to be played in the two-up shed, all other establishments would face a $1000 fine. To this day it is still legal to play two-up in Kalgoorlie and remains only 2 places within Australia that can regularly host two-up games, Broken Hill being the other. The game is played every Sunday at the two-up ring in Kalgoorlie a 10min drive out of town.
So many things to see and touch, a highly recommended visit.
After having some lunch we went for a walk up the main street of Kalgoorlie. A lot of very old buildings, many old pubs, they certainly don’t build pubs like that any more with so much character. Unfortunately a lot of the buildings were also is disrepair and a lot of empty shops.
It’s a typical old mining town, people were friendly and helpful.
We also had a shower at Market Arcade a manned refreshment area. For $5 you got a shower, which included a towel and a bar of soap. The facility is cleaned after every use.
Another interesting place is Questa Casa the oldest brothel in Australia. Questa Casa is still operating but primarily as a historical tourist attraction rather than a functioning brothel. On their website is states. “Alas, at present there are no ladies offering their services from our premises.” Apparently the place is for sale or lease as the madams wishes to retire.
Yeah we did it, we crossed the Nullarbor East to West. I’ve achieved a bucket list trip for Chris and I, I know he would be cheering and doing fist pumps up there in heaven. I know he would be so proud of me.
Corrugated iron camels on the main roundabout in town.
So we stayed at the Norseman 72hr free camp. A fenced, some grassed area with marked large sites. Bins and a short walk into town. There is also a dump point and toilets not far away.
We arrived on a Sunday, pretty well all shops were closed, we were able to duck into the supermarket and grab a couple of things.
After lunch we did a walk around town and had a lemonade at the pub, as it was hot.
Mural on the side of the Woodlands Centre which is the Information Centre.
Even on Monday the place is pretty quiet, the Woodlands Visitor Centre was open so we popped into there.
There are several other murals around town.
Laurie Sinclair’s horse Norseman pawed up a very large nugget of gold, from there the town was born and name Norseman after the horse.
We spent 2 days here resting. But did have several bad storms, some very strong winds and dust storms.
Wow there are sure a lot of flies out here. If you were a Ferengi, from Deep Space Nine you might think they would make a great addition to a meal. I’d rather not, not keen on eating them, having them between my sunglasses and eyes, up my nose, buzzing my ears or swallowing one. Poor Jess isn’t impressed either, she has her own fly net.
Wearing a fly net constantly gets a bit thin, eating meals or drinking a cup of tea can be challenging. Many years ago Chris forgot he was wearing his fly net and drunk a cup of tea through the net, he also nearly blew his nose through it. Judy has followed his example many times, with the cup of tea that is 😂.
Over the next few days we continue to head west along the Nullarbor, not as much to see this side of the border. We stopped for the night at the Madura Pass. The Madura Pass lookout offers views of the Hampton Tablelands dropping down to the coastal Roe Plain.
The view
Drove along the Nighty Mile Straight (146.6km’s) Australia’s longest straight road.
Stayed a night at Baxter Rest Area which was an awesome large area, well off the road. Bins, dump point, table and chairs. So many little bays to camp in leading off the main entry road. But OMG the flies, they were still around when it got dark and first thing in the morning back again with a vengeance. If we were Ferengi we would have had enough flies to last us several days of meals. But since we are not Ferengi we could not wait to get out of there.
Just one of the unusual things you can see out here.
We called into the Balladonia Roadhouse, famous the US Skylab space research laboratory which burned up on re-entry on the 12th of July 1979 scattering fragments in the Balladonia area. Balladonia was rocketed to international fame for the point of impact of Skylab.
The day after Skylab returned to earth, Balladonia Roadhouse had a call from the American President, Jimmy Carter apologising for crashing the satellite in the Australian outback and offered the U.S Government assistance for any damage.
We stayed a night at Newman Rocks, a free camp area off the main hwy 142km’s east of Norseman. It is a large area with a bins and tables. Right at the back is an area of rocks, with a lagoon and impressive views. Again more flies and horse flies wow they would make a great finger food for the Ferengi, and the smallest mossies I’ve ever come across. Not much of a feed in them, sorry Ferengi.
