After our first visit to Fremantle (Freo), I decided it was definitely a place to return to, so as soon as we got our bank accounts sorted we booked a weekend to stay in the YHA. On our first day trip to Freo last Friday, we visited the cappuccino strip, the amaaazing market hall with incredible food, the free section of the old prison as well as the beach. In the middle of both trips of Freo fun, we visited Rottnest Island, a short boat ride away from Perth. We luckily got bike hire included in the price and it was definitely needed! After a less than comfortable journey (the slight terror of sailing against the waves) I attempted to ride a bike for the first time in maybe 15 years? I was sure I was the one person who would forget how to do it! But sure enough I took the plunge and just hoped I didn't plunge into the harbour. After a while of riding it was clear that the old saying is right and you never really do forget how to ride a bike. We were promised quokkas, and boy did we get them! (Look them up, they're epically cute). Over 18, 000 of them (I think?) live on the island and they're so used to humans there they just wander around, trying to climb on you and your bags! Rottnest is so called because some old dude went there and thought they were rats, but they're much more adorable than that! It also has some amazing coves and bays on the island, to stop for some pretty private sunbathing (or snorkelling). Over all we cycled over 15km, including getting lost, so I feel proud of my new bike riding skills (but dear god the hills were killers!) The day after, we packed up in Perth and got the short train over to Freo for our weekend of fun! Amazingly sunny and quirky, so far it's amazing. The hostel is the cleanest, and we arrived the same night as free wine and cheese! (Free alcohol in Aus is not to be passed up, you need a mortgage to get a round here). We also made some awesome new friends, from France, Germany and of course the U.K. A much more friendly hostel and starting to feel like real backpackers, rather than just spending the time amongst ourselves. After another amazing trip to the markets (imagine Camden with more fresh fruit and awesome little food stalls) we tried to get through the many options for Freo fun. More on this later :) Finally, amazingly, some girls to make friends with in the hostel! Still a room full of boys though, very sad!

Accomodation: Still the Old Swan and had our own room for a couple of nights. Then Fremantle Prison YHA, Fremantle.

Highlights: bike rides around Rottnest (Wadjemup) and the Freo luxury hostel.