20 Things To Do In Fremantle | Australian Traveller

The vibrant city of Fremantle is a truly unique WA destination, where cosmopolitan bars, world-class restaurants and charming cafes meet laid-back vibes and salty beach culture.

Add to that the colourful tapestry of colonial, convict and Indigenous history, heritage buildings, vibrant street art and the fact that Rottnest (and its famous quokkas) are only 25 minutes away,  and you’ve suddenly got a lot to choose from.

To help you map out an unforgettable Fremantle experience, here are 20 things to do in the preeminent port city.

1. See the Fremantle Markets

No trip to Fremantle would be complete without a visit to the iconic Fremantle Markets. The building originally functioned as a wholesale food market selling an eclectic mix of fresh produce, reflective of the many migrants who had moved to the port city.

a couple browsing through the fruit stalls at one of the Fremantle markets — Fill your basket with fresh local produce. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Today, you can soak up the market’s vibrant atmosphere with over 150 stalls, selling fresh produce, coffee, jewellery, homewares and clothes, as well as having a bustling food hall section where you can get breakfast or lunch.

a band performing in one of of the Fremantle markets — Stroll around the bustling Fremantle market scene. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. See the Fremantle Roundhouse

The Roundhouse is the oldest public building in WA. Opened in 1831, just 18 months after settlement, it was built to hold convicts. Today, the Round House is a tourist attraction that is free to enter for the public. Don’t miss the firing of the cannon at 1pm each day.

3. Sip sunset drinks at Bathers Beach

Bathers Beach is where the heritage of Fremantle meets the ocean, with the stretch of white sand just a sandy-footed stroll from some of the oldest public buildings in Western Australia.

a couple holding hands walking along the Bathers Beach at sunset — Go for a sunset stroll on the sandy Bathers Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

It also happened to become Australia’s first licensed beach in 2016 – meaning you can take a seat on one of the inviting sun loungers and order a drink right on the sand.

people relaxing on sunloungers with a drink in hand at Bathers Beach — Stay for a sundowner. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

4. Enjoy the sunset at Monument Hill

Monument Hill is home to the Fremantle War Monument, which commemorates World War I and II, the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War. It’s surrounded by beautiful rose gardens and sprawling lush lawns, and offers (almost) 360-degree views of Fremantle and even out to the Perth CBD. It’s a beautiful spot for an evening picnic to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

5. Have Little Creatures experience

If you like your beer, then a tour of the iconic Little Creatures brewery is a must. You’ll learn about all things brewing, the legendary Little Creatures story, and what ingredients they use. You’ll also enjoy a tasting of all the Little Creatures beers and ciders.

a couple ordering tap beers at Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle — Order beers on tap at Little Creatures Brewery. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Once you’re done, take advantage of the brewery’s free bike hire and explore Fremantle on two wheels. Bikes are available outside the main brewhouse.

the beer production room at Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle — Tour the iconic Little Creatures Brewery. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Tours are every day at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm and Fridays at 6pm.

6. Freo Farmers Market

The Fremantle Farmers Market runs every Sunday morning from 8am – 12pm at Bruce Lee Reserve in neighbouring Beaconsfield. Expect stalls from local farmers, bakers, small producers and local artists; as well as live music, coffee stalls and activities for kids.

7. Go book-shopping

Fremantle is home to arguably some of Perth’s best bookstores. New Edition on High Street is a sophisticated store housed in a heritage building, The Chart & Map Shop has every travel book you could imagine, while Bill Campbell Books and Elizabeth’s both sell extensive ranges of second-hand books. And if you’ve got little ones, WA’s most magical children’s bookshop Paper Bird is tucked away in a delightful heritage building in the west end. It’s Perth’s only specialist children’s bookshop, and is a whimsical, imaginative space for little ones to explore.

