17 Fun Things to Do in Fremantle, Perth
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Searching for fun things to do in Fremantle, Perth? I’m here to help, with my detailed list of 16 ideas for your next visit to Fremantle.
Fremantle is a coastal suburb in the city of Perth, known by locals as Freo. I have had the pleasure of living in Fremantle for 3 months now and have explored many of the best things to do. It’s a popular spot for good reason as there is plenty to see and do in this old port town.
You won't regret stopping by whether you are interested in learning more about Fremantle’s maritime history or want to shop until you drop and end up in one of Freo’s cafes. So stick around to discover 16 fun things to do in Fremantle and find out how to get to Fremantle from Perth.
I acknowledge the Whadjuk people as the Traditional Owners of the greater Fremantle / Walyalup area.
Things to Do in Fremantle, Perth
Visit Fremantle Markets
The markets are a historic landmark in Fremantle that dates back to 1897 and a great spot to add to your Fremantle itinerary. You will find a wide range of stalls here and won’t be short of little trinkets to buy yourself. There is also fresh produce towards the back of the markets selling mainly fruit and vegetables and then a handful of food vendors selling in the middle and edge of the markets.
The Fremantle Markets are only open Friday to Sunday 9 am to 6 pm, so if you wish to stop by be sure to factor this in. I would recommend visiting on a Friday or late afternoon on the weekends to avoid the big crowds that can build up within the markets.
Stop by Fishermans Harbour
This working fishing harbour is another iconic spot in Fremantle, only a 10-minute walk from the train station. I enjoy strolling around the harbour and watching the boats come and go, or you could stop for some fresh fish at Kailis or Cicerello’s.
You’ll find Bather’s Beach on the other side from the harbour and although it isn’t one of Perth’s most beautiful beaches it’s ideal for a quick dip or to enjoy a sunset if you are in the area.
Ride the wheel at Esplanade Park
Esplanade Park is in the heart of Fremantle and in this large green space, you’ll find a kid’s park, skate park and a ferris wheel. The wheel gives you views over the Fremantle harbour, the ocean and the city.
A ticket is $15 for an adult and it’s open from 10 am to 9 pm Sunday- Thursday and stays open till 10 pm on Friday and Saturday.
There are often events and festivals popping up in Esplanade Park, particularly in the summer months. Be sure to check on what’s on during your visit here.
Enjoy the local breweries
Fremantle has 3 breweries and all of them offer some type of brewery tour if you wish to learn a little more about the process of making beer. You’ll find Gage Roads right behind the train station, Little Creatures on the waterfront at Fisherman’s Harbour and Running with Thieves on South Terrace. All 3 began locally in Fremantle and you’ll see their drinks in a lot of bars all over Australia.
Josh and I did the Little Creatures tour and enjoyed it, we had a good laugh, learnt some new things and most importantly got to taste a lot of beer. Running with Thieves often has live music on Friday-Sunday early evenings which is a good vibe. And Gage Roads is a lovely spot for a sunset drink and some snacks.
Tour Fremantle Prison
Fremantle Prison is a popular attraction and is located just up and behind the Fremantle Markets. The prison closed in 1991 following prison riots and poor conditions, it then opened to tourists in 1992 before being recognised in 2010 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
They offer a range of different tours depending on what you would like to learn about. You could learn about the construction of the prison, the true crime stories of the people imprisoned there, or what it was like to live there. You can also do torchlight tours at night and explore the tunnels that lie underneath the buildings. Tours cost from $23 - $66, depending on which you choose. See timings or book your tour here.
Wander around the Roundhouse
The Roundhouse is the oldest public building in Western Australia, opening in January 1831. Originally used as a prison before becoming a police lock-up then storage before it was saved from demolition by the City of Fremantle. Now it’s a small museum with exhibits showing what it would have been like to be imprisoned there and a brief history of the colonial settlement in the 1800s.
If you stop by at 1 pm Monday through Sunday you will catch the firing of the cannon. It’s open 7 days a week 10:30 am to 3:30 pm and free to visit, there is the option to donate to the Fremantle Volunteer Heritage Guides who maintain the Roundhouse.
Cool off at Leighton Beach
One of my favourite beaches to visit is Leighton Beach in North Fremantle, which has long sandy stretches of beach and gorgeous wavy waters. Just a 5-minute walk from North Fremantle train station it’s easy to reach.
So grab your swimsuit and a beach towel and cool down at this stunning beach. If you need a small break from the Western Australian sun head to Orange Box Cafe for a cooling slushie and a bite to eat.
Explore the Fremantle Arts Centre
With changing exhibitions and free entry the Fremantle Arts Centre is a lovely place to stop by when in Fremantle. There is a cafe and a shop filled with locally made art and crafts to browse around after the exhibitions.
A lot of events and different art classes happen here if you are a visitor staying a bit longer in Fremantle. Currently every Sunday until the 22nd December between 2 and 4 you will find free live music sessions happening in the front garden.
Learn about the maritime history of Fremantle
Fremantle is a port city and has a long and interesting maritime history to discover at both the Shipwreck and Maritime Museums.
