YET ANOTHER PRISON TOUR?
Seems sort of weird that once gain I have done an Australian prison tour, this time the World Heritage site, Fremantle prison.
But, as in Europe one goes to cathedrals and such to see how the culture evolved, one can learn so much about Australian settlement history by its prisons. Remember, that was a key aspect of England’s desire for and use of Australia, a place to send its convicts.
This one was a bit tougher to visit versus Port Arthur in Tasmania as it was still in use up until 1991. For instance, it never had working toilets, so even in 1991, the convicts had to use red buckets.
Besides the prison, the historic port town of Fremantle was quite nice to visit with its range of so many historic buildings. It was only a 20 minute light rail trip from the center of Perth.
Perth is a bustling super clean city with some great modern skyscrapers mixed well with the many heritage buildings still surviving. On my night of arrival, there was the big holiday parade on the street of my hotel. As it is summer, it was sort of like the Torchlight parade, but with Santa Claus themes.
I am off now back across the country to Melbourne where I start my driving part of the journey.
I did not do a blog on the Indian Pacific train trip as the one I did from last year seemed pretty complete. You can scroll way down to read that one if you would like.
I liked this contrast of old and new.
windows
Finally, a close up of some ‘roos! OK, they are metal, but look how life like!
One of the most creative “fountains” I have ever seen!
new rising beyond old
Entrance, Fremantle prison
One of the many cell blocks, sorted out essentially by type and severity of crime committed.
Carolers in Fremantle? Not sure what was going on.