8. Explore Fremantle Prison

Fremantle Prison was built as a convict barracks in the 1850s and remained in use until 1991. It’s the most intact convict establishment in the nation and the first building in WA to be included on the World Heritage list.

the facade of Fremantle Prison — Once a convict barracks in the 1850s, Fremantle Prison remained in use until 1991. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

When it was in use, Fremantle Prison was a place of hangings, dramatic convict escapes and prisoner riots – making for a fascinating history lesson for visitors.

guests going down the underground tunnels at Fremantle Prison — Venture down the underground tunnels at the Fremantle Prison. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

You can take part in several captivating tours led by experienced tour guides who bring the intriguing folklore of the prison to life.

a man on a boat tour under a tunnel at Fremantle Prison — Explore a labyrinth of tunnels on a boat tour. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

9. Explore the WA Maritime Museum

Perched right on the waterfront, the Museum houses several unique galleries that explore WA’s maritime history. Exhibits range from leisure boats and handcrafted sailing boats to commercial pearl luggers. For sporting fans, the Museum is also home to the winning America’s Cup yacht, Australia II.

10. Embrace the cappuccino strip

Thanks to the strong Italian influence brought to Fremantle by European migrants, the stretch of South Terrace between Bannister and Parry Streets is famously known as the ‘Cappuccino Strip’ – a busy cosmopolitan mix of cafes, restaurants and bars.

people dining al fresco at the Cappuccino strip in Fremantle — Nab a table in one of the alfresco eateries. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

It was the first place in the state to introduce alfresco dining back in the 1970s, which visitors can now enjoy by dining at one of the many eateries with tables and chairs spilling out into the street.

the Cappuccino strip in Fremantle — The Cappuccino strip is a busy mix of cafes, restaurants, and bars. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

11. Sample the state’s best conti rolls

Thanks (again) to the Italians, Fremantle is home to Perth’s best Italian delis and consequently, the best continental rolls. Galati & Son’s on Wray Avenue is a neighbourhood green grocer serving daily handmade continental rolls. Lo Presti & Sons in East Fremantle have been serving continental rolls since the ’60s, and South Freo Continental on South Terrace is an Italian gourmet grocer and café.

12. Go beach-hopping

When it comes to white sand and turquoise waters, Fremantle has arguably more choice than any other area in Perth. To the north, Leighton Beach and Port Beach are low-key, family-friendly stretches of sprawling sand.

an aerial view of people on Leighton Beach — Enjoy the sunshine and turquoise waters at Leighton Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia/@ospreycreative)

In the centre of Fremantle is the iconic Bathers Beach, a much smaller but still very appealing location. And the bustling South Beach is a huge expanse of white sand, with dog-friendly sections and ample foreshore grassland.

an aerial view of the Bathers Beach in Fremantle — Set foot on the iconic Bathers Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

13. Get fish and chips at Fishing Boat Harbour

Fishing Boat Harbour is a working harbour cushioned by restaurants boasting water views and seriously good fish and chips.

an aerial view of the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour — Take in scenic water views from the Fishing Boat Harbour. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Kailis is a stunning venue with a raw bar and BBQ fish counter; while Twin Fin offers a more casual, relaxed experience – or takeaway boxes enjoyed on the foreshore for sunset.

people dining at Kailis Fish Market, Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour — Enjoy fish and chips at Kailis Fish Market. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

14. Learn about distilling at the Republic of Fremantle

The Republic of Fremantle creates expertly crafted gin and vodka using WA ingredients, and they offer a range of tours, workshops and hands-on learning sessions for those keen on distilling. You can distil your own gin at Gin School, sip and learn at Cocktail School, take a guided tour of the distillery (with tastings) or book a gin or negroni tasting flight in their bar.

15. Visit Fremantle Arts Centre

Fremantle Arts Centre is a hub of creative and cultural activity, and a place for artists, musicians, writers, thinkers, and curators to share their art with the world. Check their website to see what exhibitions they have on at any given time. And during summer, they transform their lush outdoor courtyard into a live music venue, offering free Sunday music with food trucks and pop-up bars.

the exterior of the Fremantle Arts Centre — Check out cultural exhibitions at Fremantle Arts Centre.

