Fremantle

As the location for the Conference venue, Fremantle ranks high on the must do list, and it is hard not to fall in love with the pretty port the moment you arrive. Primped, painted and lovingly restored for the salty city just a half hour from Perth maintains an insouciant carefree flavour. Walking among historic buildings is essential, browsing in bookshops, strolling the harbour and sipping cappuccino in pavement cafes mandatory. The Fishing Boat Harbour, bristling with restaurants and food stalls, brings you bang up to the 21st Century, as do the colonial-style Fremantle Markets, where you can buy everything from a potato to a painting, a stick of incense to a sausage.

Fremantle Prison

“Step inside and do time with us” Fremantle Prison is the largest and most intact convict built prison in Australia that was in continuous use as a gaol until 1991. Visitors can join the Prisons experienced tour guides for a truly unforgetable journey through time from its convict origins through to its use as a contemporary maximum security gaol on a range of themed Prison Day Tours, join a spooky Torchlight Tour, or explore the labyrinth of tunnels 20 metres beneath the prison on an adventurous Tunnels Tour. Visit the Prisons free Visitor Centre that features a variety of fascinating and interactive displays including a virtual tours of the precinct on a big screen and a unique database containing the records of the almost 10,000 convicts transported to Fremantle between 1850 and 1868. Fremantle Prison also features a cafe and gift shop.

Kings Park

More than 400 hectares of natural bush and manicured gardens thoughtfully set aside by Alexander Forrest more than 150 years ago, Kings Park nestles in the heart of the city. The bluff offers incomparable views of the broad, glossy Swan River and the Perth Central Business District, while those with energy to spare can take to the vast network of cycling tracks within the park. Picnicking and barbecue facilities are available, as are guided bushwalks through the botanical gardens and wildflowers (in season).

Rottnest Island

Approximately 7,000 years ago it is believed Rottnest Island was separated from the Western Australian mainland, isolating the flora and fauna and creating unique environmental conditions.

Just 22km off the coast you would swear you were in Greece. Bleached beaches, rocky coves, water the colour of cornflowers, offset by coral, shipwrecks and magnificent fishing make this a magnet for locals and visitors alike.

There are no cars, so hire a bicycle and hop aboard. It is possible to pedal around the 26km perimeter of the island in a few hours, but most visitors take a day, feeding the small friendly marsupial quokkas en route and being rewarded at the end of your journey by appropriate delicacies from the famous bakery.

Penguin Island

Penguin Island, only 600 metres off the coast of Rockingham, and just 45 minutes drive south of Perth, is one of the few places in the world where visitors can see delightful fairy penguins frolicking in an idyllic coastal island setting. The Penguin Experience Island Discovery Centre has been built to allow visitors to see the penguins during the day in an environment similar to their natural habitat, and is surrounded by grassed picnic areas and boardwalks for visitors to explore the island.

Hillarys Boat Harbour

Hillarys Boat Harbour is located 20 minutes from Perth on the Sunset Coast of Western Australia. It provides everything for the boating enthusiast including accommodation, shopping, dining, recreation and entertainment in a unique marine environment.
Major attractions at Hillarys Boat Harbour include the Sorrento Quay complex with over 50 specialist shops; an oceanarium at the Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA); Hillarys The Great Escape, a water fun park, miniature golf and trampoline centre; and a sheltered family beach.

Swan Valley

Located just 20 minutes from the heart of Perth is the Swan Valley, our local and oldest wine growing region. Nestled along the Swan River, it is a compact area of award-winning wineries, restaurants, boutique breweries, galleries, accommodation venues and other tourist attractions, making it an ideal day trip destination.
More than 30 wineries are located within the Swan Valley region, from small third generation family vineyards to large multi-national wine producers. Most of the wineries provide tasting opportunities and cellar door sales, with many also providing restaurant and cafe facilities in alfresco and indoor surroundings.
For lovers of quality food, the Swan Valley boasts a number of superb dining experiences. Whether for a relaxing lunch, decadent afternoon tea or special evening meal, visitors will find the perfect place to enjoy the food of the Swan Valley, from intimate teahouses set in manicured gardens, to winery restaurants with fabulous Australian bush views and five star award-winning establishments.
The Swan Valley is richly endowed with artists and studios. The collection of art is eclectic and includes Aboriginal art, forged iron work, lino cut paintings, pottery and fine art, many reflecting the diverse and natural landscape of the area.

Find out more

Take a look around the City of Fremantle and some of the other exciting experiences on offer. Make The Visitor Centre your first stop as the staff there will be only too happy to help you make the most of your stay in Western Australia.

Travel Information

Perth is about a 4 hour air flight from Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore. It is serviced by many different airlines and has regular flights to most destinations in the region. The Domestic and International Airports are about 40 minutes drive from Fremantle where the conference will be held. Both taxis and shuttle buses go from the airports to the city.

Time in Perth is GMT +9