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, Adventure World in Bibra Lake offers a full day of family fun with thrilling rides, waterslides, wildlife encounters, toddler-friendly water play, a giant pool and more. To cool off, head to Cockburn Ice Arena, one of only two twin-rink ice arenas in the Southern Hemisphere, where you can skate, catch an ice hockey game or enjoy a meal at Perth's only rinkside restaurant, Cabin 401 Bar and Grill.
Just five minutes south of Fremantle, Glowing Rooms takes mini golf to another level with Australia's first 3D glow-in-the-dark course. Under ultraviolet light, 800 square metres of hand-painted artworks come alive through magical 3D glasses, taking players under the sea, through space and past iconic landmarks. For more immersive fun, Fox in a Box Fremantle offers ten world-class escape rooms designed by one of Europe's leading escape room companies, known for creating experiences for BMW, Red Bull and The Late Late Show with James Corden.
In the heart of Fremantle's FOMO King Square precinct, Strike, Holey Moley and B. Lucky & Sons Fremantle round out the entertainment options. Enjoy bowling, karaoke and great food and drinks at Strike before tackling Holey Moley's 18 uniquely themed mini golf holes. Whether you’re planning a family outing, birthday celebration or fun date night, Fremantle has no shortage of exciting experiences for all ages.
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 Fremantle. 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 and cafes, 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’s food and drink scene is legendary, offering everything from casual eats to refined dining and atmospheric pubs. Down at the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, you'll find iconic favourites like Kailis Fishmarket Cafe, Cicerello's Fremantle and Little Creatures - all serving up fresh seafood and harbour views. Nearby, Bathers Beach House delivers Australia's only fully licensed beachfront dining experience, where you can enjoy cocktails and share plates with your feet in the sand.
For those seeking something elevated, Fremantle's restaurant scene shines with standout venues. The award-winning Republic of Fremantle distillery crafts spirits from scratch and offers cocktails, dining and unique experiences like Gin School and Cocktail School. Anglesea brings contemporary Japanese–Korean fusion with bold, refined flavours, while Sweetwater Rooftop Bar in East Fremantle pairs Asian-inspired share plates with inventive cocktails and sunset views. The heritage-listed Old Synagogue precinct adds even more culinary depth, home to the acclaimed Tonic + Ginger, hidden cocktail bar L'Chaim, lively beer garden The Arbor, basement dance floor, and all-day venue Mr Chapple.
If it's a relaxed pub setting you're after, The Left Bank remains a favourite with its riverside views, easygoing atmosphere and classic menu. For something historic and beautifully restored, The Old Courthouse offers dining, drinks and a striking setting perfect for gatherings and events. And in South Fremantle, Nonna’s serves up modern Italian comfort with sourdough pizzas, handmade pastas, alfresco dining and a cosy wood-fired atmosphere.
Fremantle tours & activities
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. 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.
Explore Fremantle on foot with guided walking tours that bring the city's stories to life. Join Two Feet & a Heartbeat for their Fremantle - Convicts, Culture & Street Art tour, uncovering the tales, heritage architecture and vibrant street art that have shaped "Freo" from its convict era to its creative present. For a deeper cultural perspective, the Explore Truth-Telling in Walyalup tour with In Culture Tours offers a powerful look into Noongar history, Dreamtime stories and traditional knowledge while walking on Country. Both experiences offer rich insights and a meaningful way to connect with Fremantle beyond the surface.
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.
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 boutique hotels and restored heritage landmarks to coastal apartments and character-filled pubs. Below are a few great options to get you started, but be sure to explore our full Fremantle accommodation directory for more!
For oceanfront tranquillity, Be. Fremantle offers studio to three-bedroom apartments right on Fishing Boat Harbour, complete with sweeping coastal views. Overlooking the Swan River in East Fremantle, the Tradewinds Hotel blends heritage charm with modern comfort, offering spacious rooms, resort-style facilities and stunning river vistas.
Right in the heart of the action, Garde Hotel pairs contemporary design with Fremantle's creative spirit, featuring beautifully appointed rooms and on-site dining at its signature restaurant, Anglesea. Nearby, the iconic Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges delivers resort-style amenities, multiple bars and restaurants, and a prime location steps from Fremantle’s major attractions. For those who love accommodation with a story, the beautifully refurbished National Hotel sits on the Cappuccino Strip with boutique suites, wrap-around verandas, a lively public bar and a rooftop boasting 360-degree views.
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.
