12 of the most charming Airbnbs in Fremantle

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Whether you want to be near the beach, the history or just want something a little quirky, we’ve found the best Airbnb’s for your next trip to Fremantle.

Fremantle is a unique sort of place where the tranquil pace of beach life merges with the vibrant pulse of buzzing restaurants, bars and breweries – not to mention its 250 heritage-listed buildings, stunning architecture and Federation-style warehouses. It’s no wonder this port city is home to some truly remarkable and interesting Airbnbs. Here are 12 of the best ones to book.

Coastal Airbnbs

1. The Sanctuary, South Fremantle

Best for: Couples or solo travellers after a relaxing getaway

Right on the doorstep of South Beach, this peaceful one-bedroom home  is architecturally designed, with a mezzanine bedroom, exposed industrial steel span trusses and reclaimed native wood throughout.

lush greenery surrounding The Sanctuary, South Fremantle
You’ll be surrounded by verdant greenery at this peaceful one-bedroom home.

But the highlight is definitely the tranquil and secluded rear garden and courtyard, with a cascading waterfall, tropical landscaping, a set of reclaimed timber doors all the way from Goa, India and even tadpoles and frogs in the pond.

a look inside The Sanctuary, South Fremantle
The Sanctuary is styled with reclaimed native wood.

2. Apartment Faro, South Fremantle

Best for: Couples or solo travellers

This light-filled apartment  is moments from South Beach and an easy walk to South Freo’s many bars, restaurants, pubs and cafes – as well as being an easy 15-minute jaunt or quick bus ride into Fremantle city centre.

the exterior and outdoor seating of Apartment Faro
Apartment Faro has a large leafy courtyard to unwind.

A brand new kitchen and laundry make it easy to be self-sufficient, and the large leafy courtyard and private balcony are beautiful spaces to unwind after a day of exploring. 

the kitchen area at Apartment Faro
The light-filled apartment is equipped with a kitchen and laundry.

Apartment Airbnbs

3. SoHo in Freo, Fremantle

Best for: Large groups or families

This heritage-listed building  was once the offices of the Fremantle Municipal Tramways and Electric Light Board.

the interior of Soho in Freo in Fremantle Airbnb
Soho in Freo used to be an office.

It’s been immaculately restored and transformed into a modern industrial-style apartment with two spacious bedrooms, a fully-stocked kitchen, laundry, plus a collection of toys and gear for kids.

Located in Fremantle’s historic west end, it’s a prime location for exploring Fremantle’s culinary scene, as well as art galleries, shops and distilleries.

a modern industrial-style apartment with cabinets at Soho in Freo, Fremantle
This industrial-style apartment is sleek and spacious.

4. Poet’s Harbour, Fremantle

Best for: Couples or solo travellers after a little luxury

If we could permanently move into this apartment in Fremantle’s west end , we would. A mix of old and new, it was originally built in 1890 and renovated by Fremantle’s renowned architect Brian Klopper. Cladded with a wall of black steel framed windows and high ceilings with exposed dark timber beams, it boasts a generous-sized living area with arched windows overlooking the heritage streetscape below.

the spacious living room with black steel framed windows at Poet's Harbour, Fremantle
Poet’s Harbour features historic ceiling beams.

Enjoy slow mornings cocooned in linen sheets in the king sized bed, overlooking the trees in the laneway. Or pour yourself a drink and soak in the afternoon light, reading a book and listening to records. A nice touch is all the crockery is handmade locally in Fremantle by Winterwares ceramics.

the whitewashed interior of Poets Harbour in Fremantle
The arched window overlooks the heritage streets.

5. 1853 on Market, Fremantle

Best for: Families or groups of four

This stunning, spacious, newly constructed two-bedroom apartment  is located within an iconic heritage building right on Freo’s famous cappuccino strip. But don’t be worried about noise, because all the windows are double-glazed and adorned with electric blinds, ensuring you sleep soundly.

the living room interior of 1853 Market Airbnb in Fremantle
Stained glass windows add charm to the space.

