The 15 best Fremantle hotels for your next port city stay

Kirsty PetridesBy Kirsty Petrides
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We’ve rounded up a few of our favourite hotels for your next visit to WA’s favourite port city, Fremantle.

Affectionately known as ‘Freo’, this vibrant seaside city offers a unique blend of old and new. It’s renowned for its eclectic and spirited atmosphere, rich history and burgeoning food and wine scene.

From former prison warder cottages that have been luxuriously restored to hotels made from shipping containers, here are the best hotels to book in Fremantle for every type of holiday and budget (including some pet-friendly ones).

1. The Hougoumont

Best for: Singles or couples looking for a personal, boutique experience.

Innovatively constructed using recycled shipping containers, the Hougoumont is a stylish hotel situated right on the doorstep of Freo’s famous cappuccino strip.

a look inside the living room at The Hougoumont
The Hougoumont is spacious and filled with modern comforts.

Their unique personal touches include a complimentary cheese & wine night to mingle with other guests, in-house spin classes and bike hire for guests to explore Fremantle on two wheels.

the bedroom at The Hougoumont
Bed down at The Hougoumont.

Address: 15 Bannister St, Fremantle 

2. New Haus by Hougoumont

Best for: Singles or couples after self-sufficient simplicity.

Directly across the road from the Hougoumont, New Haus the hotel’s modern ‘younger brother’.

Rooms are larger, with lounges and kitchenettes designed for longer stays.

the top angle view of the New Haus by Hougoumont building
New Haus is the Hougoumont’s modern ‘younger brother’.

Address: 22 Bannister St, Fremantle

3. Warders Hotel

Best for: Couples and small families

This small boutique accommodation  is in fact the old limestone cottages that were once housing for Fremantle Prison warders.

the property exterior of Warders Hotel, Fremantle
Warders Hotel was once housing for Fremantle Prison warders.

The historic space has been thoughtfully restored to maintain the original character but also offers refined modern details and sophisticated finishes, such as the locally sourced artwork that adorns the walls to the luxury linen on the king-size beds.

a look inside the bedroom at Warders Hotel
The limestone cottages might look old from the outside yet evoke a fresh demeanour inside.

Address: 19 Henderson St, Fremantle

4. Tradewinds Hotel

Best for: Couples and families

Perched right on the riverfront in chic East Fremantle, the Tradewinds Hotel  is a fresh, polished venue with a rooftop terrace, sun-drenched pool area and on-site restaurant and bar. Rooms vary from simple studios to spacious two-bedroom apartments.

Address: 1 Sewell St, East Fremantle

5. The Local Hotel

Best for: Singles or couples after a no-fuss stay

Not just a great pub, The Local Hotel  also offers eight boutique hotel rooms in its Victorian-era building. Each is individually styled by Fremantle locals, including renowned artist Anya Brock. Rooms are simple and modern with original hardwood floors and beautiful natural light, with shared bathroom facilities for guests.

the front signage of The Local Hotel, Fremantle
The Local Hotel is just minutes away from South Beach.

Address: 282 South Terrace, South Fremantle

6. The Norfolk Hotel

Best for: Young singles or couples

The most iconic pub in Fremantle also has a selection of laid-back, hotel rooms. The Norfolk Hotel  is ideally situated right at the end of Freo’s cappuccino strip, and has one of the city’s favourite courtyards featuring tasty pub grub and a wide wine and beer selection.

Address: 47 South Terrace, Fremantle

7. The National Hotel

Best for: Young singles or couples

Another pub-hotel, the beautifully restored The National Hotel  sits right in the heart of Fremantle and has 12 individually styled hotel rooms, each with their own ensuite.

the facade of The National Hotel, Fremantle
The National Hotel sits in the heart of Fremantle.

The ground floor pub with live music every night, an on-site restaurant with wrap-around verandahs overlooking the cafe strip, and a spectacular rooftop bar.

the rooftop bar at The National Hotel, Fremantle
Head upstairs to the rooftop bar for city views.

Address: 98 High Street, Fremantle

8. Federal Hotel

Best for: Young singles or couples after a no-fuss, affordable stay

Just off the cafe strip, The Federal  is a pub, restaurant, bar and hotel. The accommodation is  simple and affordable with communal self-catering facilities, a common balcony area for guests and shared bathroom facilities (although some premium rooms do have an ensuite.) The rooms are accessible via stairs only so ideal for backpacks rather than suitcases.

Address: 23 William St, Fremantle

9. Fremantle B&B

Best for: Couples or families after an intimate stay

This quaint bed and breakfast  – inside a Bavarian-style castle, no-less – has a mix of rooms catering to singles, couples and families. Located in Fremantle’s iconic west end, it’s a mere moment from key attractions like the Roundhouse, Bathers Beach and Fishing Boat Harbour. Host Susan warmly welcomes guests and is all too happy to help with things like early check-ins or late check-outs.

