If you’re planning a trip to Perth, then the port city of Fremantle should be at the top of your list. With its rich history, stunning street art, and amazing food scene, Fremantle is hands down the most interesting suburb in Perth.
The Fremantle Markets, the historic Fremantle Prison, and Rottnest Island alone are more than enough reasons to spend your time in Fremantle over any other suburb in Perth. Having lived in Fremantle for over a year, I might be a bit biased, but honestly, I absolutely love it here! It’s the best area in Perth, whether you’re just visiting or staying long-term.
To share my favorite activities, I’ve put together this list of my top 11 things to do in Fremantle, Western Australia.
- 1.Visit the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour
- 2.Go Shopping at Fremantle Markets
- 3.Experience Arts & Culture at Fremantle Arts Centre
- 4.Enjoy Drinks & Food on Fremantle’s Cappuccino Strip
- 5.Go Skydiving on Rottnest Island
- 6.Relax at Fremantle’s Beaches
- 7.Grab a Coffee in West End
- 8. Check Out Fremantle’s Breweries
- 9.Take a Day Trip to Rottnest Island
- 10. Enjoy a Swan River Cruise
- 11.Explore Fremantle Prison
- Things to do in Fremantle – Frequently Asked Questions
1.Visit the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour
One of my absolute favorite spots to chill out, especially at sunset, is the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour! It’s right on the waterfront in Fremantle, and it’s such a fantastic area to wander around, soak in the sunset, and grab lunch, dinner, or drinks.
There are some amazing restaurants here that I love. Bathers Beach House is perfect for a sunset beer—seriously, it’s the best spot! And you can’t miss Cicerello’s for the finest fish ‘n’ chips in Fremantle. Plus, there’s Char Char, which specializes in steaks and seafood while giving you a great view of all the fishing boats in the harbor.
From the Fishing Boat Harbour, it’s a quick stroll over to the Round House, one of Australia’s most historic buildings. It was actually the first permanent structure built when the English arrived in Australia and used to be a prison. Now, it’s an awesome viewing platform and an ideal spot to catch the sunset!
2.Go Shopping at Fremantle Markets
When you visit Fremantle, Australia, you absolutely have to check out the Fremantle Markets. They’re open from Friday to Sunday and have been around for over 120 years. With more than 150 stalls, you’ll find everything from fresh produce to locally made treats, clothing, jewelry, and so much more.
What I love the most is the busy atmosphere. The place buzzes with performers, live music, and incredible food aromas. Plus, the markets are housed in a stunning old Victorian-era building, which just fits right into Fremantle.
Let me share a little insider tip: one of my favorite restaurants, Emily Taylor’s, is located right inside the Fremantle Markets. They serve dumplings with an Australian twist that are just so tasty. If you’re going with friends or a partner, I definitely recommend their sampler menu—it’s perfect for sharing and trying a bit of everything.
3.Experience Arts & Culture at Fremantle Arts Centre
If you’re into art and music, you absolutely need to check out the Fremantle Arts Centre. It’s set in a gorgeous old building that used to be a women’s asylum, now transformed into Fremantle’s number one arts hub. There are exhibitions, events, workshops, and some seriously cool live music performances happening here.
While the art exhibitions are definitely worth a look, the Fremantle Arts Centre has really made a name for itself with its live music gigs. They had Tones and I, famous for “Dance Monkey,” perform here before they hit it big!
And if you’re around in the summer, you should visit their Sunday Music series! Every Sunday, you can catch a free concert from a local band. It’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon and soak up some amazing vibes.
4.Enjoy Drinks & Food on Fremantle’s Cappuccino Strip
Fremantle’s Cappuccino Strip, officially known as South Terrace, has a reputation for being one of the best places in Perth to enjoy drinks and food. It’s lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars, all bustling with locals and tourists alike. You’ll find everything from Australian pub grub to international cuisine here.
My favorite spots on Cappuccino Strip include the National Hotel, a typical Aussie pub with a fantastic rooftop and live music almost every weekend. When it gets later and you’re looking for a busy spot, Benny’s is where most people end up on a late Friday or Saturday night.
5.Go Skydiving on Rottnest Island
I know it’s not in Fremantle, but skydiving on Rottnest Island is such a unique and fun experience that I just had to include it! Just a short ferry ride from Fremantle, Rottnest Island is home to the adorable and photogenic quokka. It’s also an amazing place to go skydiving!
The views as you freefall over the island are absolutely breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches stretching out below you. Once your parachute opens, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the stunning scenery before landing back on solid ground.
Skydiving may not be for everyone, but if you’re feeling adventurous, this is definitely an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
6.Relax at Fremantle’s Beaches
Fremantle is not just about all the amazing things I’ve already mentioned—it also has some of the best beaches right on the Indian Ocean. My two favorite beaches in Fremantle are definitely Leighton Beach and South Beach. Leighton Beach, located in North Fremantle, is a lovely, quieter spot with its white sand and crystal-clear water, perfect for a relaxing swim. Just behind the beach, you’ll find the Orange Box, my go-to spot for grabbing a coffee or a tasty lunch sandwich. Plus, there are awesome beach facilities right there, including showers, changing rooms, and bathrooms.
South Beach in South Fremantle is a bit more lively. Even though the water can be a tad murky at times, the vibes are always high! There’s a huge grassy area right behind the beach where people chill out all day, playing music, football, and enjoying all kinds of fun activities. It’s the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy the company of fellow beach lovers!
