Down the coast a couple of miles and we're in the scenic port town of Fremantle, known locally as "Freo". Fremantle is a charming and popular place with many carefully preserved historical buildings. Carefully preserved because for ages Fremantle was a run-down dump and nobody could be bothered pulling them down. Then came the America's Cup and next thing you know the place is part of the state's "heritage", bloody expensive with it, and knee deep in restaurants, cafes and trendy night-spots.
A prime piece of this much alluded-to heritage is the Fremantle Prison, which housed some of Britain's finest scum in the 19th century. And we're talking hardened criminals here, guys who would stop at nothing. Stealing a loaf of bread, for instance. Jay walking. That sort of thing. On the boat, off to Australia, banged up in Freo prison. Now it's a tourist attraction and I should know because I did their web site. Clever eh? Go on, take a look. Tell them I sent you. www.fremantleprison.com.au.
Just around the corner is the boutique brewery pub The Sail and Anchor, the original and best pub from the Matilda Bay Brewery, all polished wood and brass fittings. The colonial effect is slightly spoiled by the flags and banners, but you get the general idea. It's the world cup and they're keen on promoting the ancient and noble game. Oh, and on raking in loads of cash from gullible Japies and poms. And maybe the odd Samoan. Who probably all live here anyway.
Matilda Bay brew other beers besides Redback, if you're interested. I prefer the dark ale, Dogbolter, myself, or if you're deeply depressed the 15 per cent strength Ironbrew will get you maggoted faster than an Aussie at the Munich Beer Festival. While sneakily taking this photo, however, I am drinking a Tasmanian beer, Cascade Four Seasons, a nice dark ale that would impress any Yorkshireman. Not that he'd admit it. If he said something like "Ee, that were better than pig's vomit," you'd know it was liquid ecstacy.
| Next |  |