6 days in Perth, Australia- 5/22- 5/27/2024

Day  4-Freemantle Markets-5/25/2024

This morning we took the train to Fremantle, and the whole trip takes about 30 minutes.

The station is a superb example of the Federation Free Classical style, a grand and imposing design popular during the time it was built.  The arched entry leads into a grand-hall style covered station and is decorated with ornate wrought-iron gates.  

The building's importance is recognized by its classification by the National Trust in 1974 and its entry into the WA's Register of Heritage Places in 2001. A major conservation and restoration project was completed in 2011 to return the station to its former glory.

From there we walked to the Fremantle Markets, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and the moment you step toward it you can feel both the bustle of a living market and the charm of a preserved heritage building.

The building itself is a heritage-listed Victorian-era structure completed in 1897. Its distinctive red-brick façade, arched entrances, and decorative trim reflect the Federation Romanesque style common in late-19th-century Australia.

It was originally designed as a public market hall to support Fremantle’s growing port community, and remarkably, it still serves its original purpose more than a century later.

Lizard Dragon Distillers is a Perth distillery focusing uniquely handcrafted Gin with Central Australian ingredients.

Inside, the old architecture remains visible in the high timber ceilings, exposed beams, and long central aisles.

Even though it has been restored and modernized, the space still carries that historic charm, you feel like you’re walking through a piece of Fremantle’s early life.

The interior has a distinct, rustic character, featuring rough washed limestone walls and a high iron roof supported by large timber columns. The atmosphere is buzzing, often filled with the chatter of shoppers, and the mingling aromas from the food stalls.

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Glad we came here, it is so fun to walk around.

There are all kind of stalls in the market.

This area is called the Yard, also known as the Fruit and Vegetable Hall, is the place for fresh food and a massive selection of ready-to-eat meals.

This area is dominated by an incredible array of fresh, locally sourced fruits and vegetables.

The seasons are indeed reversed between the Northern Hemisphere (like the US) and the Southern Hemisphere (like Australia).  In the U.S. Persimmons are available late in the fall (November). In Australia persimmons are harvested also in the Fall which is April/May. Therefore, when it is the Fall in Western Australia, it is Spring in the US, and many crops are harvested six months apart! This counter-seasonal timing is actually very important for global food trade, allowing countries to import fresh produce when it is out of season locally.

Lots of Food stalls and artisan shops.

The Coffee Connection is one of the most prominent and well-known stalls at the Fremantle Markets for purchasing coffee beans.  The stall is hard to miss because it is usually surrounded by bags and containers of whole coffee beans. The rich, dark brown color of the beans combined with the vibrant, welcoming aroma is a major draw.

This store sells colorful lamp, and it is designed to draw attention, with dozens of lamps hanging at various heights to create a dazzling canopy of light and color above your head.

Sugar Artist focusing on authentic and modern Filipino treats. A fantastic display of modern takes on classic Filipino flavors such as Ube, Pandan, and the classic Cheese Ensaymada, a Filipino brioche-style pastry roll that is soft, fluffy, buttered, and topped with sugar and grated cheese.

We spend quite some times looking at these bracelets.  So many choices...

We are now exiting the Fremantle Markets and walking through the main courtyard area often called The Piazza and the extended dining section of The Yard.

At the corner is the Gimlet, a popular fine dining restaurant. It's a charming, small corner bar built to recall classic little gin and Aperitif bars. It has a cozy atmosphere and knowledgeable staff who specialize in crafting fantastic cocktails, particularly those featuring gin.

The Gimlet is tucked into the ground floor of the historic Warders Cottages (part of the Warders Hotel), right on the corner of Henderson St and Market Lane, just behind the Markets.

NEXT... Freemantle Prison