Catalpa Adventure Festival

24/04/2026

What an incredible day at the Catalpa Adventure Festival

We are still smiling after such a vibrant celebration filled with music, culture, connection, and community spirit. From the colourful performances to the amazing food and the energy of everyone who attended, it was truly something special.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who made the day possible. Your time, effort, and heart behind the scenes never go unnoticed. From setup to pack down, and everything in between, you helped create an event that brought people together and made so many memories.

These photos capture just a glimpse of the joy, laughter, and connection shared throughout the day.

We are so grateful to be part of a community that shows up, supports each other, and celebrates together.

Special thanks to Peter Le Scelle and Photo Coffee for the photos! Also special thanks to our sponsors City of Rockingham – Local Government Lorna Buchan - Mayor of Rockingham Rotary Club of Rockingham (Western Australia)Rotary Club of Palm Beach WA Inc Safety Bay Settlements Fenian Association of WA IPL Radio Margaret River To You Na Fianna Catalpa GAA

We also give special thanks Mike Anthony Sheehy Trevor Dunne Chris Doyle The Irish Scene
Trys Reddick Jackie Wickham

We would also like to thank and acknowledge Southwest Irish Community Group Fenians Fremantle & Freedom for their friendship and support, the power of positive connections and strength of community, over three separate weeks celebrating in Bunbury Fremantle and Rockingham 150 years since the Catalpa Escape.
We also had the privilege of Jim Ryan attending from New Bedford Massachusetts, (Captain George Anthony who sailed the Catalpa’s great grandson), was pivotal and remarkable at all three celebrations - thank you!

This is our history and what a time to recognise and celebrate - A story of liberty, freedom, courage, hope and resilience, loyalty and community, courage, justice and solidarity

It is part of our local story one that resonates with who we are today

Our thanks to Laurie Smith, who knew and believed this was a deep imbedded part of Rockingham and Western Australia that needed to be shared and celebrated 👏👏👏

22/04/2026

https://youtu.be/rsp8uv5gDXk?feature=shared Created by Fred Rea nonstop passion to record and share historical content to honour the Fenians and the Catalpa Escape. Please watch - and keep sharing, enriching, preserving and paying homage ensuring these great people’s hardship and sacrifices will continued to be remembered☘️☘️☘️

SWIC Fenian Interpretive Walk and Monument April 2026 1

19/04/2026

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-18/catalpa-rescue-150th-anniversary-of-fremantle-prison-break/106556082?shem=dsdf,sharefoc,agadiscoversdl,,sh/x/discover/m1/4m

A great piece by passionate and dedicated historian Margo O’Byrne who has had a dedicated focus on the Catalpa Escape since the 90’s!

The story of how a Fenian captain from Massachusetts defied the odds and rescued six Irish political convicts from a prison on the very edge of the world.

15/04/2026

Updated flyer, please register to attend, booking link below.

https://events.humanitix.com/john-donoghue-fenian-commemoration-and-memorial-unveiling

13/04/2026

Congratulations to those who worked so hard to bring this memorial about, please book if you would like to attend. Details below⬇️

Story of the Fenians escape from Fremantle to Freedom via the Catalpa.

04/04/2026

You know it's going to be a good event when the team Baldivis Times gets involved! Thanks so much for raising awareness about tomorrow’s event👏👏👏☘️🇮🇪☘️🇮🇪☘️

⚓️ THE ESCAPE IS ON!

The Baldivis Times has been officially invited to capture all the action at the Catalpa Adventure Festival tomorrow! We will be on the ground at Churchill Park to document this incredible 150th-anniversary milestone.

What is the Catalpa Festival? ⛵️
This isn't just any festival, it’s a celebration of one of the most daring maritime escapes in history! In 1876, six Irish prisoners escaped Fremantle Prison and raced to Rockingham beach to board an American whaling vessel. When the guards gave chase, the Captain hoisted the American flag and dared them to attack. The result? Freedom for the prisoners and a legendary story for Rockingham!

What’s On Tomorrow ☀️

- Live Re-enactments: Watch the daring escape come to life at 1:10 PM!

- Irish Music & Dance: Enjoy the Jarrah Celts, Thistle Doo, and traditional dancing.

- Family Festival: Kids' scavenger hunt, market stalls, and international food vans.

- Licensed Bar: Relax by the coast with a drink while you soak in the history.

The Details:

🗓️ WHEN: Easter Sunday, 5th April 2026

⏰ TIME: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

📍 WHERE: Churchill Park, Rockingham Foreshore

💰 COST: COMPLETELY FREE!

Are you coming down to the foreshore to celebrate with us? Let us know in the comments! 👇💬

🔔 Follow the Baldivis Times for all your local news and event coverage!

Catalpa Adventure Festival

03/04/2026

John Boyle O'Reilly poetry reading by local artist and poet Ash Towns, 11:30am-12pm outside the Rockingham Arts Centre as part of the Celebrate Rockingham art market ✨️📖
Celebrating 150 years the Catalpa Festival

05/01/2026

Peter Murphy did a fine job sharing the Fenian, Catalpa story in 2025 - Now we are busy making plans, thank you to the City of Rockingham for approving our grant.
150 years - Sunday 5 April - interested in getting involved DM