Fremantle’s renowned restaurants and bars are all within walking distance, as is Fremantle train station and the Rottnest Ferry should you want to explore further afield.

The two queen size bedrooms have built-in robes and vast storage – and the hosts also thoughtfully include a portable cot, high chair and pram.

the whitewashed kitchen and dining area with a huge window at 1853 Market Airbnb in Fremantle
Base yourself at this cosy, whitewashed Airbnb.

Tiny home Airbnbs

6. Wild Grace Garden, South Fremantle

Best for: Couples or solo travellers looking for some downtime

Wild Grace Garden  is nestled in the heart of everything that’s good about South Freo. Take a 300m walk to beautiful South Beach, and find award-winning bakeries, cafes, bars, restaurants and pubs even closer. But what makes it special is its serene and calm ambience.

the bedroom at Wild Grace Garden
Bed down at Wild Grace Garden.

It’s a quiet, verdant studio in the backyard of a heritage home accompanied by the tranquil sounds of running water, singing frogs and a tree canopy overhead. Guests have a private entry, and can luxuriate in the outdoor shower and bath surrounded by greenery. For added relaxation, the host is a massage therapist and takes guest bookings.

tea time at Wild Grace Garden
While away the afternoon with a cup of tea.

7. Charming Caravan, Fremantle

Best for: Couples or solo travellers on a budget

For something a little different (and cheaper) this beautifully restored caravan  is perfect for low-key travellers. It’s completely set up with a kitchen, bathroom, lounge, wifi, comfy double bed and sofa, plus heating and cooling. Its location on the fringes of Fremantle makes it more affordable than being right in the centre, and as it’s nestled within an old Italian area of the suburb, guests can enjoy sitting in the relaxed garden surrounded by grapevines and fruit trees.

white curtains and comfy cushions in a charming caravan Airbnb at Fremantle
This beautifully restored caravan is perfect for couples on a budget.

Airbnbs for groups

8. Newhaven Townhouse, Fremantle

Best for: Families or groups

This elegant converted warehouse  in the centre of Fremantle has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen spanning across three levels.

the bed at Newhaven Townhouse
Newhaven Townhouse has been converted into an elegant space.

The floor-to-ceiling iron-framed glass windows on the two main walls fill the space with natural light; while the cobbled limestone feature wall, originally built by convicts, gives the townhouse depth and character.

the kitchen at Newhaven Townhouse
This rustic townhouse was originally built by convicts.

9. Cottage in Fremantle, Fremantle

Best for: Families with young kids

In exchange for feeding the host’s two cats, guests of this elegantly renovated cottage  get to enjoy its prime location.

the exterior of Cottage in Fremantle Airbnb
Book a stay in the heart of Fremantle in this charming cottage.

Uniquely situated right between the centre of Fremantle, the upscale East Fremantle and hip North Fremantle, a smorgasbord of beaches, cafes and restaurants awaits.

a look inside the Cottage in Fremantle Airbnb
This elegantly renovated cottage comes with leisure spaces to relax.

The Airbnb is also within walking distance to Fremantle Arts Centre, the river foreshore and this ultra-cool Sunshine Harvester Works food hall.

the outdoor deck surrounded by greenery at Cottage in Fremantle
Luxuriate on the outdoor deck surrounded by greenery.

Quirky Airbnbs

10. Le Cherche-Midi, Fremantle

Best for: Couples and solo travellers after something memorable

Where else but Fremantle could you stay in a former cordial factory? This building, once the Crowder & Letchford Aerated Water & Cordial Manufacturers & Beer Bottlers, has been exquisitely renovated into a French-esque guesthouse.

a balcony with seating area at Le Cherche Midi
Relax or dine on your private balcony.

