Fremantle, a vibrant port city with a rich maritime and colonial history, is one of Western Australia’s most historically significant destinations. With its well-preserved heritage buildings, convict history, and strong links to the sea, Fremantle offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped the region. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about Australia’s past, Fremantle’s historic landmarks and museums provide a fascinating glimpse into the city’s heritage. Here’s your guide to discovering Fremantle’s history and heritage.
1. Fremantle Prison: A World Heritage-Listed Landmark
Start your historical journey at Fremantle Prison, one of Western Australia’s most iconic heritage sites. Originally built by convict labor in the 1850s, the prison operated for over 140 years and played a crucial role in the development of the region. Today, Fremantle Prison is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, offering guided tours that take you through its eerie cells, punishment yards, and underground tunnels.
There are several tours to choose from, each offering a unique perspective on the prison’s history, including the Convict Prison Tour, the Behind Bars Tour, and the chilling Torchlight Tour, which explores the prison’s darker stories by night.
What we love: The immersive tours that bring Fremantle’s convict and colonial history to life.
Good to know: The Tunnel Tour takes you beneath the prison, where you can explore the underground water tunnels that convicts built in the 1800s.
Location: 1 The Terrace, Fremantle, WA 6160
Image © Tourism Western Australia
2. WA Maritime Museum: Celebrating Fremantle’s Seafaring Past
Given its history as a bustling port, Fremantle’s maritime heritage is an essential part of the city’s identity. The WA Maritime Museum, located on the waterfront at Victoria Quay, is a must-visit for anyone interested in the region’s connection to the sea. The museum’s exhibits cover everything from early exploration and shipwrecks to modern naval history, offering a comprehensive look at Western Australia’s maritime past.
Highlights include the famous Australia II yacht, which won the America’s Cup in 1983, and the HMAS Ovens, an Oberon-class submarine that visitors can tour to get a feel for life beneath the waves.
What we love: The interactive exhibits and chance to tour a real submarine.
Good to know: The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions on various maritime topics, so check ahead for current displays.
Location: Victoria Quay, Peter Hughes Dr, Fremantle, WA 6160
3. The Round House: Fremantle’s Oldest Building
Perched on a hill overlooking Bathers Beach, the Fremantle Round House is the city’s oldest public building, built in 1831. Originally used as a prison for convicts and colonial lawbreakers, the Round House has since been preserved as a historical site, offering visitors a glimpse into Fremantle’s early colonial history.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Round House is the daily Time Ball and Cannon Firing Ceremony at 1:00 pm, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century when it was used to signal ships in the harbor to set their timepieces.
What we love: The stunning views over Fremantle and the Indian Ocean from the hilltop location.
Good to know: Entry to the Round House is free, but gold coin donations are appreciated to help with the site’s maintenance.
Location: 10 Arthur Head Rd, Fremantle, WA 6160
Image © Tourism Western Australia
4. Fremantle’s West End: A Heritage Walk Through Time
Fremantle’s West End is a beautifully preserved precinct filled with heritage-listed buildings, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Once the heart of Fremantle’s port and trade activities, the West End is now a vibrant area known for its galleries, boutiques, and cafes, all housed within these historic structures.
Take a self-guided walking tour through the West End to admire the Victorian, Georgian, and Edwardian architecture that defines this area. Key stops along the way include High Street, Cliff Street, and the Fremantle Town Hall, with its grand façade and elegant design.
What we love: The charming, old-world atmosphere of the West End, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Good to know: Pick up a heritage trail map from the Fremantle Visitor Centre to guide you through the area’s historic landmarks.
Location: West End Precinct, Fremantle, WA 6160
Image © Tourism Western Australia
5. WA Shipwrecks Museum: Discovering Australia’s Maritime Tragedies
For those fascinated by maritime archaeology, the WA Shipwrecks Museum offers a captivating look at the many ships that met their fate along Western Australia’s treacherous coastline. Located in a heritage-listed building on Cliff Street, the museum houses artifacts from some of the most famous shipwrecks in Australian history, including the Dutch ship Batavia, which wrecked off the WA coast in 1629.
The museum’s collection includes cannons, coins, navigational instruments, and other relics recovered from the wreckage, providing a fascinating glimpse into the dangers faced by early explorers and traders.
What we love: The detailed exhibits that bring the stories of famous shipwrecks to life.
Good to know: Entry to the WA Shipwrecks Museum is free, but donations are welcomed.
Location: 45 Cliff St, Fremantle, WA 6160
6. Fremantle Town Hall: A Colonial Icon
Built in 1887, the Fremantle Town Hall is one of the city’s most striking heritage buildings. With its grand clock tower and ornate Victorian architecture, the Town Hall stands as a symbol of Fremantle’s colonial past. The building was originally constructed to serve as a hub for civic activities and has since played host to countless events, from town meetings to grand balls.
While the exterior is a testament to 19th-century craftsmanship, the interior has also been beautifully preserved, with period details and historic photographs lining the walls. Visitors can explore the Town Hall and its surrounding square, which often hosts community events and festivals.
What we love: The elegant architecture and the sense of history that permeates every corner of the building.
Good to know: The Fremantle Visitor Centre is located nearby, making it a convenient stop during your exploration of the city’s heritage sites.
Location: 8 William St, Fremantle, WA 6160
Image © Tourism Western Australia
7. The Esplanade Hotel: Fremantle’s Grandest Heritage Hotel
For a glimpse of Fremantle’s grandeur during the gold rush era, step into the historic Esplanade Hotel. Originally built in the 1850s as a small boarding house, the hotel was transformed into a luxurious establishment during the 1890s, reflecting the city’s wealth and growing importance as a port. Today, the Esplanade Hotel remains a symbol of Fremantle’s heritage, offering visitors a chance to step back in time while enjoying modern comforts.
Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s worth visiting to admire its grand colonial architecture and enjoy a drink at one of its bars or restaurants.
What we love: The blend of old-world charm and modern luxury, set in the heart of Fremantle.
Good to know: The hotel’s location near the Esplanade Reserve makes it a perfect starting point for a heritage walk.
Location: 46-54 Marine Terrace, Fremantle, WA 6160
Final Thoughts
Fremantle’s rich history and heritage make it one of Western Australia’s most fascinating cities to explore. From convict-built prisons and maritime museums to grand colonial buildings and preserved heritage precincts, the city’s past is alive in every corner. Whether you’re wandering through the historic West End or stepping inside the walls of Fremantle Prison, the stories of Fremantle’s past are waiting to be discovered.
So, take your time, explore at your own pace, and immerse yourself in the history and heritage that make Fremantle a true gem on Australia’s west coast.