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Fremantle is a historic city on the coast of Western Australia, not far from Perth. The locals lovingly call the city Freo. It offers a great mix of colonial architecture, modern creativity, and a relaxed lifestyle. We would like to introduce you to the highlights of the city in our Fremantle tips.
Day Trip to Fremantle From Perth
We will show you many highlights in Fremantle. From historical sights like the Fremantle Prison or Round House to relaxing places like Bathers Beach or the lively center at the Cappuccino Strip. In our opinion, a trip to Fremantle is absolutely worthwhile and should not be missed when traveling to Perth.
How to Get to Fremantle
Getting from Perth to Fremantle is simple and convenient by train. It is the most popular and comfortable option for visitors as well as locals. You can use the main station in Perth and take the Fremantle Line. Transperth’s transportation network connects the two places with about a 30-minute train ride.
The trains run regularly every 20 minutes. Before you reach Fremantle, you will pass a few other stations like Subiaco, Claremont, or Cottesloe. A single ticket costs about 4.90 AUD for adults. Children, students, and seniors pay reduced fares. If you buy a ticket to Fremantle, make sure to get a ticket for 2 zones.
Alternatively, you can also reach Fremantle via the Bus Line 910 from Perth. The trip takes about an hour and costs between 3 and 5 AUD. Another option would be a taxi, but it is expensive and therefore not mentioned further by us, as the other options are simple and cost-effective.
Accommodation in Perth – Our Hotel Tip
The Alex Hotel is very centrally located in the Perth CBD district, specifically in Northbridge. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the train station and the city center, an excellent starting point. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, television, free Wi-Fi, and modern bathrooms. Some rooms even offer a balcony and a great city view.
Additionally, the Alex Hotel offers a rooftop terrace with views of the skyline, a restaurant, a bar, and a small breakfast included in the room price. The 24-hour reception assists you at any time, and you can even rent bicycles on-site to explore Perth. For us, this hotel in Perth was a good choice, especially due to its central location.
If you’d like to look for other hotels, perhaps in other districts or directly at Elizabeth Quay, then check out this Perth hotel overview.
1. The Round House
If you are interested in the history of Western Australia, then you should not miss the Round House, as it’s one of our Fremantle tips. It is the oldest building in Western Australia that still stands today. It was built at the end of 1830 and opened in 1831.
Originally built as a prison, you can visit it free of charge and even look at the old cells. Today, the Round House is a landmark of Fremantle and a great place to dive into a bit of history. Behind the Round House, you also have a lovely view of Bathers Beach (see point 4), the Fremantle Harbour, and the ocean.
By the way, there is another highlight every day at 1.00 PM. The replica of the original Time Ball and Cannon, a historical time signal for ships, comes to life. The Time Ball is lowered, and the cannon is fired. It’s a nice event for visitors. The Round House is open daily from 10.30 AM to 3.30 PM.
2. South Mole Lighthouse
The next of our Fremantle tips is also a landmark. The South Mole Lighthouse marks the entrance to the port of Fremantle and was built in 1903 as an orientation point for ships. It is located on a long mole, a kind of dam that juts out into the sea.
The lighthouse is not an architectural masterpiece, but rather simple. On the other side of the bay, you can see the North Mole Lighthouse in the distance, painted in red and white. Together, they guide ships safely through the harbor entrance. A nice walk to the lighthouse, with the ocean breeze and a great view of the harbor to enjoy the fresh sea air, is relaxing in our opinion. But definitely not a must.
3. Fremantle Harbour
At the mouth of the Swan River, which leads from the ocean all the way to Perth, lies the port of Fremantle. It was opened in 1897 and is still in operation today for commercial and fishing vessels. It is also one of the oldest and most important ports in Western Australia. Therefore, it has always played a major role in Fremantle’s history.
The harbor is divided into two areas, the Inner and Outer Harbour. Visitors usually come to the Inner Harbour, where they can watch the ships in action, visit the Western Australian Maritime Museum, or relax in one of the cafes or restaurants. By the way, from Fremantle Harbour you can also take the popular trip to Rottnest Island off the coast.
4. Bathers Beach
After the first three points, you can easily reach the fourth point of our Fremantle tips on foot. Bathers Beach starts right next to the Round House (see point 1). It’s only a few minutes’ walk from the city center. The beach is located in a sheltered bay, so the waves are usually very gentle here, and it’s also one of the quieter beaches in the area because it’s not too large.
While you can swim or sunbathe here in summer, Bathers Beach is also great for a walk in other seasons. A highlight is the sunset here, when the sun disappears on the horizon of the Indian Ocean and can, with a bit of luck, bathe the sky in vibrant colors.
Additionally, there are some cafes and restaurants on the beach, such as the Bathers Beach House. They serve delicious food, and the coffee we tried was excellent. It’s a really nice place to relax and unwind. By the way, some events like festivals or movie screenings also take place here in the summer. As you can see, a visit is worthwhile at any time of the year.