In the heart of Fremantle in a quiet street, the studio  is on the first floor and offers a view of Fremantle Harbour and unforgettable sunsets.

breakfast on the balcony at Le Cherche-Midi
Welcome lazy mornings with breakfast on the sun-splashed deck.

A memorable touch is the breakfast delivered to your door each morning – a basket brimming with bread and croissants, freshly squeezed orange juice, yoghurt and seasonal fruit.

a kitchen with balcony at Le Cherche-Midi
Le Cherche-Midi has a fully equipped kitchen next to the balcony.

11. The Bank, Fremantle

Best for: Families and bigger groups keen for splurge

You could stay in a regular house, but why would you when you can stay in a former bank? This heritage-listed apartment  has two bedrooms, and two bathrooms and can accommodate two more people on its sofa bed.

the sofa bed at The Bank, Fremantle
This former bank was turned into a cosy two-bedroom apartment.

Sitting right in the middle of the historic west end, guests really enjoy an authentic Fremantle experience surrounded by galleries, restaurants and cafes, and Bathers Beach a five-minute walk away.

the living room interior at The Bank in Fremantle
The Bank in Fremantle is chic and spacious.

12. Modern cottage, Fremantle

Best for: Families looking for no-fuss accommodation

This self-contained cottage  at the rear of the host’s property features open-plan living with high ceilings, and natural light and even boasts an award from the Building Designers Association of WA.

an outdoor pool at Modern cottage, Fremantle
The pool at this modern cottage beckons for refreshing dips.

In addition to the queen bedroom, there is a convertible ottoman bed in the lounge and a single bed loft above the kitchen. Guests can access their own private courtyard with BBQ, and the Wray Avenue precinct with grocers and coffee shops is on your doorstep.

the dining at Modern cottage, Fremantle
You’ll find the kitchen just below the single-bed loft.
Looking for somewhere to have a drink? Check out our guide to the best bars in Fremantle.
Kirsty Petrides
Kirsty Petrides is a writer, wine-lover and cheese enthusiast. Whether she’s hunting down the best restaurant in Albania, foraging the Marrakech markets for spices or camping in the middle of Patagonian wilderness, she loves to seek out the authentic side of the places she visits, and share that with readers through her writing.
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Your Mandurah guide: art, dining & dolphins await in WA’s coastal gem

Discover the perfect road trip stopover between Perth and wine country.

Western Australia punches above its weight when it comes to coastal hot spots, but no other town or city has seen a tourism boom quite like Mandurah. Named Australia’s Top Tourism Town in 2023 , it’s the relaxed, beachside break you’ve been searching for. And it’s perfectly placed, sitting between Margaret River and Perth, as it’s just a 55-minute drive from Perth’s CBD. Which is why we’ve put together your ultimate Mandurah guide.

Aerial view of Mandurah.
Plan your perfect coastal escape to Australia’s Top Tourism Town of 2023.

The best things to do in Mandurah

Wetlands and rivers, ocean and inlet; Mandurah’s laid-back lifestyle centres around the aquatic. Its waterways cover twice the ground of Sydney Harbour – measuring some 134 square kilometres in total – and form a unique environment for oceanic and estuarine flora and fauna to thrive.

In the city’s estuary lives perhaps the region’s most famed inhabitants – a resident pod of 100 bottlenose dolphins – and the inlet’s silty bottom is home to the prized blue manna crab. Spot the former breaching and playing on an hour-long dolphin cruise through the channels, or try your hand at catching the latter by wading through the estuary’s shallows with a scoop net in hand.

While swimming at the circular Kwillena Gabi Pool, chance encounters with the local wildlife aren’t uncommon. The sheltered estuarine pool takes its name from the traditional custodians of the land, the Bindjareb people, and directly translates to ‘dolphin waters’. Jutting out of the eastern foreshore, it’s enclosed by a ring of net-free floating pontoons, which allow the dolphins to swim freely through the attraction.

