Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour facts for kids
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Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is a busy marina in Fremantle, Western Australia. It sits right next to Challenger Harbour, which was built more recently. This harbour offers large, safe places for boats to park. It also has space for bigger ships, up to 60 metres long. The harbour provides fuel and other important services for Fremantle's fishing boats.
History of the Harbour
The Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour was built a long time ago, in 1919. Workers built a long wall, called a breakwater, that was 300 metres long. This wall started at Anglesea Point, near Bathers Beach. Its purpose was to create a safe place for fishing boats to anchor.
Right next to it was South Jetty, which had a fish market. This market was later removed in 1929. In 1962, another breakwater was built on the south side. More land was also created to make space for fishing companies and other businesses that help the fishing industry. Between 1969 and 1972, about 120 fishing boats used the harbour. In 1982, work began on a special machine to lift boats out of the water.
Fun for Visitors
Today, Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is a popular spot for tourists. Many restaurants are located right around the harbour. You can find more than a dozen places to eat. There is also a well-known brewery called Little Creatures nearby. It's a great place to visit and enjoy the waterfront.
Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony
Many of the fishing families at Fremantle have roots in Italy. Their ancestors came from towns like Molfetta on the Adriatic Sea and Capo d'Orlando in Sicily. Every year, these families celebrate a special event called the Blessing of the Fleet.
During this ceremony, the fishermen and their families walk through the streets of Fremantle. They carry two statues in a procession to the harbour. This tradition is a way to ask for good luck and safety for the fishing boats and their crews.
