Fremantle, or Freo as the locals know it, has a vibrant music and arts scene and beautiful historic buildings. Fremantle Prison is the only UNESCO-listed building in Western Australia. It also has many other culturally significant places that tell Western Australia’s story.
Fremantle has a great food and nightlife culture, so you won’t be surprised to spend most of your time in the city eating and drinking. One thing is for sure: you will not go hungry. From the tasty food stalls at the Fremantle Markets to the famous cafes along the Cappuccino Strip and the numerous dining options on the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour. You will not go hungry.
Fremantle, the city I first called home in WA in 2012 as a young backpacker with wide-eyed eyes, was my first stop. I fell in love instantly with this vibrant port town, and it’s safe for me to say that feelings haven’t really changed over the years!
Fremantle Markets
On a Saturday, my favorite thing to do is to visit the colorful Fremantle Markets. The market has been open every weekend for over 100 years.
You will find more than 150 vendors to choose from, including delicious food stalls as well as homemade coffee and fresh produce. There are also hand-made clothing, jewelry, and aboriginal art.
The perfect gift can be found here. Fremantle Markets is the ideal place to find a unique gift for a birthday or to give to family and friends.
Fremantle Prison Tour
Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO Heritage site, is a fascinating look at the convicts of Western Australia. It was built by convicts in the late 19th Century as a maximum security prison and was used continuously until 1991.
Fremantle Prison has seen many dramatic events over the years. These include prisoner riots, escapes of convicts, and executions. The last hanging in the prison occurred as recently as 1960!
Listen to your guide’s dark tales as you step back in time on a tour of a prison. Torchlight Tour is one of the many prison tours available. It’s the most popular, and we recommend it.
The guides will bring to life the eerie old prison atmosphere in the darkness. This tour is very popular, and you will need to book in advance.
The Roundhouse
While exploring Fremantle, be sure to visit the Roundhouse. This beautiful 19th-century building is the oldest in Western Australia. The Roundhouse was originally built in 1830 to house convicts. It became a police lock-up by the end of the 19th Century. It is open for public tours and visits.
The Roundhouse sits on a hilltop with sweeping views of Fremantle, the Indian Ocean, and the city. You’ll have the chance to see daily cannon firing if you visit at 1 pm. This practice has continued since the 19th Century.
WA Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum, located right on Fremantle’s waterfront, tells the tale of WA’s maritime history. From the early ocean explorers to the naval defense during wartime, this museum is a must-see for anyone interested in WA’s maritime history. Anyone who wants to know how the state of WA was created and discovered should visit this fantastic museum.
The Maritime Museum has many permanent collections, but you can also find a variety of pop-up exhibits that feature fascinating maritime histories from all over the world. These are not necessarily limited to Western Australia.
HMS Ovens Submarine – While visiting the Maritime Museum, you may be interested in taking a tour of HMS Ovens. It is one of its long-term features. Discover what it was like to live in the cramped quarters of a Cold War submarine for long periods.
Cappuccino Strip
You’ll find many popular restaurants, cafes, and pubs along the Cappuccino Strip. This is the place to see some of Fremantle’s best coffee!
Enjoy the bustling atmosphere while you enjoy your coffee on one of the many patios.
Cappuccino Strip is the perfect place to go at any time, whether it’s early in the morning or late in the evening. There is a wide variety of nightclubs that are open late into the morning, especially on weekends.
You can start your Cappuccino Strip adventure at the Fremantle Markets, which is located on the other end of the strip. The most iconic spots to visit in the area are Benny’s Bar & Cafe, The Sail & Anchor Pub, The Attic, and Gino’s Cafe.
Bread In Common, another local favorite and awesome brunch spot, is located just a few blocks away from the Cappuccino Strip on Pakenham Street.
A 3-hour Food Lover’s Walking Tour will allow you to discover the best of Fremantle’s culinary scene. Your local guide will take you through the local markets and restaurants, as well as give you an insight into Fremantle’s colorful history.
Esplanade Park
Esplanade Park is a great place to stop on the way. This large green area separates Fishing Boat Harbour and the city. It is a great place to relax, enjoy a picnic, or ride the Skyview Ferris Wheel.
Skyview Ferris Wheel is a Fremantle landmark that is not to be missed. Enjoy a 40-meter ride in one of the red gondolas, which are fully enclosed. The views from the top will be spectacular.
Esplanade Park hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Fremantle BeerFest, which takes place every November, is one of the most popular festivals.
You’ll be able to find the best selection of WA craft beer producers, including ciders and cocktail makers. There will also be a wide variety of food trucks and performers.
Lunch at Little Creatures Brewery
Do you like craft beer? Little Creatures has become a household name not just in WA but throughout Australia. Try the Little Creatures Pale Ale with one of their delicious wood-fired Pizzas. Not a beer lover? They also have a Pipsqueak Cider that is quite good!
Lunch at Little Creatures in Fremantle is a must-do experience. It’s actually so popular that you may have trouble finding a seat on the weekends. They operate on a “first come, first served” basis and do not take reservations.
The Great Hall is a great place to dine, surrounded by the brew tanks and people busy brewing those tasty brews. Or you can choose one of the outdoor beer gardens. Daily brewery tours are available for those who want to learn more about beer brewing.
WA Shipwrecks Museum
The Shipwrecks Museum is another Fremantle attraction not to be missed. It’s located near the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour in a 19th-century building. The museum will take you on a trip through history to view original exhibits and findings from shipwrecks along WA’s coastline.
The museum will feature artifacts and stories from the first shipwreck to occur in Australia. You can also learn about the sunken ships of early Dutch explorers dating back to the 1600s. Original remnants of the Batavia shipwreck are included in these collections.