The Shipwreck Museum located just off Esplanade Park close to Bathers Beach is free to enter (donations encouraged) and open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Waters along the coast of Western Australia are no stranger to shipwrecks meaning there are plenty of stories to learn here.
Tickets for the WA Maritime Museum are $15 per adult and opening times are from 9:30 am to 5 pm daily. You can learn all about the creation and development of Fremantle Harbour as well as Western Australia’s sailing history and watch short documentaries in the dome theatre.
Relax at South Beach
South Beach is a 30-minute walk from the centre of Fremantle or you can catch the Transperth 532 bus service if you don’t fancy the walk. There is a shared cycle/walking trail from the Roundhouse up to South Beach and you can hire bikes for free from the Fremantle Visitor Centre.
The waters at South Beach are typically very calm especially in the mornings, so perfect for younger or less confident swimmers. There is a large grass space just behind the beach too where many people gather on a sunny day or for sunset. It attracts an eclectic crowd of humans, especially at sunset when you will often find some type of street performance.
Watch a sunset from Monument Hill
Monument Hill is a park that sits above Fremantle, with sweeping views of the port and the city. Head up 15 minutes before sunset to watch the sun disappear over Fremantle and then stick around whilst the sky does a dance and the colours change.
Go for dinner and drinks
Fremantle has a lively scene at the weekends and evenings. Even if you don’t want to party the night away there are some lovely spots for dinner and drinks.
For dinner, my favourite is Mexican Kitchen located right in the centre of Fremantle and they always have some good mid-week deals too, we got 3 tacos for $10 on Tuesday and they sell Pacifico Beer (ifykyk).
For drinks and nibbles head to H&C Urban Winery. I love the interiors here, the jungle patio vibe wins me over.
If you are staying in Fremantle for a while be sure to check out the lovely eateries and bars along the South Terrace. I highly recommend stopping by Madalenas Bar on the end of South Terrace.
Browse the lovely independent shops of Fremantle
Fremantle’s shopping scene is more than just the markets, there are so many lovely independent shops. You’ll find shops selling books, records, vintage clothes, upcycled furniture, local groceries, plants and lifestyle bits and bobs.
I could honestly shop in Fremantle forever if I had the bank account for it. My favourite spots at the moment are:
The Chart and Map Shop- sells charts, maps and some super cool books
Blooming Decor- sells plants and home knick-knacks
Kakulas Sister- gourmet grocery store, go browse the coffee beans
Coming Soon! A shopping guide to Fremantle
Unwind at the Neighbourhood Sauna
If you are searching for a bit of self-care and wellness whilst in Fremantle, then this is for you. Currently located on South Terrace you will find individual infrared saunas where you can relax and unwind. They also have ice baths if you wish to combine hot with cold.
I have stopped by for a sauna session a few times now and love it. It’s the ideal way for me to clear my mind and I always come out feeling great. Want to try it for yourself? Book your experience here.
Go on a cafe crawl
I love the idea of a cafe crawl but maybe spread out over a few days or throw in a few teas and decaf options, otherwise you’ll be bouncing around Fremantle. There are so many cafes in Fremantle, like an insane amount.
Over the last 3 months, I’ve been trying out as many cafes in Fremantle as possible and so far my favourites have been Kerfuffle, The Little Concept, Common Bakery, Crosta and Best Wishes.
Coming Soon! A cafe guide to Fremantle
Go Whale Watching
The sea between Fremantle and Rottnest Island is a popular place to spot some whales at different times of the year. If you are visiting between August - December you will likely be able to witness the humpback migration. Or in April - May you could spot the magnificent Blue Whale.
We went with Whale Watch Western Australia from Fremantle and had a great experience, find out more here.
Take a day trip to Rottnest Island
Only a 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle, hopping over to Rottnest is a popular day activity from Fremantle. Head over to the land of the Quokkas and enjoy the crystal clear water and silky white sand beaches.
Whether you want to cycle around the island’s beaches, go snorkelling, visit the salt lakes or take on one of the hiking trails. Visiting Rottnest Island is the perfect day trip from Fremantle.
Rottnest Island Itinerary: A guide to Perth's best day trip ->
How to Get to Fremantle from Perth?
Fremantle is only a 30-minute train journey from Perth Station with a train every 15 minutes during the day. You can’t go wrong using the train to get to Fremantle as it’s named the Fremantle Line and it’s the last stop of the line too.
I recommend getting a SmartRider card if you will be using public transport in the Perth area, you can then tap on and off trains and if you use transport on a Sunday it’s free. Plan your journey here.
I don’t recommend driving to Fremantle if you can avoid it as parking can be a bit of a nightmare, especially at the weekends.
From 14 Dec until 05 Feb in 2024 all transport along the Transperth network will be free for SmartRider holders.
Are you looking to discover more destinations in Western Australia? Then check out these posts:
10 Things You Must Do in Perth, Australia
8 Must Visit Places in Western Australia: From Perth to Broome
