Fremantle Western Australia
Perth's historical port city. Made famous for producing the yacht "Australia 2" which won the America's Cup for Australia in 1983 which can be viewed in the local Maritime Museum. Much of WA's architecture is young by world standards however in Fremantle, most original buildings from the first settlement still stand, giving the city a lovely charm.
At a Glance
Take a ferry to Rottnest Island, or simply enjoy the quaint shops and street buskers.
The best way to book Fremantle
Where is Fremantle?
Fremantle is 15 kilometres west of Perth.
Fremantle is situated at the mouth of the Swan River in the south west corner of Australia in the Experience Perth tourist region. Fremantle faces west to the Indian Ocean and is positioned on a headland that comprises the city centre on the south side and the major port operations on the north side. The city is conveniently located central to most of Perth's major swimming beaches and being a working port is well connected by major highways in perth's transportation network. One of the best ways to get to Albany is to hire a car from Perth Airport.
Things to see in Fremantle
Fremantle Prison
One of Western Australia's premier heritage sites and in 2010 became the first building in Western Australia to be inscribed on the World Heritage list. The building is the most intact convict establishment in Australia, having been used continuously as a place of imprisonment for 140 years although decommissioned as an operating jail in 199. The empty prison with its thick limestone walls, cells and gallows is a striking reminder of the harsh conditons faced by early prisoners. Fremantle Prison is rich in folklore and superstition. Guided tours take visitors on a journey of colourful characters and ghost stories. Torchlight tours at night run each week and there are even canoe rides through the labyrinth of underground tunnels 20 metres beneath the Prison.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
WA Maritime Museum
Housed in an iconic and prominent building at Victoria Quay, the WA Maritime Museum provides an interesting way of experiencing Western Australia's maritime endeavours. Including several unique galleries that explore the state's relationship with the sea and features hundreds of artifacts from the 1600's raised from the seabed from the many Dutch shipwrecks that litter the ocean along WA's coastline. Home to the winning America's Cup yacht, Australia II and an Oberon class submarine HMAS Ovens, Jon Sanders’ Parry Endeavour and many other iconic vessels from WA's maritime history. View more details
Image © Tourism Western Australia
South Terrace Cappuccino Strip
Have a coffee, tea, cold drink or meal on South Terrace. Known to locals as the "Cappuccino Strip". The bustling street features many coffee houses, restaurants and pubs where tourists and locals alike unwind and enjoy the sunny weather, set amongst the beautiful old colonial buildings. One of the strip's most popular tenants is the Sail and Anchor and was Australia's first pub and microbrewery.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Fremantle Markets
Established in 1897, the markets are a Western Australian icon and as such are the oldest and most interesting markets in the state. The grand old Victorian building was restored and reopened in 1975 to provide a modern, yet architecturally historic expeirence. The atmosphere of the markets has been developed over a hundred years of vibrant culture and tradition, mixed with the unmistakable flavours of modern Fremantle. Enjoy the mix of fellow tourists, musicians and artists and well as the friendly stall sellers. Fresh local produce is also on offer including coffees, cheeses and fresh fish. Unique Australian fashion, jewellery and ceramics is also a delight.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
WA Shipwrecks Museum
The WA Shipwrecks Museum is internationally recognised for its contributions to maritime archaeology and shipwreck conservation. Journey through its galleries to learn about Western Australia’s treacherous coast, first European encounters, the riches of maritime trade and one of the deadliest mutinies in known history. Located on Whadjuk Nyoongar land, the Museum is housed inside Fremantle’s historic Commissariat buildings. Originally built to store the food, clothing and building supplies of the Swan River colony, these buildings are among the first Western Australian sites built using convict labour. View more details
Image © Government of Western Australia
What's the weather like?
As part of Australia's Capital City, Perth and Fremantle is the sunniest major place in Australia, with over eight hours of sunlight each day. With warm Summers and cool, wet Winters the seasons follow a Southern Hemisphere climate. In Summer (December to February), the average maximum temperature is 31°C with an average minimum temperature of 19°C. In Winter (June to August), the average maximum temperature is 16°C with an average minimum temperature of 9°C. The city experiences a cooling afternoon sea breeze known locally as the "Fremantle Doctor" due to its soothing effect on the Summer heat.
Get to know Fremantle's history
The native Noongar Aboriginal people inhabited the area of Fremantle which was known to them as Walyalup. The city was colonised by European settlers in 1829 after the founding of Perth. Fremantle was the main Port for the new colony and also housed the convict Prisons including fremantle Prison and the Round House, Western Australia's oldest public building, completed in 1831. Captain Charles Howe Fremantle of HMS Challenger, a 603 ton, 28-gun frigate, was instructed to sail to the west coast of Australia to establish a settlement as a result of favourable reports and it was after him that the city was named. The first convicts arrived in 1850.
In 1897, Fremantle Harbour was deepened with the limestone bar and sand shoals across the entrance to the Swan River being removed making Fremantle a new port for commercial shipping. This coincided with the 19th century gold rush, transforming Fremantle into a major centre. In World War II, Fremantle was the home of the largest Allied Submarine base in the Southern Hemisphere. Fremantle hosted the America's Cup in 1987 and the World Sailing Championships in 2011.
Looking for visitor and tourist information, maps and brochures, booking assistance and local expert tips in Fremantle? Check out the Fremantle Visitor Centre!