What You'll Find Here
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Fremantle, often called “Freo” by locals, is a vibrant port city brimming with character and history.
Its well-preserved architectural heritage, bustling markets, and lively arts scene make it a favourite stop for tourists. For those crafting an itinerary of things to do in Perth, a day in Fremantle is a must.
Getting to Fremantle
If you decide to leave the car behind, taking a river cruise to Fremantle is a fantastic way to admire Perth’s skyline from Swan River. You can book the river cruise at 20% off below.
Alright, let’s get back to our list of things to do in Perth.
Historic Fremantle Prison
Stepping into the historic Fremantle Prison is like turning the pages of Perth’s rich and varied narrative. This former colonial prison, now standing tall as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a vivid chapter in the city’s story.
Ranked high amongst the many things to do in Perth, a visit to Fremantle Prison offers a heartfelt journey back in time. Through the day, you can walk through the solemn cells and gallows to learn the tales from the past.
Fremantle Markets
As you step through the grand entrance of Fremantle Markets, the lively buzz welcomes you into a vibrant world. The stalls stretch out, each one a splash of colour with fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers on display.
Speaking of fresh produce, the giant blueberries and strawberries caught our eye instantly. The blueberries, almost the size of cherry tomatoes and the strawberries, like little pears, are a feast both for the eyes and the palate. For once, I’ll refrain from questioning how they’ve grown to this big in the first place.
We always find ourselves enchanted by the vibrant atmosphere that local markets radiate, and Fremantle Markets is the perfect example of this vibe. The markets are full of artisanal charm, with stalls showcasing handmade jewellery, unique crafts, and eclectic art pieces.
Stepping outside, the seating area unfurls as a lively backyard where you can sit back and soak up the live music. The open-air ambience, rich with the aroma of hot food from around the world, holds a special kind of magic.
The Containbow
The Containbow is a colourful and whimsical landmark in Fremantle that encapsulates the area’s creative flair. This simple yet vibrant installation, made from sea containers arranged in an arch, has quickly become a beloved icon and one of the most photographed spots in Perth.
Located near the Fremantle Port, The Containbow is a burst of colours that catches your eye as you drive past. It’s a frame that captures the sky as it transitions through a spectrum of hues during the golden hours, casting a picturesque silhouette against the backdrop of the Swan River.
The Round House
The Round House, standing as the oldest public building in Western Australia, is a monumental slice of history nestled atop the high cliff of Arthur Head, Fremantle. Built in 1830, this twelve-sided structure has witnessed the unfolding tale of the region, from its days as a jail to a landmark today.
As you stroll through the solemn cells, the echoes of the past resonate all around. The panoramic views from the gun deck are breathtaking, providing a sweeping vista of Fremantle’s coastline and beyond, a silent yet stirring witness to the centuries gone by.
The trail leading to Bathers Beach from The Round House is a picturesque pathway. As you meander along, the views of the pristine coastline are a sight of the azure waters meeting the sky at the horizon.
However, this scenic shortcut from The Round House to Bathers Beach is not stroller-friendly. So if you’re travelling with a stroller, you may have to use the main path. Despite this, the journey to Bathers Beach is rewarding, which brings us to the next top things to do in Perth – Bathers Beach.
Bathers Beach
Nestled in a protected nook, Bathers Beach offers visitors a serene escape from the usual beach crowds. The calm waters here are perfect for those seeking a quiet swim or a relaxed walk by the sea.
We particularly loved the beachside dining vibe at Bathers Beach. The restaurants carry an air of casual elegance where you have a menu in hand, but your gaze drifts to the stunning views of the beach and the endless sky.
The decor often reflects the maritime charm of Fremantle, with nautical themes, rustic wooden furniture, and open-air seating that allows diners to soak in the stunning views of the beach and beyond.
As the day unfolds, the beach becomes a vantage point to witness the changing hues of the sky during sunset.
Esplanade Park & Playground
The Esplanade Park in Fremantle offers a refreshing pause in the day’s adventure. As you step into the park, the open space, dotted with lofty trees providing generous shade for a retreat on a sunny day.
