While travelling to English-speaking countries is a great way to learn new words and cultures, it is equally important to brush up on your English before actually stepping foot there. In our weekly exploration of the world to learn new terms, we make a stop at the port city of Fremantle in Western Australia’s capital city of Perth. Put on your hat and sunnies (that’s what the Aussies call sunglasses), and let’s go!

Fremantle is well-known for its maritime history and having the largest convict-built prison in Australia. The Fremantle Prison was, from its construction in the 1850s until 1886, used for convicts transported from Britain. Following the end of the convict era, it was turned into a maximum security gaol for incarcerated men, women, and juveniles. The Fremantle Prison was decommissioned in 1991. Take a tour of the main cell block and exercise yards inside this World Unesco World Heritage site. Learn about the daily routine of prisoners and the realities of life on the inside.

The Western Australian Museum’s Shipwreck Galleries is the Southern Hemisphere’s leading maritime archaeology museum, housing hundreds of relics from many wrecked Dutch ships including the Batavia that shipwrecked in 1629. Meanwhile, the Western Australian Maritime Museum houses America’s Cup challenge racing yacht, the Australia II, an Oberon class submarine – the HMAS Ovens, and the Parry Endeavour in which lone sailor, Jon Sander, circumnavigated the world in three times in just under two years.

Also worth a visit is the Roundhouse, Western Australia’s oldest building still standing today. The first permanent building to have been built in the Swan River Colony in 1831, the twelve-sided building used initially as a prison and later as a police lock-up before becoming accommodation quarters for the Water Police and storage facility for Fremantle Ports, offers stunning views of Bathers Beach and the Indian Ocean.

The century-old Fremantle Markets is a must visit whenever in Fremantle. Back in 1897 when the market first opened, visitors would arrive at the grand old Victorian building by horse and cart. Originally a wholesale and produce market until the 1950s, the Fremantle Markets is now a busy indoor market with over 150 stalls offering fresh local produce, unique foods, clothes, handicrafts, indigenous and independent products, and lots more. It is also a regular spot for buskers to show off their talents.

Fremantle’s colonial era streets also offer many outdoor cafes and restaurants for you to enjoy a cuppa or coffee while people-watching, or perhaps, you would like to take a daytrip to nearby Rottnest Island to meet some cute quokkas – a tiny animal related to the wallabies.

Words and phrases to learn:

brush up – improve one’s existing knowledge or skill in a particular area

exploration – the action of exploring an unfamiliar place

convict – a person found guilty of a criminal offence or serving a prison sentence

gaol – prison, jail

incarcerate – imprison or confine

juvenile – young person

decommission – make inoperative

relic – remnant left after decay, disintegration, or disappearance

wrecked – ruined, damaged

shipwrecked – to ruin or destroy a ship by crashing ashore or sinking

circumnavigate – sail or travel all the way around the world

stunning – extremely impressive or attractive

indigenous – native

busker – a person who entertains in public places for donations

era – a long and distinct period of history

cuppa – a cup of tea

Impress your peers with good English. Learn from the best, learn at ILTI. For over 35 years, ILTI has been at the forefront of providing English courses to some 40,000 students throughout Perak. Get in touch with us today to see how you, too, can benefit from our expertise by calling 010-395 3067 or visit ilti.edu.my.