Okay, so you want to know the 10 best things to do in Fremantle?
In Fremantle – Walyalup, become captivated by a spirited maritime city radiating creativity and character which pulses through the streets. There’s something in the air in Fremantle, perhaps it’s the salty air blowing in from the beautiful beaches that hug the city’s edge. Freo, as the locals call it, is an eclectic and spirited seaside destination. It goes without saying that you must enjoy the beautiful beaches, the local nightlife, superb restaurants, distilleries and craft breweries. It was not easy to choose a list of 10 as there is so much more to do in Freo, but check out our picks below to get you started on a weekend in Perth's portside city!
1. The Round House
The Round House stands at the western end of High Street on Arthur Head, a high promontory overlooking Bathers Beach and the Indian Ocean. The twelve-sided building was purpose-built as a gaol in 1831 and offers a great viewpoint to look over the Indian Ocean, Bathers Beach to the West and right down the long stretch of High Street to the East.
2. Fremantle Prison
A dive into Fremantle history and heritage wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the infamous Fremantle Prison. This UNESCO World Heritage Listed Building is the largest and most intact convict built prison in Australia. It was continuously used as a place of incarceration for almost 140 years. The prison was decommissioned as a maximum-security gaol in 1991. If the stories told don’t send a shiver down your spine, then perhaps a chance ghost sighting will!
3. Cappuccino Strip
South Terrace has a distinctly Italian influence and is affectionately known as the 'Cappuccino Strip'. It's also the perfect place for a spot of people watching as you sit in the sunshine and enjoy the life and colour that is Fremantle. Take time to browse the many boutiques filled with shoes, books, local fashion labels, art and artisan goods.
4. Fishing Boat Harbour
At Fishing Boar Harbour you’ll find a vibrant and award winning waterside where a banquet of seafood fare is on offer across Cicerellos, Kailis Fishmarket Cafe, Char Char and more. Home to the city's recreational and commercial fishing fleet, take in the buzz of activity from the deck at the famous Little Creatures Brewery.
5. Fremantle Arts Centre
Housed within an iconic Gothic heritage building and beautiful grounds, Fremantle Arts Centre is one of Australia's leading arts organisations. Built by convicts in 1864 it was the first purpose-built ‘lunatic’ asylum in Western Australia, then became a women’s home, after that a naval base during WW1 and WW2 and also a technical college before opening as Fremantle Arts Centre in 1972. A must-visit attraction, Fremantle Arts Centre houses visual art exhibitions and hosts Sunday summer music sessions under the huge trees in the front garden, celebrating local musicians.
6. Fremantle Markets
Visit the bustling Victorian era Fremantle Markets (Fri-Sun) for a freshly roasted espresso or squeezed orange juice and Dutch pancakes or an egg brioche sandwich from a local vendor. Enjoy tunes from talented buskers whilst perusing trinkets, soaps, teas, jewellery and all sorts found throughout its over 150 stalls.
7. WA Maritime Museum
Fremantle is WA’s largest port and therefore the fitting location for the WA Maritime Museum. Located on Victoria Quay, the WA Maritime Museum includes galleries exploring Western Australia’s relationship with the sea, past, present and future. Home to several true-life exhibitions; in one enormous space is the America’s Cup winning yacht, Australia II. Also inside the Museum is Parry Endeavour, the yacht that carried Jon Sanders on his record-breaking triple circumnavigation of the globe. Explore the Oberon-class Australian submarine HMAS Ovens.
8. Little Creatures Brewery and Gage Roads
Gage Roads Brewery is the newest largescale brewery restaurant in WA and sits proudly at the entrance to Fremantle Port on the edge of the water. A superb location to watch the ships roll on by and to sip a chilled West Aussie beer.
The chubby cupid with his bow on the Little Creatures label is the symbol of this iconic Fremantle boutique brewery. Set on the waterfront at Fishing Boat Harbour, and in an old warehouse that was previously a crocodile farm, Little Creatures was the first craft brewery in Australia and set the scene for the popularity of these venues over the years to come.
9. Walyalup Koort
Fremantle’s fabulous new city centre, Walyalup Koort, hosts FOMO, an impressive cultural hub of eclectic eating houses, retail spaces and spacious lawn to lie on and enjoy watching the people pass by. Here, you will find the friendly team at the Fremantle Visitor Centre, ready to assist with tips of the day and what’s on in Freo.
10. Cicerello's Jet Adventures
The sky is the limit with Cicerello's Jet Adventures! Soar like a bird and fly like a superhero with their brand new Parasailing experience, the only one in Western Australia! Reach heights of an incredible 450ft over the stunning Fremantle coastline and take in the breathtaking views as far as Perth City over the stunning Indian Ocean.
