Fremantle - The Route

The historic port city of Fremantle is just a 20 minute drive from Western Australia's capital city, Perth. It offers a relaxed, outdoors lifestyle and a cultural melting pot steeped in maritime history and buzzing with street performers, al fresco cafés and markets.

It is a natural choice for a stopover on the Clipper 07-08 Race having played host to the Clipper 05-06 fleet, just one of the many significant sailing events to take place against the backdrop of the stunning Western Australian coastline.

Perth hosted the first America's Cup to take place outside of America in more than 100 years and the city and the Port of Fremantle have developed a reputation for augmenting the quality of major events. Western Australia is bidding to host the ISAF Sailing World Championships in 2011.

Western Australians have a natural affinity with the ocean. It is a big part of their lifestyle and a key iconic experience that attracts many interstate and international visitors to state and its 12,000km of untouched, pristine coastline.

The weather in Perth is fantastic and the beaches are clean and uncrowded. The location on the banks of the Swan River with acres of natural parkland in nearby Kings Park makes for a city centred on the outdoors. In the heart of Perth you can picnic, jog, sail, water ski and parasail. Culture lovers are also catered for, with a rich tapestry of museums, restaurants, cafes, theatres, cinemas and art.

Many of the attractions are within an easy 10-30 minute drive from the city centre. Free buses get you around the central business district where you can visit the Perth Mint, Swan Bells Tower, Art Gallery of WA. Northbridge, Mount Lawley, Leederville and Subiaco have a buzzing nightlife, or try Cottesloe or Scarborough for a more laid back, surfie vibe.