Experience the best parts of Fremantle with tips from Michael Deller, Founder of Fremantle Tours.
If there’s anybody that knows WA, it’s Michael Deller, founder of Fremantle Tours. Deller has been a tour guide in the state for about a decade, during which time he has led visitors on horseback and in helicopters around the east Kimberley, driven tour buses from Perth to Exmouth, to Albany and Monkey Mia, and provided commentary along the 135-kilometre-long Cape to Cape Walk Track in a corner of the far South West.
“I’ve explored every inch of the state both personally and professionally," says Deller. “I love the diversity of WA. Two weeks ago, I was at Karijini National Park, which is all red dirt and spinifex and gnarly, rugged gorges. Then I was in a forest with 40-metre tall trees, and next I was swimming with turtles and whale sharks off Ningaloo. Now I’m back in Freo drinking coffee roasted 15 metres from my front door."
“I’ve explored every inch of the state both personally and professionally," says Deller. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
After branching out on his own four years ago, Deller and his wife Lucy, who co-manages the company, received Fremantle’s Business of the Year award in 2020 and Outstanding Contribution to Fremantle in 2020 and 2021. As a fiercely proud fourth-generation Fremantle local, Deller’s tours focus solely on the working port located on the fringes of Perth.
As a fiercely proud fourth-generation Fremantle local, Deller’s tours focus solely on the working port located on the fringes of Perth. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
“There’s more than 40,000 years of Whadjuk culture here in Freo. I share some of that history, but not the stories. I’m a white fella, so they are not my stories to tell. Our tours also touch on the Dutch exploration from the 1600s, through to the British and French exploration of the southwest of WA," says Deller.
“I love to take visitors around Fremantle and tell them about the history and show them that Fremantle today is still a working port, but layered onto that industrial edginess is an alternative, artistic and boho vibe," he says.
“I love to take visitors around Fremantle and tell them about the history."
Fremantle Tours now offer bike, walking, eating and drinking tours that dart about Freo. But when asked what his favourite weekend away from the ’hood would look like, Deller says it’s a tight contest between the Margaret River Coast and the Munda Biddy Trail.
Fremantle Tours now offer bike, walking, eating and drinking tours that dart about Freo. (Image: Cassie Gunthorpe)
“I froth on Freo. But if we have time off, we head to Huzza’s [surf break] to watch the waves roll in. It’s in Gracetown on the Margaret River Coast and it’s really chill. In winter, the whales come right up close to the coast so we go there just to kick back," he says.
“I’ve also started mountain-biking and am loving carving off different sections of the Munda Biddi Trail, which runs parallel to its sister track, the Bibbulmun Track, from Mundaring in the Perth Hills all the way to Albany."
Blend the addictive energy of dance, creative cinematic movies, captivating theatre, and energising music during Perth Festival.
Perth Festival has extraordinary roots. Born as a summer community experiment back in 1953, the brainchild of Professor Fred Alexander, it’s now Australia’s longest-running international art-based festival. From its first event at University of Western Australia, it now spans across Noongar Boodjar country (Perth City) bringing worldclass performances into the hearts of ardent festivalgoers. Hundreds of curtain calls, including numerous free events, are set to linger and leave a lasting impression on those who seek thrills that fill life’s in-between spaces. Featuring unmissable highlights from 6th February to 1st March, we’ve done the legwork for you – here’s what’s on, and where:
1. East Perth Power Station
See East Perth Power Station come alive. (Image: Jessica Wyld Photography)
Abandoned, run-down and shutdown in 1981, East Perth Power Station, located on the banks of the stunning Swan River, was reinvented in 2025 as an entertainment venue for the Perth Festival. Pack a picnic, bring the family and kick back under paperbark trees at Casa Musica – a free event featuring a melting pot of world-class musicians from Australian shores and around the globe. The diversity will have you bopping until the final encore.
