Overview
- Main Attractions: Fremantle Market, Fishing Town Harbour, Maritime museums
- Best Time to Visit: September to November
- Local Specialty: Markets and shopping
- Travelled By: Rental car, train
- Cost: $$$
- Duration of Stay: 5 days
- Location: Western Australia
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Summary
Fremantle, or ‘Freo’ as the locals call it, is a vibrant port city with a rich pioneering and maritime history. Known for the world’s best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape and boasting Western Australia’s largest collection of heritage listed buildings, Freo has a character of its own. It also has a strong multicultural and cosmopolitan atmosphere which can be enjoyed at its numerous cafes, restaurants and markets. There is currently no advertising campaign directly promoting Fremantle Tourism, although most tourist will include a visit to Fremantle during their travel to Perth.
Fremantle: Our Experience
Graham’s work takes us to Perth for a week. Having heard rave reviews about Fremantle (or ‘Freo’ as the locals call it), we decide to stay in this dynamic port city.
Even though Fremantle can be visited on a day trip, we decide to stay the entire week in Fremantle and enjoy the nightlife as well.
While Graham works during the day, I explore the streets and life of this intriguing town. Then with Graham back in the evening, we dine at the delicious seafood restaurants along the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.
Located at the mouth of the Swan River, Fremantle is a 30-minute drive from Perth and serves as the port of Perth. While Graham has a rental car for work, I take advantage of the fantastic public transport system that runs from Perth to Fremantle. In addition to the train and tram, there is also a cruise that runs from Perth to Fremantle. Talk about being well connected!
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Fremantle has long been renowned for its eclectic mix of arty and alternative types. Its streets buzz with the song of buskers, the side walks fill with a wild collection of art, and music floats out from trendy cafés and bars.
Fremantle’s ‘Cappuccino Strip’ is jam-packed with lively restaurants, the streets are abuzz with shoppers and historical pubs and small funky bars that brim with patrons from across the globe.
The city’s multicultural mix is most evident in its food and restaurants. A strong Italian influence has produced a vast array of pizza and pasta restaurants while Asian, Indian and a whole host of other cuisine can also be found nestled among Fremantle’s winding streets.
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Known as the world’s best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape and boasting Western Australia’s largest collection of heritage listed buildings, Fremantle possesses a depth of character that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
As I walk along the back streets, I am mesmerised by the architectural beauty of the buildings around. Even the modern residential buildings that have been built in recent years seem to blend into the 19th century facade.
Read our review for a Fremantle tour.
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As a working port city, Fremantle also claims an intriguing maritime history. This history can be seen and read about at the two Fremantle maritime museums. There are four other maritime museums around other parts of Western Australia as well.
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A short walk from the centre of Fremantle takes me to the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, which is a working port as well as a lively entertainment and dining hub.
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Today, waterside restaurants, historic fish and chip shops, and locally brewed beer make Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour a popular spot.
Famous seafood restaurants such as Cicerello’s and Kailis dot the waterside and provide some of the finest seafood available in a working fish market environment.
Read a review of our dining experience at Kailis Fish Market.
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Little Creatures is my favourite Western Australian beer so I was delighted to find their brewery located near the Fremantle Harbour.
The company produces some of the best Australian craft beer, and they are famous for their Pale Ale
The building in Fremantle is very unique as it has a transparent exterior facade, allowing passerbys to look inside the distillery, while beer drinkers can enjoy the harbour views as they cozy up in one of the big lounge chairs inside.
Whether you are a food afficionado, a shopping addict, a history buff or simply out for a good time, Fremantle definitely has something for everyone.