16. Pop over to Rottnest Island

WA’s island paradise Rottnest is only a 25-minute ferry ride from Fremantle. Ferries depart from Northport at Rous Head in North Fremantle and B Shed at Victoria Quay in Fremantle.

a couple enjoying dinner at Rottnest Island — Enjoy dinner with a view at Rottnest Island. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Set sail in the morning, hire a bike to explore, enjoy a pub lunch with a view at Hotel Rottnest, and jump on the late afternoon ferry home.

a couple enjoying lunch on Rottnest Island — Unwind with a tipple or two. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

17. Take in a festival

Fremantle might well be the festival capital of the state, with its year-round program of music, theatre, visual art, food and cultural festivals. Annual highlights include the Fringe Festival in February, the Perth Festival in March, the Fremantle International Street Arts Festival over the Easter long weekend, 10 Nights in Port held each winter, the Blessing of the Fleet in October, Beerfest and Fremantle Running Festival in November, and the Fremantle Christmas festival in December.

18. Go touring

Fremantle is a colourful tapestry of colonial, convict, and Indigenous history, paired with heritage buildings, vibrant street art and hidden laneways (that likely were used for horse-and-cart.) As such, there are a lot of tours on offer.

two people posing for a picture in front of Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre — Pay a visit to the iconic Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Take a self-guided walking tour , book a food-lovers walking tour , take a rickshaw bar crawl or get in touch with the Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre to find out when their next cultural tour is.

arts and crafts at Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre — Immerse in Indigenous art and history at Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

19. See the famous rainbow shipping containers

At nine metres high, 19 meters long and 66 tonnes heavy, Fremantle’s much-loved Containbow is not your average public art piece. Renowned Perth artist Marcus Canning constructed the piece from nine recycled sea containers, acknowledging Fremantle’s artistic as well as maritime heritage. Perched high on the hill on Canning Highway, the artwork overlooks the Swan River and the port, welcoming visitors to Fremantle whether they’re arriving by train, car or boat.

20. Grab dinner at Sunshine Harvester Works

Nestled in the east end of Fremantle, Sunshine is a food hall with a difference. There’s a diverse collection of local food stalls serving everything from burgers and pizzas, to dumplings and Asian street food. There’s even a craft brewery and distillery.

Stay the night in one of Fremantle’s best hotels.

This remote corner of Australia is one of the world’s last frontiers. This is how to see it properly.

Vast, rugged and deeply spiritual, the Kimberley coast in Australia’s North West feels a world away from everyday Australia – and there are countless ways to explore it. But if you want to reach ancient rock art, hidden gorges and lonely waterfalls, it has to be by boat. Whether you’re aboard a nimble expedition vessel or a luxury yacht with all the trimmings, exploring by the water brings exclusive experiences, shows unique views and makes travel easier than any other mode. And that’s just the beginning of Australia’s North West cruises.

The True North Adventure Cruise in between sandstone cliffs. — Adventure starts where the road ends.

1. Discover Broome, and beyond

Explore your launchpad before you set sail: Broome. Here camels and their riders stride along the 22 kilometres of powdery Cable Beach at sunset. That’s just the start.

At Gantheaume Point, red pindan cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea, whose low tide uncovers fossilised dinosaur footprints. Broome’s pearling history runs deep. Japanese, Chinese, Malay and Aboriginal divers once worked these waters, and their legacy lives on in boutiques where South Sea pearls still shine.

If the moon’s right, you may catch the Staircase to the Moon over Roebuck Bay. Or simply kick back with a cold beverage and a film under the stars at Sun Pictures , screening since 1916.

Ride a camel along Cable Beach as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean, casting golden light across the sand and sea. — Ride a camel along Cable Beach. (Image: Nick Dunn)

2. Unmatched access to The Kimberley

Once you’re onboard, expect a backstage pass to some of the most isolated places on Earth. No roads. No ports. No phone reception.

