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Trail of tales… a walk through Freo's sailing and maritime heritage

A NEW Fishing Boat Harbour Trail, launched this March, is set to give port city tourism another boost, highlighting Fremantle's popular sailing and maritime reputation

Part of the popular Fremantle Trails network, a finalist in the 2007 WA Tourism Awards, the new trail is an extension of the existing Waterfront Trail from Fishing Boat Harbour through to the Fremantle Sailing Club.

Key objectives of the new trail include:
• Revitalising the America’s Cup trail (established in 1994) around Fishing Boat and Challenger Harbours and celebrating important milestones in Fremantle’s maritime history.
• Acknowledging the multicultural diversity of Fremantle around 1987 and highlighting elements of the America’s Cup event through interactive objects and photographs.
• To give visitors, especially families, an incentive to stay longer in the Fishing Boat Harbour area with an engaging and interactive trail experience.
• Providing opportunities for shops, businesses and restaurants to attract increased patronage through discounts and special offers.
• Linking to other historic displays in the area, including The Round House, WA Maritime Musem, collections at the Shipwreck Galleries and the Welcome Walls exhibition.

Fremantle Mayor Peter Tagliaferri said the trail aimed to reflect the many layers of stories that make up Fremantle’s maritime experience.

“Fremantle has always had an enduring connection to the sea, from the early Dutch explorers in the 17th century right through to our thriving fishing industry and defence of the America’s Cup in 1987,” he said.

“In particular, the Fishing Boar Harbour trail highlights more modern stories, such as the building of the Endeavour and Duyfken replicas, our international sailing success and the current fishing industry.

“Fishing Boat Harbour is a quintessential part of the overall Fremantle experience and the trail aims to engage visitors with the local landscape and ocean-front environment.”

The new trail includes revamped America’s Cup bollards, updated signage, seating in the shape of craypots, new maps and a Bluetooth point that downloads information to mobile phones.

Local artist Tony Jones was engaged to produce new art work from old marine buoys to celebrate the Fremantle Doctor, the famous local afternoon sea breeze, and has also incorporated a wind harp and weather station into his design.

“We’ve also put together a handy passport that allows people to gather brass rubbings from various points around the trail, while also providing relevant information,” Mayor Tagliaferri said.

“It’s a chance to unearth a treasure chest of interesting facts, sights and information as you go along the trail, following in the footsteps of the discoverers who came before.

“With the world premiere of Taking Liberty on stage later this year, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Australia’s win in the America’s Cup, the renewed interest in our sailing prowess will re-invigorate this part of Fremantle.”

City of Fremantle Economic Development & Marketing Coordinator David Duncanson described the trail as another example of key Fremantle organisations and local, state and federal governments working effectively together.

“The flow-on effect will ultimately be a positive impact on the local economy and environment while also cementing Fremantle’s reputation as a thriving port city,” he said.

The City of Fremantle received almost $100,000 from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government’s Regional Partnerships scheme to help fund the new Fishing Boat Harbour trail, along with $50,000 from the Australia II Jubilee Challenge.

Other sources of funding came from the Department for Planning & Infrastructure, Fremantle First, City of Fremantle, Murdoch University, Tourism WA and the Fishing Boat Harbour Traders’ Association, making the project worth almost $300,000 in total.

The original Fremantle Trails project, launched in 2006, was devised to improve the physical link between Fishing Boat Harbour and the WA Maritime Museum while also developing a coordinated marketing approach to all trails in Fremantle – all can be viewed at the website www.fremantletrails.com.au.