7.Grab a Coffee in West End
When I say West End, I’m talking about the charming downtown area of Fremantle, officially known as the Historic West End. This spot is full of beautiful Victorian houses and is a perfect place to wander around, enjoy some coffee, and do a bit of souvenir shopping. The area is packed with awesome cafes and quirky shops that you’ll love exploring!
Some of my favorite coffee spots in Fremantle are Best Wishes, Little French Nest, and The Common Bakery. Trust me, they’re all amazing and make a fantastic flat white!
If you’re in the mood for some random souvenir shopping, I’ve got some great picks too. For surfer and skater-style clothes and loads of unique accessories, head over to Three Stories. And if you’re a book lover like me, you’ll really like New Edition, the best bookstore in Fremantle. For handmade souvenirs, The Common Ground Collective is the place to go.
8. Check Out Fremantle’s Breweries
If you’re heading to Fremantle, you must explore its famous breweries. It’s known for the “holy trinity” of breweries: Little Creatures, Gage Roads, and Running with Thieves.
Little Creatures is the most popular of the trio, tucked right in the heart of Fremantle, near the ferris wheel and fishing boat harbour. Their beers are fantastic, and it’s the perfect spot for a late-night drink!
But my personal favorite has to be Gage Roads, conveniently located by Shed B, right near the Rottnest Island ferry terminal. They brew my all-time favorite beer, Single Fin, and their food is just delicious. The pizzas and tacos really hit the spot, especially when you’re relaxing in the sun with a cold beer. The location couldn’t be better, with a huge outdoor area right on the harbour—ideal for some sundowners!
For something a bit off the beaten path, check out Running with Thieves in South Fremantle. It’s the newest addition to the brewery scene, but totally worth the visit. They offer an impressive range of beers and even have their own distillery producing gin and rum. The vibe inside is super cool with an industrial feel, and they often have live music on weekends.
9.Take a Day Trip to Rottnest Island
With Rottnest Island being one of the most popular islands in Western Australia, Fremantle is where you’ll start your journey.
Rottnest Island is an absolute highlight for both locals and tourists, with its stunning crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and those adorable, friendly quokkas!
The ferry from Fremantle port is your best bet to get there, and it only takes about 30 minutes. Once you step foot on the island, you can either explore by bike or jump on one of the Island’s bus tours. I opted for biking around, which I found to be the best way to meet the famous quokkas up close, without a crowd around. The ride around the island is just 1-2 hours, but trust me, you’ll want to pause at some of the most breathtaking beaches along the way.
Rottnest Island Luxury Cruise Here
Rottnest Island Bike & Ferry Combo Here
10. Enjoy a Swan River Cruise
If you’re looking for a fantastic way to soak in the beauty of Perth and the surrounding areas, a Swan River cruise is an absolute must-do! The Swan River meanders all the way through the picturesque Swan Valley and Perth, finally meeting the Indian Ocean at Fremantle. I’ve been on a few of these cruises, and especially during the summer, it’s an absolute blast being out on the water! You get stunning views of Perth city, Fremantle, and the enchanting Swan Valley.
There are so many different tours you can choose from, but I was thrilled with the one I picked. I’ll share the link below so you can check it out and maybe plan your own adventure.
Swan River Cruise from Fremantle Here
11.Explore Fremantle Prison
One of the big cultural and historical highlights in Fremantle is undoubtedly the Fremantle Prison. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an old maximum-security prison that was in operation until 1991. It’s now one of Western Australia’s most significant cultural attractions, and if you’re intrigued by history or love a good ghost story, this place is perfect for you!
The tour experience is not for the faint-hearted as it takes you through the dark and eerie cells and punishment areas where prisoners were held captive. The stories and accounts from former inmates and guards are both fascinating and chilling at the same time. Plus, there are also special tours like “Tunnel Tours,” which take you underground to explore the labyrinth of tunnels beneath the prison.
Things to do in Fremantle – Frequently Asked Questions
🛫 How do I get from Perth Airport to Fremantle?
The easiest way to get from the Perth airport to Fremantle is honestly by taking an Uber, which will bring you all the way down Leach Highway to Fremantle and will cost you around $40. There is a public transport option, but it does take significantly longer. You’ll catch a bus or train from the airport to Perth CBD, and from there, you’ll take the Fremantle Line to Fremantle train station.
đźš‚ How do I get from Perth City to Fremantle?
The easiest way from Perth City to Fremantle is either to drive all the way down Stirling Highway, which will lead you straight into Fremantle, or you can catch the Fremantle Line and take the train to Freo.
🏨 Where should I stay in Fremantle?
Fremantle is divided into four major areas: South Fremantle, East Fremantle, North Fremantle, and Fremantle City Center. There are loads of hotel options all over, but I’ve put together a comprehensive guide on where to stay in Fremantle, which is definitely worth checking out.
Things to do in Fremantle – Final Words
Fremantle has so much to offer, from its beautiful beaches and stunning architecture to its rich history and interesting culture.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an exciting adventure exploring the city’s unique attractions, Fremantle is the perfect all-rounder.
I hope my little guide on the best things to do in Fremantle has provided you with some inspiration for your trip. Don’t forget to check out the amazing food scene and local markets, and take a stroll through the iconic Fremantle Prison!
