Sunday 5 September: Fremantle

 A somewhat fitful night trying to work out if aircon was worth the noise and then our first morning being woken by the raucous laughter of the Kookaburra. It’s hot again. Breakfast outside. Lots of people seem to be packing up to leave today. We are surrounded by 4 wheel drives and sturdy military style caravans. We catch the 10.16 (punctual) bus into Fremantle and wander the atmospheric streets with architecture reminiscent of the Wild West. It’s a bit like stepping back in time. The indoor market is humming and hot with vapourised steam to cool us down. Mainly tat with a strong scent of incense and an alternative vibe. We visit Fremantle Prison but cannot face the guided tour because of the heat… the jet lag…or just because! Instead we get the gist from the free museum. A working prison until 1991 but set up in the 19C for the colonial convicts of course. Down on the quay we find the Little Creatures brewery and feel surprisingly revived by the 10 mini shot taster menu! Then Snapper and Chips overlooking the harbour and the bus home. Back to the local beach in the cool of the late afternoon. There is more of a breeze today and cooler weather is forecast. Homemade ratatouille and pasta in the van. We’re off to Rottnest Island tomorrow.