Claremont

Claremont is located 10 minutes drive southwest of Perth's centre. Claremont covers an area of almost five square kilometres and is nestled around Freshwater Bay on the Swan River, in the midst of beautiful parks with an abundance of mature trees. It is an attractive and sought after residential suburb, noted for its village atmosphere, shopping and entertainment precinct, educational establishment and facilities such as golf, swimming and yachting. The Claremont Museum was originally Mrs Herbert's School, built in 1860. It served the Pensioner Guard Community as a school and place of worship and it was the first school between Perth and Fremantle. It remained active until the opening of the State School in Bay View Terrace in 1892. The area developed mainly due to increased traffic when the Fremantle Traffic Bridge was opened. Later the railway line from Perth to Fremantle was built through the area. Claremont Railway Station, built in 1881, is the oldest railway station surviving in Western Australia that is still intact. Claremont hosts a number of events including the Royal Show (September to October), Turning on the Lights Christmas Parade (late November), and Carols by Candelight (early December). Shopping includes upmarket retail, particularly clothing and designer boutiques, home ware and designer gifts, jewellery, collectibles, arts and crafts and bookshops. Claremont also has a number of parks including: Claremont Park, a first class playground with magnificent old trees; Foreshore Reserve; Claremont Jetty, with links to the foreshore reserve, facilities for berthing vessels, and excellent fishing. Other favourites are Stirling Road Park, Mulder Park and Rowe Park, which has a playground, tennis courts and cricket nets. Cafes, restaurants and pubs offer quality dining, from cafe style to full restaurant service, with a variety of international specialty eateries. Resorts, hotels and bed and breakfasts provide accommodation for visitors to Claremont.