Address: 5 Mouat Street, Fremantle

10. Port Mill B&B

Best for: Couples looking for low-key luxury

This historic building was originally a flour mill built in 1862.  Now fully restored, it is home to four luxury rooms, each with ensuites and private balconies overlooking Fremantle. Port Mill B&B  also has a tranquil courtyard for guests to unwind after a day of exploring.

a room with balcony at Port Mill B&B, Fremantle
Each room at Port Mill B&B comes with a private balcony.

Address: 3/17 Essex Street, Fremantle

11. Fothergills of Fremantle

Best for: Couples after a little luxury

This heritage-listed 19th-century mansion sits upon the slope of Monument Hill overlooking Fremantle and the Indian Ocean beyond.

a sculpture of a woman with upraised hands in front of Fothergills of Fremantle property
Fothergills of Fremantle is nestled on Monument Hill.

The six rooms are artfully filled with a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, glass and pottery.

Breakfast is made to order and served in a sun-filled conservatory, and cheese boards to accompany wine are available on request.

huge chess pieces outside Fothergills of Fremantle property
You’ll find a giant chess set outside the property.

Address: 18/22 Ord St, Fremantle

12. Quest Apartments

Best for: Families (and even pets)

Make yourself at home in one of Quest Apartment’s  one, two-bedroom or studio-serviced apartments, perfect for long-term stays and families. There’s a well-equipped gym and laundry on-site, with some of Fremantle’s famous restaurants a short walk away. Plus, there are pet-friendly rooms for those travelling with their furry family members.

Address: Unit 1/8 Pakenham St, Fremantle

13. Pier 21 apartments

Best for: Families (and pets) or long-term travellers

This boutique riverside hotel  in North Fremantle is ideal for longer-term visitors looking for a home away from home, but with a touch of indulgence. Breakfast is served in the hotel lounge each morning, while guests also have access to their in-room kitchenette and poolside BBQ facilities. The heart of Freo is a short train or bike ride away.

Address: 7/9 John St, North Fremantle

14. Be. Fremantle

Best for: Families

Be. Fremantle is situated right in Fishing Boat Harbour and offers studio, one, two or three-bedroom apartments, each boasting spectacular water views and kitchens.

an aerial view of vessels docked in the fishing harbour next to Be Fremantle apartments
Stay at the apartment-style Be Fremantle accommodation right next to the fishing harbour.

Guests can access the hotel’s laundry, barbecue facilities, grocery shopping service, bike hire and complimentary cots, high-chairs and stair guards.

a one-bedroom apartment with sea views at Be Fremantle
Wake up to spectacular water views from your one-bedroom apartment.

Address: 43 Mews Rd, Fremantle

15. Fremantle Harbourside Luxury Apartments

Best for: Families or long-term travellers

The Fremantle Harbourside Luxury Apartments are located in Freo’s historic west end, walking distance to a multitude of restaurants, cafes and public transport. Guests can choose from one, two or three-bedroom apartments, each with their own kitchen, laundry facilities and balcony to take in the ocean views.

Address: 14 Phillimore Street, Fremantle

Heading to Fremantle? Follow our guide for everything there is to know.
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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the whitewashed interior with an arched window at Poets Harbour in Fremantle
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Inspire your senses with these iconic East Kimberley stays

    Jennifer EnnionBy Jennifer Ennion
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    The East Kimberley should be on every bucket list, and here’s why.

    Livistona palms soar out of chasms the colour of Valencia oranges. Shady waterholes beckon travellers daring to venture off the bitumen. From the air, fruit farms give way to vast plains that meet rolling hills and fascinating geological formations centuries in the making. The East Kimberley is one of Australia’s most treasured wilderness areas, but don’t be fooled by its rust-coloured roads. This north-eastern corner of Western Australia is home to some of Australia’s most iconic stays by Discovery Resorts  that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

    A group of people enjoy an intimate dining experience at El Questro Homestead.
    Dine in the heart of nature.

    Your guide to Lake Argyle

    The backstory

    With rolling hills that glow amber at sunrise and glassy water that reflects the Kimberley’s bright blue sky, a visit to Lake Argyle is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As Australia’s second-largest man-made freshwater lake, travellers flock here to soak in the views from boats, helicopters and Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle .

    The latter is a lakeside oasis, a resort where travellers crossing from Western Australia into the Northern Territory (or vice versa) converge. Fifty minutes’ drive south of Kununurra, the property is perched atop a cliff overlooking the sprawling Lake Argyle.

    Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle was originally built in the late 1960s to provide accommodation for builders of the Ord River dam, which formed Lake Argyle. In the decades that followed it had several owners, until a Kununurra local took the reins in 2004 and reinvented the property with luxury villas and its now world-famous infinity pool. The iconic property was added to the Discovery Resorts portfolio in 2021, undergoing a major upgrade that took the resort from a beloved campground to an all-encompassing resort with premium waterfront villas.

