Today’s tidbit: “What art offers is space — a certain breathing room for the spirit.” ― John Updike

Moving a short distance outside of Perth, sharing two new places: Leederville, a charming town, & Fremantle, a dynamic port city. Wishing I had more pictures from these areas. In Leederville I was focused on meeting with the owner of a design firm and Fremantle was so lively & artsy,  I was taking it all in while talking with locals and enjoying the busy markets. Guess I will have to go back! I can say they are full of character, charm, history, dining and art.

Sneak peek image:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

 

{Leederville} I walked along the charming streets but I realize I didn’t really take any pictures (amazing I know) because I was focusing on what I was doing there, meeting the owner of a local design firm. Lovely area though.

As the website states, “Leederville is situated north of Perth and east of Lake Monger – great for walking and noted for its variety of birdlife. There is a thriving café and nightlife scene around Vincent and Oxford Streets (this is where I was). The Luna Palace cinema is very popular and shows the ‘limited release’ movies that you don’t see in the bigger cinemas. Britannia Park sees a lot of junior rugby union on a Saturday morning and there is also a tennis club nearby.” Read more.

 

{Greens & Co} While in Leederville I met the owner of the firm at the cutest coffee cafe. The walls are full of art and posters, unique games and seating fill the space along with my favorite, the lighting! We sipped on a specialty drink and talked for over an hour about the design market in Perth, people she knows who may be able to help and shared about each other. Like with the other two firms I met with, it was so easy to have a conversation (normally I’m pretty shy/nervous) and they were all so accommodating, friendly and helpful. Great experience!

As the website states, “Nestled in the hustle and bustle of the retro yet modern Leederville is this funky Ikea-funded-because-of-its-many-ball-lights cafe that has taken the Leederville-lites by storm (or somewhat by storm). The interior design of this place is enough to attract and charm one and their mates into its nice and open space, filled with lotsa couches, sit-down-round-tables, pool tables, little 80s video arcade games and other cute little things. If there’s one thing that’s unique about this place (other than its awesome decor), it’s the fact that there are heaps of retro-board-games and the like available to play with.

There is a nice selection of cakes to choose from for those with a little sweet tooth that needs to be satisfied at some point during the day. This place is an overall great place to just chill and hang out with mates on any occasion, and with its games, it’s difficult to leave!” Read more.

 

 

{Fremantle} Another charming area outside of Perth we explored was fabulous Fremantle (Freo) which is full of dining, restaurants, arts, markets and shopping. It was a fun place to spend the day exploring, from the harbor and prison to the markets and dining.

As the website states, “Just 30 minutes from Perth’s city centre, the bustling, dynamic port city of Fremantle has long been renowned for its eclectic mix of arty and alternative types. Its streets buzz with the song of buskers, the side walks fill with a wild collection of art and music floats out from trendy cafés and bars. You need only spend a day in Fremantle to find yourself falling in love with this colourful port city – it is impossible to avoid getting caught up in its charm. There is an an excellent selection of accommodation options ranging from friendly backpackers to luxurious hotels, if you choose to stay a few nights.

Freo musts…
ENJOY a coffee along the ‘Cappuccino Strip’ or trendy Wrey Ave, South Tce and High St.
POTTER through the Fremantle Markets and watch local buskers.
ENJOY fresh fish & chips at the Fishing Boat Harbour.
HOP on board an historic tram ride.
GO underground on the fascinating Fremantle Prison Tunnel tour.
VISIT the WA Maritime Museum and Fremantle Arts Centre.
FEAST on the local flavours on offer at the many restaurants and cafés.
SAMPLE boutique beer at one of the great micro breweries.
FIND fashion, great shopping, original artworks and quirky gifts.
FOLLOW a self-guided walking trail – maps available from the visitor centre.” Read more.

 

{Fremantle Roundhouse} As the website states, “The Roundhouse is the oldest public building in the State of Western Australia. Opened in January 1831, just 18 months after settlement, it was built to hold any person convicted of a crime in the settlement and was used until 1886.
After it ceased being used as a gaol it became a Police Lock-up until the late 1890s and then was used as accommodation for the Water Police, and afterwards as a storage facility for Fremantle Ports. When threatened with demolition in the 1920s it was saved and later control went to the State Government before it was deeded to the City of Fremantle.” Read more.

Wandering through the port city.

Delicious gluten free pasta + sangria for a late lunch after exploring all day.

I had a lovely time exploring these two charming areas close to the city. Check back last this week as I continue sharing adventures in Perth.