At Horizontal Falls/ Garaanngaddim, 10-metre tides surge through twin gorges like a natural waterpark ride that’ll make your palms sweat. Then there’s Montgomery Reef/ Yowjab: a giant living platform of coral and seagrass, where the sea pulls back to reveal waterfalls, sea turtles and ospreys.

Up north, King George Falls/ Oomari rage 80 metres down red cliffs. Zodiac boats often nudge in closer so you can feel the spray on your sun-warmed cheeks. You might even fly in to reach Mitchell Falls/ Punamii-unpuu, a four-tiered cascade where you can swim in freshwater pools above the drop.

Come spring, some itineraries veer west to Rowley Shoals: an atoll chain of white sand and reef walls. Then it’s up the winding Prince Regent River to King Cascade/ Maamboolbadda, tumbling over rock terraces, and into a Zodiac to view the Gwion Gwion rock art, whose slender, ochre-painted figures are older than the pyramids.

A cruise drifts beneath King George Falls, where sheer sandstone cliffs frame the thunderous plunge into turquoise waters. — Get closer to the Kimberley than ever before.

3. Taste the Kimberley with onboard hospitality

You might spend your days clambering over slippery rocks or charging past waterfalls. But when you’re back on the water, it’s a different story. Meals are chef-prepared and regionally inspired: grilled barramundi, pearl meat sashimi, mango tarts, and bush tomato chutney. One night it’s barefoot beach barbecues with your shipmates; the next, alfresco dining on the ship.

Small expedition ships each have their own personality, but many carry just 12 to 36 guests, making being out on the water a whole other experience. You might sink into a spa on the foredeck or sip coffee in a lounge while watching crocodiles cruise by. It’s choose-your-own-relaxation, Kimberley style.

4. Expert-led excursions through the Kimberley

These voyages are led by people who know the Kimberley like the back of their sunburnt hand. Attenborough-esque naturalists might gently tap your shoulder to point out rare birds or tell the story beneath a slab of rock. Historians can explain exactly how that rusted World War II relic came to rest here.

If your ship has a helipad, you might chopper straight to a waterfall-fed swimming hole. If not, you’ll still be hopping ashore for that wet landing at a secret creek.

Then come the evenings: songlines shared by Traditional Owners under the stars, or astronomy sessions that link what’s overhead with what’s underfoot and what’s within.

A small group glides through Kimberley’s rugged coastline by boat, passing ancient cliffs. — Explore with naturalists and historians by your side.

5. Relax in luxurious lodgings

Just because you’re off-grid doesn’t mean you have to rough it. These Kimberley vessels are small in size, but mighty in luxury. True North’s ships come with their own helicopters and a no-sea-days policy, so you’re always in the thick of it. Try the luxurious offerings from Ocean Dream Charters for exploration in style. Kimberley Quest offers a fast boat for easy, off-ship adventures. On the larger end of the scale, Coral Expeditions has open-deck bars and curated wine cellars. And then there’s Ponant’s luxury yachts – sleek and incredibly stylish French sailing yachts.

A helicopter soars above the sea, with a sleek cruise ship gliding in the distance. — See the Kimberley from sky to shore.

6. The adventure continues with pre- and post-cruise experiences

You’ve already come this far – so, why not go further? Broome makes it easy to ease in before you board, or wind down when your voyage ends, and there is no reason to stop there.

Head an hour and a half south to Eco Beach to stay off-grid and off the clock. Join a Yawuru guide for a mangrove walk or ocean forage. Dive even deeper into Broome’s pearling past at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay, where divers and craftspeople still pull the seawater-slicked gems from the deep.

If you’re still craving adventure, it’s time to go further. Soar over the Buccaneer Archipelago, or detour inland with a 4WD trip along the Gibb River Road. Book a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles. Or – because you never know when you’ll be back – do all three.

aerial of people walking on eco beach in the kimberley western australia — Stay off grid at Eco Beach. (Image: Tourism WA)

Find out more about your trip to Australia’s North West at australiasnorthwest.com .

20 unforgettable things to do in Fremantle