A Day Out in Fremantle
A Day Out in Fremantle
Just 30 minutes from Perth CBD, Fremantle (or Freo, as the locals call it) is WA’s charming port city with a rhythm all its own. Recently crowned Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2025, Fremantle blends heritage buildings, coastal landscape, and some of the state’s best food and drink into one compact, walkable destination.
Museums and Heritage
Fremantle Prison
This UNESCO World Heritage site is WA’s most significant cultural attraction. The convict-built prison operated from the 1850s until 1991, and now offers a range of tours including the popular Torchlight Tour and underground Tunnel Tours. It’s fascinating, eerie, and essential Freo.
WA Maritime Museum
Located on Victoria Quay overlooking the port and Indian Ocean, this world-class museum houses the Australia II yacht (winner of the 1983 America’s Cup) and extensive maritime displays. Perfect for families and history buffs alike.
WA Shipwrecks Museum
Housed in an 1850s Commissariat building, this museum reveals artifacts from the infamous 17th-century Batavia shipwreck and tells stories of bravery, survival, and mutiny. Recognised as the foremost maritime archaeology museum in the southern hemisphere.
The Round House
Western Australia’s oldest public building, purpose-built as a gaol in the 1850s when the Swan River Colony was first settled. Now a popular viewing platform and sunset spot. Volunteer guides are available to share the history. Free entry.
Fremantle Arts Centre
Housed in a convict-built neo-Gothic building from 1860 (also known as Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre), this venue offers gallery spaces showcasing local and touring exhibitions, a café, gift shop, and regular events celebrating Aboriginal culture and contemporary arts.
Markets and Shopping
Fremantle Markets
Open Friday to Sunday and around for over 120 years, Fremantle Markets is an institution. With more than 150 stalls selling everything from fresh produce to locally made treats, clothing, jewelry, arts and crafts, it’s one of the most popular attractions in WA.
When: Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-6pm
Shopping Precincts
Fremantle offers seven-day shopping across High Street, South Terrace, and the West End. Find boutiques like Three Stories, Common Ground, Ode, Naked Gypsy, and vintage treasure trove Wear2 with its massive selection of vintage fashion. The Preloved Market at FOMO Freo also runs regularly for vintage and streetwear finds.
Beaches
Bathers Beach
Fremantle’s local favourite – close to the main attractions, with sun loungers available and WA’s first licensed beach area. Perfect for a swim followed by drinks at Bathers Beach House.
South Beach
Serene waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Features a floating pontoon, playground, shaded areas, and scenic walking tracks. One of the best spots to catch Fremantle’s famous sunsets.
Leighton Beach and Port Beach
Popular with windsurfers, kite surfers, and surfers. Patrolled by Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club during certain times of the year. Both beaches are great for swimming with small, manageable waves.
Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour
A fully operational fishing port that’s always buzzing with people. The vibrant waterfront is home to restaurants serving fresh seafood, bars, and great views of the boats. Stroll along the boardwalk, grab fish and chips, and watch the sun go down. Nearby restaurants include Bathers Beach House, Cicerello’s, and Char Char.
Cafes and Breakfast Venues
Peggy’s
Market Street sandwich bar serving next-level sandwiches and filter coffee. A fast favourite drawing fans from all over Perth.
Good Things
Fremantle outpost of the Mosman Park favourite. Signature dishes include chicken and hotcakes and chilli scramble.
Little Lefroy’s
Known for some of the best coffee in Fremantle with generous serves of food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Hinata Café
Adorable plant-filled rustic space serving cosy Japanese home-style plates with monthly rotating brunch sets.
The Cool Room
Retro cafe tucked away in a suburban street with Formica tables, mismatched chairs, and elaborate, artfully arranged brunches. Unpretentious and charming.
Plated (Fremantle Arts Centre)
Located in the picturesque courtyard of Fremantle Arts Centre, offering a globally-influenced menu from Nordic breakfast plates to Vietnamese bánh xèo, plus picnic boxes and high tea.
Little French Nest
Charming café serving decadent crêpes, croque monsieurs, home baked pastries and French treats.
Common Bakery
West End outpost serving signature Common loaves, sweet treats, Good Seeds coffee, and a range of focaccias.
Cos Baby Freo
Brekkie classics and fresh bowls that make you glad you got up early.
Restaurants and Dining
La Lune, East Fremantle
Modern French dining on George Street with classics like Pemberton trout Meunier, duck breast with lentils, and steak with frites and béarnaise. Afternoon charcuterie boards and French wines.
Nieuw Ruin
One of Fremantle’s best restaurants with energy, excellent floor service, and a menu that works whether you’re there for snacks or a blowout.
Young George
Warmth and character with dishes like beef chop chop tartare, ramen-fried chicken in milk buns, and wood-fired octopus with chorizo and fregola. Lo-fi wine selection.
Madalena’s, South Fremantle
Seafood takes centre stage in this vintage storefront dining room, paired with a selection of natural wines.
Italian and Pizza
Republic of Fremantle
Award-winning distillery and restaurant with the best cocktails in Perth. Da Napoli Pizzeria’s Andrea and Antonia run bespoke pizza ovens churning out wood-fired pizzas. Signature cocktails and gin/cocktail school available.