We stumbled upon an event during our day at Esplanade Park where the vast green space was transformed into a wonderland of family-friendly festivities with jumping castles, zorb balls and food trucks. And all of this excitement unfolded against the gentle backdrop of the Ferris Wheel.
As this was our first day exploring Perth, it provided a beautiful introduction to the city’s family-friendly vibe. Throughout our 10-day trip here, we discovered just how many kid-focused amenities there are around the city, making Perth one of the best cities in the world to raise kids.
The Esplanade Park is also a great spot for a laid-back picnic. Spreading out a blanket on the lush grass, unpacking a basket of snacks, and just lying back to watch the clouds float by – it’s the simple pleasures that feel most rewarding here.
And of course, a park of this size wouldn’t be complete without a playground. It’s a creatively designed space that encourages kids to climb, swing, slide and explore.
Fremantle Ferris Wheel
Near the Esplanade Park, the Ferris Wheel offers a chance to soar above the charming town of Fremantle, providing a bird’s-eye view of the sprawling ocean, the bustling harbour, and the quaint historic streets that weave through the town.
You can purchase your tickets to the Fremantle Ferris Wheel here.
Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour
The best path to view Fremantle Boat Harbour is via a little laneway next to the well-known Little Creatures Brewery.
This laneway leads you to a beautiful walk around the harbour, allowing you to enjoy the views and the sea breeze. As you meander along, the calm waters of the harbour on one side and quaint eateries on the other, provide a picturesque backdrop to your stroll.
♡ FREO Photo Stop
As you exit the Fremantle Harbour walk, don’t miss the chance to capture a memory by the iconic ♡ FREO sign. It’s a little emblem of the love and charm Fremantle holds, and makes for a lovely photo op to remember your day.
Cicerello’s Fremantle – Free Aquarium!
Just a few steps further, you’ll stumble upon the famed Cicerello’s Fremantle, a restaurant but also a landmark in its own right. Known for its delectable fish & chips, it’s a place where harbourside dining meets a unique setting with aquariums scattered across the restaurant. Even the restrooms are embellished with aquariums, making the occasional wait during busy times a little less daunting.
It’s one of the most interesting restaurants to bring the kids as they fascinate over the many aquariums. There are aquatic-themed colouring pages to keep them engaged, adding a touch of marine magic to your dining experience.
Whether you choose to indulge in their famous fish & chips or opt for something else from their varied menu, the calming view of the boats gently bobbing in the harbour makes Cicerello a noteworthy stop as you explore the heart of Fremantle.
WA Shipwrecks Museum
For those interested in the history of Fremantle, The Maritime Museum & Shipwreck Galleries in Fremantle offer insights into Western Australia’s rich maritime history.
Housed in architecturally historic buildings, the Maritime Museum showcases the state’s relationship with the sea, from leisure and defence to trade and exploration.
Not far away, the Shipwreck Galleries take visitors on a journey through time, revealing tales of shipwrecks along the treacherous Western Australian coastline.
FOMO Freo
FOMO Freo is a lively hub in Fremantle for entertainment, shopping, and dining.
At the heart of FOMO Freo, you’ll find a fun-filled gaming arcade. Whether you fancy a bit of friendly competition at the air hockey table or want to try your luck at the claw machine, there’s a game ready to entertain. Holey Moley takes the spotlight at this gaming hub, where each hole brings a new, quirky challenge, adding a twist to the traditional game.
As you wander into the shopping area, there’s a variety of shops that cater to a wide range of preferences. You can find trendy apparel, unique gifts, or local crafts at FOMO Freo.
The Visitor Centre is a helpful place to catch up on what Fremantle has to offer, and of course, you can find a large playground here where kids can expend their energy while parents can enjoy a moment of relaxation.
Where to Stay in Fremantle
Our family has decided to base ourselves in Fremantle for our entire 10-day trip to Perth. We had a very comfortable stay at this 4-star apartment hotel, conveniently located just a 5-minute drive from Fremantle’s vibrant centre.
Our modern apartment had a king bed and an additional single bed, just perfect for our little family of 4. The inclusion of a kitchenette was a bonus, allowing us the convenience of preparing some of our own meals and snacks.
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∞ Kida