Fremantle, WA
Just 20 minutes’ drive southwest of Perth is the mouth of the Swan River and the port town of Fremantle.
A vibrant port city, it is rich in heritage buildings and attractions, maritime history and culture. Fremantle has been recognised as the best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape in the world. It has Western Australia’s largest collection of heritage listed buildings, many of which house attractions, museums, offices, art galleries and shops.
Be sure to visit the famous Fremantle Markets (open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays) for local crafts, fresh food, clothes, jewellery and all sorts of curios. When you want a break from shopping, sampling and eating, sit in the corner bar and watch the markets’ colourful hustle and bustle.
Maritime experiences include a visit to the working Fishing Boat Harbour and Fremantle Port as well as the new Maritime Museum which overlooks the working port.
Restaurants and cafes cater to every taste from the traditional to the exotic. Fremantle’s cultural diversity is reflected in the range of cuisines from Europe, Asia and all points between. Highlights can be found on ‘cappuccino strip’ along South Street. Fresh local seafood is also recommended.
Numerous entertainment venues including a puppet theatre, cinemas, music clubs and bars offer a tantalising choice to visitors. Buskers can often be seen performing in the streets and at various stations in Fremantle. There are also several licensed clubs including a multicultural performing arts centre.
Fremantle proudly supports many regular festivals and events throughout the year:
The Fremantle Street Art Festival attracts over 60,000 people to Fremantle over the Easter long weekend, to enjoy acrobatics, music, magic, flaming twirling fire torches, comedy and an astounding array of street performance skills. The streets fill with a unique ‘vibe’ and are enlivened by wild fun and unusual performances.
Each November the port city comes alive with the Fremantle Festival. Ten days of hair raising acrobatics, world class music, blistering sensual Latin dance and much, much more.
Fremantle’s cultural diversity is evident in some of its sports clubs such as soccer, bocce and Australian football. There is also a vast range of other activities on offer including golf, swimming, basketball, tennis and sailing.
All this makes Fremantle more than just a ‘port of call’; it is an ideal place to stay. Accommodation ranges from backpackers and camping to bed and breakfasts and luxurious hotels.
Fremantle fun
Fremantle is always a hive of activity. From the colourful street entertainment and maritime activities to some 150 well-preserved heritage buildings, Fremantle is more than just a bustling port. It is a good day trip destination, but also offers a range of quality, character accommodation for those who choose to stay longer.
Walk along the ‘cappuccino strip’ on South Terrace where you will find a great array of shops, boutiques and arts and crafts. Savour the international cuisine and coffee, before watching a cultural performance or street parade. Arts and crafts are Fremantle favourites, with everything on offer in local boutiques from alpaca wool clothing to hand-blown glass. Â
Explore on foot or take a tour of the masterfully preserved historic streetscape surrounds on a tram, or even by horse and cart. Visit the Batavia shipwreck in the Maritime Museum; challenge your senses with a ghost walk, or a tour through the former Fremantle Prison; or enjoy an outdoor concert in the grounds of the Fremantle Arts Centre.
Then there’s a historical tour through the Round House – a 12-sided former gaol and Western Australia’s oldest public building – or you can even witness the operations of the Fremantle port and Fishing Boat Harbour.
From September to November the ocean around Fremantle and Perth is alive with humpback and southern right whales, and local cruise boats are available to take you up close. Game fishing is big too, with snapper, cod, shark, tuna and marlin all waiting to jump onto your hook.
Heritage hideaway
Fremantle is always a hive of activity. From the colourful street entertainment and maritime activities to some 150 well-preserved heritage buildings, Fremantle is more than just a bustling port. It is a good day trip destination, but also offers a range of quality, character accommodation for those who choose to stay longer.
Walk along the ‘cappuccino strip’ on South Terrace where you will find a great array of shops, boutiques and arts and crafts. Savour the international cuisine and coffee, before watching a cultural performance or street parade. Arts and crafts are Fremantle favourites, with everything on offer in local boutiques from alpaca wool clothing to hand-blown glass.
Explore on foot or take a tour of the masterfully preserved historic streetscape surrounds on a tram, or even by horse and cart. Visit the Batavia shipwreck in the Maritime Museum; challenge your senses with a ghost walk, or a tour through the former Fremantle Prison; or enjoy an outdoor concert in the grounds of the Fremantle Arts Centre.
Then there’s a historical tour through the Round House – a 12-sided former gaol and Western Australia’s oldest public building – or you can even witness the operations of the Fremantle port and Fishing Boat Harbour.
From September to November the ocean around Fremantle and Perth is alive with humpback and southern right whales, and local cruise boats are available to take you up close. Game fishing is big too, with snapper, cod, shark, tuna and marlin all waiting to jump onto your hook.
Nearest Airport: Perth
Where to stay?
Experiences
- Active
- City
- Cultural
- Historic/Heritage
- Indulgence/Luxury
- Relaxation
Popular Activities
- Shopping
- Adventure
- Fishing
- Beach
About Fremantle
- Locality: Suburb
- Fremantle Postcode: 6160
- State: Western Australia
- Region: Perth & surrounds
- Latitude: -32.05313
- Longitude: 115.74587
- Elevation: 8m
- Population: 8211
- Median Income: $42484
- Area (Sq/km): 5.531
- Timezone: Australia/Perth
Accommodation In Fremantle
Discover some of the accommodation in and around Fremantle
- 100 Hubble Accommodation
- Boatshed Apartment Fremantle
- Callan Apartments
- Coogee Beach Holiday Park
- Esplanade Hotel Fremantle
- Fothergills of Fremantle
- Fremantle Colonial Accommodation
- Fremantle Monument Hill View Apartment
- Fremantle Village
- Freo Mews Executive Apartments
- Mole End Cottage
- Morgano Fish
- Morgano Sea
- Morgano Star
- Mosman Beach (self-serviced) Apartments
- Norfolk Hotel
- Number Six Properties
- Pier 21 Resort
- Port Mill Bed and Breakfast
- Quest Harbour Village Apartments
- Stone’s Throw
- TradeWinds Hotel Fremantle
- Westerley Accommodation: Self-contained in Fremantle
- Woodman Point Holiday Park
Tours In Fremantle
Discover some of the tours options around Fremantle
