Everyone’s favourite eclectic port city, Fremantle, is a fascinating melting pot of artsy boho culture, history, stunning heritage architecture, funky festivals and unique experiences.
That means museum, gallery and bookshop hopping, grabbing bespoke trinkets from the markets, chilling to live music over a picnic basket, dancing the night away at a swanky bar, or even grabbing some fish and chips from the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
And we’re just getting started! There’s so many more hidden gems just waiting for you to explore. There’s so much to love about Fremantle, but here’s some of our favourites to get you started: and for the latest and greatest, keep an eye on the award-winning Fremantle Visitor Centre.
Discover unique arts and culture
Fremantle is renowned for its arts and cultural experiences, particularly reflecting the city’s rich maritime history and the fascinating stories of our state's relationship with the sea - so of course, the WA Maritime Museum should be high on your must-do list! The Museum houses unique galleries devoted to WA's relationship with the sea: from leisure boats and handcrafted sailing boats to commercial pearl luggers and more. It’s also home to the winning America's Cup yacht (Australia II), Jon Sanders' Parry Endeavour and many other iconic vessels from WA's maritime history.
Over at the Bathers Beach Art Precinct, amidst some seriously breath-taking heritage architecture, you’ll find the WA Shipwrecks Museum and Kidogo Art House.
Housed in the convict-built, 1850s-era Commissariat building, since restored to its historic glory, the Museum is steeped in history. It houses hundreds of relics from ships wrecked along WA’s treacherous coastline, including the original timbers from the Batavia (wrecked in 1629), the de Vlamingh Dish, and also countless artefacts from the Dutch shipwrecks: Zuytdorp, Zeewijk and Vergulde Draeck.
For a taste of the ever-changing artistic culture of Fremantle today, you’ll love the Kidogo Art House, the premier hub for all things arts and entertainment at Bathers Beach. Housed in a majestic 1884 heritage listed limestone building with a beautiful courtyard and deck overlooking the beach, Kidogo Arthouse holds a multitude of fascinating events all year round, including exhibitions, concerts, classes and most recently, Candlelit Soirées featuring a three-course menu and incredible live music.
Go for a spot of shopping
In the mood for a spot of shopping? The Fremantle Markets, The Artisan Store Fremantle and the many boutique shops along the Cappuccino Strip and High Street, have got you covered! Established in 1897, the Fremantle Markets are home to more than 150 stalls, forming a world-class premier market experience: a top spot to discover new trends, with bespoke artisanal goods, fresh produce and a world of flavours all at this one-stop-shop showcasing the best of Freo for over a century.
The Artisan Store Fremantle is a collective space empowering artists as entrepreneurs and connecting consumers with makers: in fact, you’ll find WA’s largest selection of local makers and artists at this unique spot. Discover your new favourite makers here, buy local, and shop up a storm just in time for Chrissy!
Family fun in Fremantle
Just 15 minutes inland from Fremantle's city centre in Bibra Lake, is Perth's favourite summer theme park - Adventure World. Offering a world of fun to Perth families, Adventure World has something for everyone including thrilling rides, exciting water slides, wildlife encounters, a water playground for toddlers, giant swimming pool, go karting and more!
Escape the heat, and head to the Cockburn Ice Arena, home to one of only two ice rinks in the Southern Hemisphere with two ice surfaces. Have a skate, watch an ice hockey game and enjoy a meal at Cabin 401 Bar and Grill, Perth’s only rinkside restaurant.
Food & drink in Fremantle
Fremantle’s food and drink scene is legendary! Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat or something substantial, the perfect cup of coffee or a craft cocktail, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our Fremantle food and drink directory.
You’ll find many delish food and drink options at the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, from the iconic beachside fish and chips from Kailis Fishmarket Cafe, to a range of restaurants, cafes and nightclubs, to the Little Creatures boutique brewery. And since the Boat Harbour is a working fishing port, you’ll always find the freshest, tastiest fish here!
Perched on the banks of the Swan River, you’ll find a firm favourite beloved by Fremantle locals for decades. The Left Bank is one of Fremantle’s most iconic riverside pubs, with stunning waterfront views, relaxed atmosphere and delish pub food that’s great value for money - think seafood, pizza, burgers, tapas and more. Housed in a gorgeous century-old building, in a quieter and less built-up area away from the Fremantle CBD, The Left Bank showcases a different, more relaxed side of Fremantle!
Fremantle tours
With its rich and diverse history, stunning attractions, on-the-water lifestyle and thriving arts, culture and music scene, the best way to experience Fremantle is on a tour.
The UNESCO Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison is an extraordinary experience that brings the past to life: built by convicts in the 1850s, the Prison was used as a place of incarceration for almost 140 years, and is the most intact convict gaol in Australia - a monument to a system of punishment that is uncomfortably recent. Step inside and do time with experienced guides on a fascinating Prison Day Tour, or explore a labyrinth of tunnels 20 metres beneath the Prison by foot and by boat on a Tunnels Tour adventure. You can even bring the kids on the school holidays for two (very age-appropriate) tours giving the youngsters a look into WA history.
With the ocean playing a special part in the Fremantle story, check out Charter 1 for 2-hour Fremantle twilight sails: the perfect romantic twilight setting for you and your paramour. Watch Fremantle come alive with a kaleidoscope of colours as you share a complimentary glass of sparkling and shared antipasto.
Or for something completely different and super exciting, join Cicerello's Jet Adventure on their Jet Boat Thrill Ride - think rollercoaster meets white water rafting for the ultimate Freo thrill-seeking experience! Suitable for kids 120cm and over, and open every day of the school holidays.
Looking for even more exhilarating and fascinating Fremantle tours? Head to our Fremantle tours directory.
Places to stay in Fremantle
As you’d expect from somewhere as special and eclectic as Fremantle, there’s a wide range of unique places to stay - from fancy to industrial-chic hotels and quiet bed & breakfasts, to city centre pub hotels and more. Below are some great spots to get you started, but check out our Fremantle accommodation directory for more!
Be. Fremantle is a tranquil oceanfront resort nestled in the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, with a diverse range of accommodation options from studios to spacious three-bedroom apartments, boasting some seriously spectacular coastline views.
Right in the heart of the Cappuccino Strip you’ll find the iconic National Hotel, which was recently completely refurbished. The hotel now boasts a stunning rooftop bar with 360-degree views, 12 boutique luxury hotel suites, a restaurant with wrap-around verandas and a lively ground floor public bar hosting live music every night of the week.
Warder's Hotel is a small boutique hotel in the old limestone cottages that were once the Fremantle Warders’ homes. The cottages offer a little pocket of calm among the vibrant heart of Fremantle.
What's on in Fremantle
When it comes to events, Fremantle is the place to be! From live music at the Fremantle Arts Centre to community festivals and events at the new Walyalup Koort (previously Kings Square) - there is something for everyone. To see what's coming up in Fremantle, visit our Perth Events Calendar and select 'Fremantle' from the Destination drop down.
Looking for more amazing destinations to explore in Perth? Check out our Best of Perth blog for articles like Get Back to Nature in the Perth Hills, Escape to the Swan Valley, and Discover Chittering. From CBD bustle to countryside vibes, festival fun to relaxed getaways, Perth has it all!