5. Fremantle Markets
The Fremantle Markets have existed since 1897 and nowadays offer over 150 stalls for visitors. Housed in a historic building, the stalls offer a huge variety for every visitor. There is regional fruit and vegetables, organic products, food trucks, fashion or vintage items, souvenirs, handmade products, and crafts. Every visitor will find something here, and you can also chat with the locals, as this is a central meeting point for them.
The Fremantle Markets offer a great mix of modern flair, tradition, and creativity. That’s why they are definitely part of our Fremantle tips if you visit on a weekend. They are only open Friday from 9.00 AM to 8.00 PM and Saturday as well as Sunday from 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM. Sometimes there are additional opening times on Australian public holidays.
A highlight is the covered area The Hall. There are often performances by street artists, musicians, or other performers. This makes the visit a bit more entertaining. Unfortunately, we were there during the week, but the Fremantle Markets look great even from the outside. Next time we’ll definitely come back on a weekend.
6. Fremantle Prison
Closed in 1991, Fremantle Prison is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and served as a prison for nearly 140 years since its construction in the 1850s. If you are interested in the history of this historic Western Australian landmark, you can visit the Fremantle Prison today as a museum.
On a tour, you can explore the prison complex. This includes former death cells, underground tunnels, and, of course, the cell blocks. This gives you a deep insight into Fremantle Prison and what it was like back then. The underground prison tunnel was dug by prisoners through hard penal labor to supply the prison with water.
There are also some small exhibitions in the forecourt that you can view for free. However, you can only see the courtyard and the rest of the complex on a guided tour. Depending on the tour, prices vary, starting at 23 AUD for adults and 13 AUD for children. Children under 12 are not allowed. A highlight is the evening Torchlight Tour, which makes everything even spookier. Otherwise, it’s open daily from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM.
Tip: If you’re looking for a somewhat different excursion, you can also discover Fremantle on a rickshaw tour. Fremantle Prison is among the stops.
7. Fremantle War Memorial
A walk is also worthwhile to Monument Hill, which is why it’s part of our Fremantle tips. Here you will find the Fremantle War Memorial, an obelisk surrounded by flower beds and lawns. It is a memorial to the men and women who served in the World Wars and other conflicts.
Admittedly, we did not find the Fremantle War Memorial itself particularly interesting, but we did enjoy the view over the city and the harbor, which is why it’s part of our tips. In addition, it can be easily incorporated into a walk from Fremantle Prison back towards the center.
Info: Every year on April 25th, ANZAC Day, ceremonies and honors are held here for the soldiers. Many people from the region come here on this day and celebrate this Australian national holiday.
8. Cappuccino Strip
The number one among the Fremantle tips is the Cappuccino Strip. This is essentially the center of the city and a must for every visitor to Fremantle. A bit south of High Street begins South Terrace, which is the official name. The name Cappuccino Strip comes simply from the fact that there are many cafes and restaurants here.
The houses on either side of the Cappuccino Strip exude a special charm with their historic buildings. You might feel a bit like you’re in the Wild West, at least that was our impression. That’s why the street is also a photo location for many visitors.
Lined with charming cafes, restaurants, bars, and boutiques, the Cappuccino Strip becomes even livelier in summer. There are many street musicians, art installations, and plenty of people sitting outside enjoying food or coffee. In the evening, you can also find many bars with live music here and turn night into day if you wish.
9. South Beach
South Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Fremantle. As the name suggests, it is located south of the center, about two kilometers away. Both tourists and locals come here to spend pleasant days on the beach. The turquoise water invites you to swim, and when the waves are calm, you can also see some paddle-boarders.
South Beach is also very popular with families with children. There’s even a fenced swimming area for added safety. Otherwise, you’ll find barbecue facilities, playgrounds, green areas, shade under the trees – everything you need for a relaxing day at the beach.
Right on the beach, there are also biking and walking paths, as well as some cafes and restaurants offering everything from breakfast to dinner. On weekends, you can also find some local market stalls selling souvenirs, handmade products, or food. Street musicians add to the pleasant atmosphere. In contrast to Bathers Beach (see point 4), there is a lot going on here, and that attracts people.
10. Street Art
While walking through Fremantle, you can also spot a variety of street art. From graffiti to murals and installations. Just keep your eyes open, and you will always see something new. The street art is spread throughout the city and reflects the diversity, history, and lifestyle of Fremantle.
Many of the street art works are created by international and local artists. By the way, you can see plenty of beautiful pieces on Henderson Street or along the West End alleys. They deal with many different themes, such as environmental awareness, the indigenous culture of Australia, and the city’s connection to the ocean.
Tip: If you are particularly interested in street art, you should visit events like the Fremantle Biennale or the Hidden Treasures Festival. They take place every year, and some artists are invited to create new works for the city.
Fremantle Things to Do: Tours and Tickets
Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Fremantle in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Fremantle.
Have you ever taken a trip from Perth to Fremantle? Do you have any more Fremantle tips? Feel free to leave us a comment.
