Fremantle wins Lonely Planet accolade

#FREMANTLE in Western #Australia has been named a ‘must see’ destination for 2016 by travel publishers, Lonely Planet. 

Tourism Minister Kim Hames welcomed the port city’s selection on Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Cities list for 2016. ‘With more than A$1.3 billion of private and public investment in the development pipeline, Fremantle is in the midst of a period of great revitalization. New hotels, bars and restaurants have opened across the city further adding to its appeal to visitors and locals.’

Established in 1829 as a port for the fledgling Swan River Colony, Fremantle has a maritime and convict history. With the best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape in the world, more than 150 buildings in the city are classified by the National Trust.

Where to stay … 

The latest hotel openings in Fremantle have drawn on its past. Fremantle Prison YHA allows guests the rare opportunity to sleep in a World Heritage-listed building. This one-of-a-kind hostel was originally the women's division of the Fremantle Prison built by convicts in the 1850s.

Opening early 2016, Seashells Fremantle will have 24 luxury self-contained apartments with a rooftop cocktail bar and tapas restaurant.

What to do …  

Soak up Fremantle’s salty history with a new walking tour, ‘The Sailors Guide to Fremantle’, which combines tales of the city’s convicts, pioneers, and ‘£10 Poms’ with stops in local pubs. A$50 pp. twofeet.com.au

Get a taste for the area on a three-hour food tour which starts from November 7. A$39 pp. foodloosetours.com.au

Take a 30-minute ferry from Fremantle to Rottnest Island – a car-free paradise with 62 white sand beaches. A biker tour explores the island’s history and wildlife. A$144 pp including ferry. rottnestexpress.com.au

One of the windiest cities in the world, Fremantle hosts the kite surfing event of the year.

On December 5 amateur and professional kiters compete in the Redbull Lighthouse to Leighton race for prize money and pride. 

Australian Olympic gold medallist Eamon Sullivan says Lonely Planet’s recognition of Fremantle is well-earned. 

‘It’s easy to see why so many people love visiting Fremantle – it’s home to world class beaches, heritage architecture, and a flourishing food scene attracting thousands of visitors each year.’

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: "Australia fremantle sunset" by User: (WT-shared) Inas at wts wikivoyage - Own work. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons, http://www.flickr.com/photos/88572252@N06/20040686962">View SW from Parker Point on Rottnest Island, Western Australia</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license), http://www.flickr.com/photos/34534185@N00/15327064827">Coloured Wind surfing kite-1=</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">(license)