A decade after David Bowie’s passing, his powerful music lives on in the electrifying show, Rebel Rebel. Powerhouse vocalists join Perth Symphony Orchestra for one incredible night showcasing the singer-songwriter’s iconic hits. Illuminate your world through the eyes of First Nation Noongar artist, Lance Chadd Tjyllyungoo in a free event. His distinctive paintings and Dreamtime stories decorate the Power Station’s walls depicting spiritual beliefs. Or settle in to watch British indie pop singer-songwriter, Nilüfer Yanya.
2. St Mary’s Cathedral
Take in Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth. (Image: Anja Schutz)
Step into the lofty ceilings of Perth’s grandest cathedral, St Mary’s, and soak up choral harmonies. Dating back to 1865, the stained-glass reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper are a talking point, add talented maestros, and the stage is set to enthral.
The international line-up is impressive. Master Irish fiddler, Martin Hayes takes to the stage with exquisite lyrical compositions from his native land. Åkervinda, an award winning Swedish quartet, weave stories of love, loss, and resilience into harmonious Nordic folk songs. The USA Grammy Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth, break all the rules. Hear their voices echo through the arched vaulted ceilings.
3. Lotterywest Films
Discover the Lotterywest Films program. (Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy)
One of the festivals longest-running favourites, Lotterywest Films run a rich tapestry of cinematic features showing until 29th of March. Pack a picnic, cushions, popcorn and pop a cork under a Somerville Pine Tree as the sun sets and screenings begin. Cinema lovers, choose your poison from thrillers, deep-dive documentaries, tearjerkers, raunchy rom-coms and side-splitting comedies. The program is fantastically full, the filmmakers the best in the business, and the outdoor setting, unequalled.
4. The Embassy
Step into the old world glitz of The Embassy. (Image: Franz Bato)
Modelled on Perth’s historic Embassy Ballroom, a devilish dance venue that operated in the 1900s, The Embassy in Perth Town Hall, serves sophistication in its A-list shows. Set your sequins a’sparkle at the, What’s TINA Got to Do With It extravaganza where guest artists play tribute as they belt out the glitzy star’s hits. The returning act, Ali Bodycoat & The Embassy Big Band, will have you jiving as you take to the dance floor reimagining a bygone era. Who doesn’t like chocolate? Black-bearded drag sensation, La Gateau Chocolat puts the raw in cacao. World-renowned for his feisty range of storied songs, he reveals the inner-man come artist through his deliciously sweet and intimate act.
5. Unusual locations
Watch a star-studded cast in The Trial. (Image: Cole Baxter)
We’ve all heard of the hit show, The Office, but a spinetingling operatic thriller acted out in disused office space? Philip Glass’ nail-biter, The Trial, has a star-studded line-up. Together they deliver a dramatic ordeal showcasing Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton’s libretto; the suspense lingers after the final bow.
Sit back under starry skies and soak up dynamic dance at Ballet at the Quarry: Incandescence. Four exclusive classical and contemporary acts illuminate the amphitheatre’s stage as Perth City twinkles at nightfall. Mystery excites the mind. West Australian Opera returns again with another ‘secret opera’. Be led from an undisclosed meeting point and let the music lead to the secret.
6. A View From A Bridge
Share your innermost thoughts at A View From A Bridge.
Free, connecting strangers, and inclusive to everyone, artist, Joe Bloom’s collaborative project, A View From A Bridge has one prop – an old red telephone. Talk into the receiver, share thoughts, innermost feelings, memories, hopes and dreams as Bloom captures you from afar. The freedom to speak through the telephone movement has a worldwide following. A range of clips will be shown online.
What else to do in Perth
Taste the best of Perth at eateries like Shadow Wine Bar.
Endless blue skies crown Perth during February, making it the perfect time to explore Australia’s most western capital city. The city might be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to what’s on. Perth Cultural Centre houses the city’s art-scene venues: Western Australian Art Gallery, WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).
After exploring the city’s alleyways, hidden corners, and main hub, savour worldclass food in Perth’s vibrant eateries. Award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes can be found throughout; the leisurely eat-and-drink scene is literally mouthwatering, so book extra nights.
