OFS-19: Perth, Australia

Accompanying Persons' Programme

There is much on offer in and around 'Freo' (=Fremantle).
Its picturesque setting on the Fishing Boat Harbour and its relaxed atmosphere make it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

A free bus service 'The Fremantle Cat' runs every ten minutes to get to all the popular Fremantle destinations and it operates seven days a week, with a bus stop outside the Esplanade Hotel.

The Esplanade Hotel is also just s few minutes walk from the Capuccino Strip in the heart of Freo, and from the popular Fremantle Markets which are a must-see if you are around on the weekend.

On a warm day, catch the Fremantle Cat to South Beach, for a swim in the Indian Ocean. For arguably the most beautiful local beach head to Cottesloe, which is a fifteen minute train trip on the Fremantle-Perth line (train timetables are provided in the conference satchels). Fremantle train station is also a CAT bus stop, or alternatively, it.s a ten minute walk from the Esplanade Hotel.

Also close to the Esplanade is the historic Fremantle Prison which offers a range of fascinating daytime and night-time tours.

A highly recommended day-trip for nature lovers, beach lovers and cyclists is an excursion to car-free Rottnest Island which has beautiful beaches and good snorkelling/diving locations. It's approximately 30 minutes by ferry from Fremantle. There is bicycle-hire on the island and you can circumnavigate the 11 km island easily, although it can get quite windy. Remember to take drinking water, sunscreen and a hat.

A visit to the New Maritime Museum is part of the Wednesday conference programme. If you'd like to participate, please come to the conference registration desk and get your free admission ticket. After the Wednesday museum visit, hop on the conference charter bus at 16:00 to go to Kings Park, where you can join a guided walk through the Botanic Garden. Numbers are limited so collect your free ticket early from the conference registration desk.

Art lovers might want to check out the 'FotoFreo 2008' international festival of contemporary photography from Australia and abroad. Held from 5 April - 4 May in various locations around Freo, it is positioned as a cultural link between Europe, Asia and Australia and features exhibitions, workshops and special events, including bus tours (departing from the Esplanade Hotel) to venues further afield.

These are just some of the attractions on offer in and around Fremantle. Further suggestions are listed below and more information will also be provided in the conference satchels and on the daily notice board during the conference.

For any queries that may arise during the conference please contact us at the conference registration desk.

Enjoy!

More things to do:

If you are interested in going further afield, and exploring the unique scenery of Western Australia, these websites will give you a useful starting point: