Perth Cruise
Fremantle is Perth's port city, just a short distance from the city centre. It is the main port of Western Australia, known by locals as Freo. There is a daily influx of fishing boats offloading their fresh catch, and supplying to an array of harbour side restaurants. The Fremantle markets on South Terrace are very popular, offering a range of fresh produce, jewellery and hand crafted local items. The port has retained much of its historic look and feel with beautiful old buildings and many historic attractions, such as the Fremantle prison. Perth is one of the countries most striking cities, positioned on the bank of the Swan River, just minutes away from the Indian Ocean Coastline. In 2007 the population was estimated at 1,554,769.
Captain James Stirling founded Perth in 1829. It was established as the political centre of the Swan River Colony, officially designated and named Western Australia in 1832. Perth was the first full scale settlement by Europeans in the western third of the continent. It continues to serve as the seat of Government for Western Australia to this day.
A great influence in the ports history was in 1983, when Australia ended a 132-year run of success by the New York Yacht club, winning the America's Cup. Subsequently, in 1987 the port hosted the event.