Fremantle is a port city in Western Australia, well-known for its maritime history located at the mouth of the Swan River. Fremantle was the first area settled by the Swan River Colonists in 1829. It is a must-visit for Perth visitors and a popular day trip location.
Helpful Information
The best time to visit Perth, Western Australia, is in summer (early December to Late February) provided if you are a beach person. In Summer tourist attractions are usually crowded, and the temperature is hot, but the good thing is that there is virtually no rainfall during the summer. Based on humidity, the temperature feels nice most of the time, except for a few hot weeks in the summer.
The hottest season of the year is usually late January where highs are typically around 91°F (33°C) with temperatures seldom falling below 67°F (19°C) at night.
By Air
Perth International Airport (PER) is the largest airport in Western Australia. It is only about 11 miles (19 km) from city center. I found it most convenient to fly to Perth from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Vietnam, Bali, and many other major cities.
In addition to flying to Perth Airport, there are several other ways to get to Perth.
By Train
Indian Pacific provides you two oceans on one of the world’s longest train journeys. Sydney’s to Perth covers 2700 miles (4352 km), and you’ll have three nights aboard the great train.
Getting Around in Perth
Perth is an easily walkable city, so most of the city’s attractions are accessible on foot. There is also a free bus service (CAT Bus) that serves the city center and Fremantle. Metered taxi and UBER service is available or take a train to the suburbs. A rental car is available at the airport (PER), and in the city try out Hop-on Hop-off to visit major attractions.
Getting to Fremantle from Perth
By Car
The highway leading to Fremantle is smooth, and by car takes about 30 minutes from Perth city.
Cruise to Fremantle
Cruises to Fremantle leave from Barrack Square, and there are companies like Captain Cook Cruises and Golden Sun Cruises that offer daily services. The 90 minutes cruise down the Swan River is an excellent opportunity to watch the beautiful view of the riverside neighborhood and water activities.
By Train
The train is a faster option, a much less expensive alternative that goes from the city center to city center frequently. The train gives a magnificent view of Fremantle harbor as it passes the train bridge. A perfect choice is to take the train one way and return by cruise.
SIM Card for Cell Phone
Buying a SIM card at Perth Airport is easy. The most popular plan costs around $10. Getting a SIM card is an excellent idea that helps you have the internet all the time and convenient way to booking your UBER ride or finding places of interest. Note that your phone needs to be unlocked to be able to use the local SIM card.
Driving in Australia for Tourist
Unlike the USA Australians drive on the left side of the road, the steering wheels are on the right-hand side. But that should not prevent you from renting a car. I got used to it within a couple of hours and never had any problem during my Western Australia vacation.
Things to do and See in Fremantle
The Roundhouse
The twelve-sided Roundhouse is the oldest building still standing in Western Australia. The building was built in the Swan River Colony in the late 1930s. Be sure to pay a visit and enjoy the beautiful view from the lookout.
Fremantle Prison
Convicts built the high-security prison is one of Western Australia’s most significant cultural attractions in the 19th century. Since 1992 the historical icon is open to the visitors.
Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour
Another most visited site in Fremantle is the Fishing boat Harbour due to restaurants’ choice around the harbor and other activities like music festivals, Ferris wheel, boat trips. It’s easy to get there, walkable distance from the train station. This place is well known for its excellent seafood restaurants among locals and tourists alike, try some delicious fish and chips while you are there. Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is pretty spectacular from where you can get on rides such as sailing tours, high-speed jet boat rides, or take the Ferris wheel.
Take a Break at Cappuccino Strip
The legendary Cappuccino Strip is a great place to take a break from your sightseeing activities and have coffee or seep locally brewed beer or try some local wine. You can’t miss it, located along South Terrace between Parry Street and the corner of Bannister Street. The strip is famous for street performers also packed with restaurants, hotels, and cafes.
Visit Fremantle Market
The indoor Fremantle market is an attraction favored by locals and tourists alike, offering fresh food, local produce, handicrafts, clothes, and much more. There are many stalls in the market where you can find Indigenous arts and products, also souvenirs.
Western Australian Maritime Museum
This museum is a must-see for all visitors to Fremantle. Located right next to the Rottnest Express Ferry Terminal. Home to many maritime historic vessels, leisure boats, and sailboats.
Visit War Memorial
The Fremantle War Memorial is located on top of Monument Hill in Fremantle, surrounded by beautiful lawns and gardens. Monument hill is one of the best vantage points in Fremantle. The hill overlooks Garden Island, Fremantle Harbour, and Rottnest Island to the west, and the Darling Ranges to the east. It is the highest natural point of elevation between the Darling Ranges and the Indian Ocean.
Walking Tour in City Center
Take a walking tour and explore city hall, churches, shops, galleries, and cafes in the historic West End on foot. Watch street music, or sit back and relax in one of those pubs for live music and have some local wine from Swan Valley.
Fremantle is a great place for food lovers with its cool cafes, restaurants, and old-fashioned pubs. Explore the lively streets and lanes of the “West End” with a local guide. Don’t miss the markets where you can try delicious local foods and find fresh fruits and vegetables. Take a break and enjoy tasty drinks and meals at the authentic bars and restaurants in the historic port area. For more information about this trip, click here.
Day trip to Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is a fantastic day trip option from Perth. It’s just 18 km away from the coast and offers more than 60 stunning beaches and bays to unwind. Simply hop on a short ferry ride and you can rent a bike to explore the island’s beauty. You can also enjoy activities like fishing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, diving, tennis, and golf. The Rottnest Express ferry operates regularly from Fremantle to Rottnest Island.
Day Trip to Pinnacles in Nambung National Park
I would highly recommend visiting the Pinnacles, located in Nambung National Park, less than 2 hours drive from Fremantle. The Pinnacles has a true desert landscape and is the most famous natural wonder of Western Australia. The unusual but beautiful edge shaped limestone columns point out of the sand scattered in the desert as far as the eye can see. Many reach as high as 5 meters making the scene is simply breathtaking. Check out here for a guided tour.
Where to stay in Fremantle
Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, Fremantle
Esplanade Hotel Fremantle is located in the heart of Fremantle. Within easy walking distance of local shops, restaurants, markets, and museums. 20 minutes’ drive from central Perth, this hotel offers two outdoor pools, two on-site restaurants, a fitness center. The hotel has two on-site restaurants with a great selection of international cuisine. Fishing Boat Harbor is just 1,300 feet away, and Fremantle Markets is just a 3-minute walk away. Perth International Airport is a 30-minute drive.
Quest Fremantle Hotel, 8 Pakenham Street, Fremantle
Quest Fremantle Hotel, offers luxury accommodations within the King Street precinct of Perth’s CBD. A wide range of cafes, shopping and supermarkets are just a short walk from InterContinental Perth City Center. Perth Convention and Exhibition Center is a 10-minute walk from the property while Kings Park and Botanic Garden is 1.2 mi away. The nearest airport is Perth Airport, 12 mi from InterContinental Perth City Center.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Fremantle, Australia? Any cool tips to share?
I loved being to this country down under and want to go back again. Hope my story has motivated you to visit Western Australia.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
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