    A boat glides across the expansive waters of Lake Argyle, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberley. As part of the Discovery Holiday Parks experience, this unforgettable journey offers adventure and relaxation.
    Glide across the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Argyle.

    The rooms

    A lakeside resort like no other, Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle offers something for everyone, from campsites to villas and cabins . The Deluxe Lakeview Cabins have views of the opposing cliff and are surrounded by bush, ensuring plenty of privacy, while both the Deluxe and Standard Cabins are ideal for families, with contemporary furnishings and one, two or four bedrooms. The campsites also come in a variety of sizes.

    The facilities

    There’s no doubt the biggest drawcard to Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is the lake, 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour. One of the best ways to experience it is on the Kimberley Durack Sunset Explorer Cruise , during which you’ll see freshwater crocodiles nesting along the banks (it’s home to 30,000 freshies) and even get the chance to swim in their waters. The cruise also takes in Mt Misery, towering above the original and now submerged Argyle Downs Homestead.

    If you have young children who need to get to bed early, a great alternative is the three-hour Lunch Explorer Cruise . You’ll tour around the lake’s bays as you learn about the local wildlife before stopping at a remote island for a swim.

    Refuel between adventures at the onsite pub-style eatery, The Lake Argyle Cafe. The cafe is the heart of the resort, bringing together friends new and old over a steak, cold beer and live music. Hours vary with the seasons, but rest assured you’ll be able to enjoy a good feed year-round, with a well-stocked general store also open during the day.

    Cool off from a day of exploring in the striking infinity pool with some of the best views in the country (you’ll find sweeping views of the lake below). Or enjoy a flight with HeliSpirit, or clear your mind during a yoga class on the lawn.

    Two people unwind in an infinity pool, overlooking stunning Lake Argyle at Discovery Holiday Parks.
    Take a dip in the infinity pool and soak in breathtaking Lake Argyle views.

    Your guide to El Questro

    The backstory

    One of the most famous stays in Australia is El Questro . A former cattle station, it’s evolved into one of the country’s most recognisable tourism destinations over the past 30 years, and is now embarking on a new chapter to elevate the region’s rich First Nations culture.

    The property draws travellers seeking to reconnect with nature and the beauty of this country. Wild in spirit but immaculate in style, El Questro is a 283,000-hectare property like no other; surrounded by dramatic gorges, impressive mountain ranges, thermal springs, secluded waterfalls and even rainforest, it’s the perfect base for adventurous souls.

    A person floats leisurely in the river at Discovery Holiday Parks, immersed in nature’s tranquillity.
    Float along Zebedee Springs and immerse in nature.

    The rooms

    Across the sprawling El Questro are three properties catering to the wide variety of travellers who journey this way. The most impressive is the luxurious Homestead , where 10 suites perch at the edge of a burnt-orange cliff, with cantilevered bedrooms over the peaceful Chamberlain River. The adults-only, all-inclusive Homestead is a member of the prestigious Luxury Lodges of Australia collection and offers a backdrop of thick bushland; riverside, you’ll find an immaculate lawn and a shaded pool that lures guests out of their rooms.

    At Emma Gorge , travellers will be immersed in the beauty of the Cockburn Ranges, falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife in safari-style tented cabins. This is where you come if you want to completely connect with your environment while retaining a few creature comforts. The Emma Gorge Tented Cabins sleep three or four people and feature private ensuites and ceiling fans.

    Families also love The Station , home to simple yet comfortable air-conditioned rooms, as well as a large, leafy campground. Sitting by the Pentecost River, The Station is open from April to October and has a range of accommodation, from unpowered and powered campsites to air-conditioned tents for two people and a Gardenview Family Room for five.

    Two people stand beside a suite perched on the edge of a striking burnt-orange cliff, gazing out over the serene Chamberlain River below.
    Take a breather with stunning views of nature all around.

    The facilities

    Located in the heart of the Kimberley, El Questro retains its strong connection with its Traditional Owners, the Ngarinyin people. A highlight of a stay here is the Injiid Marlabu Calls Us experience ; over two hours, guests are immersed in the soul of Country by witnessing ancient healing rituals, listening to generational stories and learning about the land’s ancestral heritage.

    Other experiences include bird watching, cruising through Chamberlain Gorge, hiking through Emma Gorge, horse riding, four-wheel-driving and soaking in Zebedee Springs. At the properties, you can also cool off in the pools, and relax in the restaurants or at private dining locations. A bonus of staying at The Homestead is the exclusive service of El Questro’s dedicated reservations team, who will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your travel tastes.

    A group of people stand beside a tree, with a car parked nearby, taking in the surrounding natural beauty.
    Experience thrilling nature activities.

    Book your East Kimberley adventure today with Discovery Resorts.