Vin Populi
From the team behind No Mafia, this West End spot serves salumi, fresh pasta and local seafood with martinis and chilled vibes.
Breweries
Little Creatures
Pair pints and portside views at this iconic Fremantle brewery on the waterfront.
Gage Roads Fremantle
Watch ships pass through the port with a cold pint of Single Finn. The menu celebrates local produce with fresh seafood, woodfired pizzas, and tacos designed for sharing. Exclusive limited-edition brews available.
Casual and Seafood
Bathers Beach House
Perth’s only absolute beachfront restaurant – right on the sand with ocean views. Fresh seafood, share plates, and a well-rounded drinks list. Fish and chip shop on-site for takeaway.
Cicerello’s
The finest fish and chips in Fremantle at the Fishing Boat Harbour.
Kailis Fishmarket Cafe
Fresh seafood and fish and chips at the Fishing Boat Harbour.
Moore and Moore Cafe
Vintage cafe-slash-gallery near Leighton Beach with colourful all-day brunches and rotating art exhibitions.
Bars and Nightlife
Sweetwater Rooftop Bar, Fremantle
Rooftop bar with stunning views, cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere.
The National Hotel
Historic Fremantle pub with a rooftop bar offering panoramic views.
Flight Club Darts, South Terrace
High-tech darts with Victorian fairground-themed venue, cocktails, sharing plates, and DJs. Book an oche for 60 or 90 minutes of Social Darts.
Strange Company
One of Fremantle’s best bars for a proper drink and good atmosphere.
Jungle Bird
Tropical-themed cocktail bar with a fun, laid-back vibe.
Ronnie Nights
Popular bar known for natural wines and a great local crowd.
Patio Bar
Relaxed bar perfect for drinks and conversation.
Ode to Sirens
70s-inspired hi-fi listening bar combining Greek-centric dining with smooth drinks and smooth tunes. Cocktails like Pisco Inferno and I Like Pina Coladas.
Darling Darling
Fremantle’s famous pirate bar with a hidden entrance. Loot the bar snacks and throw your peanut shells on the floor.
Jetty Bar
Perched on the river between Fremantle’s bridges, shifting from laidback daytime hangout to lovely bar at night. Mediterranean-inspired shared plates.
South Fremantle Hot Spots
La Cabana
South Terrace favourite known for coastal vibes and great food.
Percy Flint
Popular South Freo bar and eatery.
Wild In The Street
Eclectic beach club vibe with coastal tapas, cocktails, terracotta tiles, vibrant walls, and sculptural art.
South Beach Hotel
Perfect post-swim spot for a cheap pint and pub grub. Seasonal share plates, pizzas, salads, and classic mains.
Little Loaf Bakery
Award-winning bread, pastries, conti rolls, sweet treats, and legendary coffee in a self-serve concept.
Activities and Experiences
Fremantle Tourist Wheel (The Fremantle Eye)
40-metre high Ferris wheel with 24 gondolas at Esplanade Park. Covered with 25,000 LED lights that sparkle at night. Rides last 7-8 minutes.
Cost: $12 adults, $10 kids, $40 family of four
Hours: Daily 10am-9pm (10pm Friday & Saturday)
Rottnest Island Day Trip
Catch the ferry from Fremantle to Rottnest Island for beach hopping and quokka chasing. SeaLink Rottnest Island ferries depart regularly from Fremantle.
Manjaree Trail
Scenic coastal walk that teaches about the six Nyoongar seasons as you make your way down the coast.
Monument Hill
Popular spot for legendary sunsets with panoramic views.
Funlab at FOMO Fremantle
Putt putt, bowling, and arcade games all under one roof.
Street Art and Murals
South Fremantle is home to incredible street art including the East West mural. Take a selfie with the giant numbat or find iconic statues like the CY O’Connor statue at Victoria Quay, bronze fishermen at Fishing Boat Harbour, and the Bon Scott memorial.
Getting There and Getting Around
From Perth CBD: 30-minute drive or take the train from Perth Station to Fremantle Station (approximately 30 minutes). Trains operate regularly via Transperth.
Getting Around: Fremantle is compact and best explored on foot. The free Fremantle CAT bus completes regular circuits stopping at major attractions. Bike hire is available from Fremantle Visitor Centre.
Parking: Street parking and paid car parks available throughout Fremantle.
The Cappuccino Strip
South Terrace, affectionately known as the “Cappuccino Strip,” celebrates Fremantle’s Italian heritage with a mix of cafés, restaurants, and pubs. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with pizza and pasta, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts and coffee lovers. Historic venues like Gino’s (since 1983) sit alongside newer spots creating a vibrant dining scene.
Practical Tips
- Fremantle Markets are busiest on weekends – arrive early for the best selection
- Many venues close on Mondays or have reduced hours – check before visiting
- Bring sunscreen and water for beach days
- Most cafes and restaurants accept bookings for breakfast and lunch
- The free Fremantle CAT bus is a great way to get around if you don’t want to walk
- Download the Fremantle Visitor Centre app for up-to-date event information
Whether you’re spending a few hours or a full day, Fremantle delivers on history, culture, beaches, and some of the best food and drink in Western Australia. It’s the kind of place where you can wander through a convict-built prison in the morning, eat your way through the markets at lunch, and watch the sunset from a beach bar with fish and chips in hand.