Perth to Fremantle-0kms- Public Transport only!

Dearest Intrepid Reader,

The Vibe

This was our first ever time to Perth. We wanted to use our time well, to see as much as possible. We thought, public transport would be the way to go, however this was way out of our comfort zone. Trikers, without trikes, out in the city. What could go wrong?

We caught, the bus to Cockburn Central Station, then the train to Fremantle then a Cook Cruises Ferry down the Swan River back to Perth then back on the bus to complete the loop.

This city is wonderful, the vibe is friendly, polite, laissez-faire even, but then not quite. Passengers on the bus called out to thank the bus driver when they alighted. Others put the seats up, when they seen a lady with double pram, about to board the bus, so she could just park the pram straight away. The spot was all ready.

Every time we needed help, there was someone to ask who went above and beyond, to explain in a friendly way. Especially the young people. What a pleasure it was to be out in a Perth.

The buses and trains were clean and modern.

The Busport was so organised. Every bus was on time to the minute. The trains as well. It was very impressive. The train seats were just along the side, so everyone had plenty of leg room.

Now, I had to use the facilities at Cockburn Central station. What an experience. As you approach a green light advises you may press to enter the toilet, then a stainless steel door slides back and you enter. It slides back shut and then a voice announces, that you have 1O minutes, to attend to your needs. A red light flashes so you know the door is locked. When you sit down the toilet tells you that it will flush itself when you wash your hands. You wave at a spot to be issued with only the correct amount of toilet sheets. You wave at spots for hand wash, water then, air. Then you push a button and the door slides back. I really did not want to risk being longer than 10 minutes. Who knows what would happen, as this toilet obviously does not put up with any nonsense. I have never, ever seen such an automated receptacle for excrement in my life.

Any way I had a train to catch.

Travelling out to Fremantle on the train we went through the suburbs below.

The Welcome Walls

My dad, Hugh Barclay, was sent to Australia, as a child migrant. He was only 9. He sailed out on the ship the Cheshire in 1950. He was with a big group of child migrants, including his two brothers James who was 10 and younger brother Andrew who was 7. Their mother had only just died, and their father was very very poor. Living in a one-ender in Peebles, Scotland. Migrating to Australia and other countries was portrayed as a good option for these children after the end of the Second World War. It is a social policy, of the then British and Australian governments, hard to understand and fathom, even to this day, but it is what happened. Dad’s name has been placed on the Welcome Walls, outside the Maritime Museum, in Fremantle, as this was the first place he entered Australia. He ended up in Tatura, Victoria, growing up in a Presbyterian Boys Home called Dhurringile. Despite this lamentable start in his young life, he responded with resilience and determination to have a successful and productive life and make Australia his home. Cheers to you Dad! ( He is a top fan of this blog)

We were able to find his name today.

Mum and Dad, they are part of a huge choir and perform weekly.

The Architecture and History of the Fremantle West End Heritage area. We walked down Packenham and High streets

We enjoyed a delicious Brunch at Moore and Moore.

Moore and Moore was a general merchants back in 1920s

This amazing restaurant and art gallery was full of old, interesting and quirky creations.

The Old Gaol

The Swan River

The cruise down this huge river was accompanied by an informative commentary.

There are 14 yacht clubs on the river, with the biggest being the Swan Yacht club. The mariners were certainly full of yachts.

The River is 72kms long and is occupied by the Indo-Pacific Bottle nose dolphin. They are specific to this region. They are smaller, less social and have more teeth than the common bottle nose dolphin.

The Bell Tower

The Oil

The trikes are all being serviced tomorrow. So we have to be prepared. The MOTH is particular about oil, and so said he would provide the oil and the filter to the workshop where my trike is booked. As we were travelling home on the bus he noticed a REPCO, he pressed the stop button and we leaped out. We were able to find the correct 6 litre bottle of oil. I was shocked at the price, of over $100.00 dollars. The MOTH just looked at me, deadpan, and said,

“ It costs a lot, to keep the Lovliness Lubricated”.

One cannot begrudge good lubrication. So I said no more.

We then were quickly outside again at the bus stop. The MOTH concealed the oil in his coat, in case motor oil is not allowed on public transport.

The buses run every ten minutes, so one was soon there. We did not even have to pay as our ticket was valid for two hours.

We are now prepared for tomorrow.

Jenny and John explored Scarborough Beach today. We all had dinner at home tonight and shared the stories of our day.

When you ride out to find the way, the way will appear.

Until Next time,

MOTH and LOL