If that’s a little too close for comfort, book a kayak tour with Down Under Discoveries . The dolphins have been known to cruise beside the paddle-powered crafts, which are a fun, family-friendly way to explore the city’s inner waterways.

Dolphins swimming in Mandurah.
Watch dolphins glide by as you explore Mandurah.

You don’t have to be on the water to appreciate the coastal city’s aquatic beauty, with 600 kilometres of cycleways and scenic walking trails traversing Mandurah’s estuary, inlet and coast.

Follow the 30-kilometre coastal trail and you’ll come face to face with one of Thomas Dambo’s headline-making ‘Giants of Mandurah  sculptures, Santi Ikto, along the way. There are five sculptures around Mandurah in total, hidden among gum-filled reserves or sitting sentry over the water.

Head to the Mandurah Visitor Centre to pick up a map to pinpoint their exact location and download the traveller’s companion to learn more about the sights along the way. Or join a three-hour e-bike tour from The Bike Kiosk and you’ll stop by two of the giants – Santi Ikto and Yaburgurt Winjan Cirkelstone – as you sightsee central Mandurah.

 The towering Santi Ikto, one of Thomas Dambo’s iconic Giants of Mandurah.
Meet Santi Ikto, one of the legendary Giants of Mandurah.

Where to eat in Mandurah

Mandurah’s culinary scene reflects its laid-back lifestyle, with large, honest meals and locally brewed beer. After visiting Lake Clifton’s 2000-year-old thrombolites, head to the peppermint and gum-shaded beer garden at Thorny Devil Brewery . Tuck into a platter of house-smoked meats and an ale pulled fresh from the tanks. Closer to town and right on the waterfront is Boundary Island Brewery ; here, woodfired pizza, pub-style seafood dishes and easy-drinking brews are centre stage.

On a Murray River Lunch Cruise , the focus is as much on the environment around you as the food you’re filling up on. Help yourself to the colourful salads and freshly cooked meats on the buffet as you meander up the winding, jarrah tree-lined waterway, stopping at the heritage Cooper’s Mill for a quick walking tour along the way.

Keep your eyes trained on the Creery Wetlands as you pass – you’ll spot much of the region’s migratory birdlife, and, as always, might see the playful bottlenose dolphins in the inlet.

The most memorable meals aren’t necessarily always the fanciest, and lunch aboard a self-skippered Mandurah BBQ Boat is a testament to that. All food and beverage prep is left up to you as you cruise through the canals, sausages and steaks sizzling away on the central hot plate.

If seafood is more your kind of fare, board the Wild Seafood Experience , where dolphin cruise meets long table lunch. Eight courses of crab, crayfish and scallops await.

A table filled with plates of crab, crayfish, and scallops.
Dine on the water with eight courses of ocean-fresh fare.

Where to stay in Mandurah

With so many waterways comes abundant waterside stays. Like the self-contained Seashells Mandurah on the shores of Comet Bay. The calm, oceanic outlook from the one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and villas is as close to Maldivian as Mandurah gets. Families especially enjoy the property, bouncing between the protected cove and the beachfront pool for endless hours of fun.

Seashells Mandurah; on the shores of Comet Bay.
Stay right by the sea.

The Sebel Mandurah , just a hop, skip and jump from the Mandurah Ocean Marina, has a different outlook entirely, overlooking the estuary and lively foreshore on the other side. It’s also within walking distance of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre , cinema and a swathe of waterfront bars and eateries.

But you can’t get any closer to the water than on a vessel from Mandurah Houseboats . You don’t need a skipper’s ticket to hire one, nor do you need comprehensive boating experience; just a full driver’s license and your undivided attention during the pre-departure tuition will do. Then you’re free to take to the estuaries and tributaries for a few nights of peaceful rest, surrounded by the very element that makes Mandurah so special.

A houseboat cruising in Mandurah along the river
Captain a houseboat to explore Mandurah at your own pace.

Plan your next WA getaway in Mandurah.