Relaxed, down-to-earth, and casual, Fremantle exists as the cooler neighbour of Perth. Get a coffee, a beer, or a delicious meal, in Perth’s port city, and relax and watch the world go by.
HIGHLIGHTS
Fremantle is known for its well-preserved heritage buildings, including some of the oldest standing buildings in Western Australia. Visit The Round House, an old prison that sits above Bathers Beach, and the heritage listed Fremantle Prison, which was built by convicts and operated as a maximum-security prison until 1991. The Fremantle Arts Centre, another convict construction (it was built in 1864 as a lunatic asylum) is also worth a visit, to see one of their many live music events or art exhibitions.
If you have more time, explore High Street – stretching across Fremantle from the fishing boat harbour, it’s home to all kinds of quirky clothing boutiques, op shops, independent galleries and bookstores, and great cafés. Stop in at the Common Ground creative collective in the old New Edition building, browse for vintage clothes in Atwell Arcade (it comes off High Street from the mall) or check out designer wares in Compendium.
For something truly different, explore the host of local shops on offer at MANY 6160, a truly independent community project established in an abandoned department store building. This cavernous space is now buzzing with local artists, artisans, and producers, and you’ll find some of the best and quirkiest goods that Fremantle has to offer.
Head to South Street and experience some of Fremantle’s best cafes. Ootong & Lincoln, Manna Wholefoods, and Little Lefroy have all your caffeine needs covered, and have you sorted with delicious breakfasts to boot.
It wouldn’t be a true Fremantle experience if you didn’t spend an afternoon at Little Creatures. This Fremantle institution, housed in a giant brewing warehouse on the Fremantle harbour, serves up some of the best beer in Perth. Grab a pizza and some fries, a few pints of the classic Little Creatures award-winning Pale Ale, and spend the afternoon like a local. To finish your day, cross the Esplanade Park at the west end of High Street to the fishing boat harbour, and eat fish and chips over the water.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
The Meeting Place, the City of Fremantle’s community centre, provides a range of unique courses, workshops, and events, that cater to Fremantle’s diverse population and culture. Whether you want to take a yoga class, indulge in some meditation, learn about the share market, or see a talk by a local artist, The Meeting Place is where you want to be. The Fremantle City Library, located inside the Town Hall, has been operating as a library since 1949. Open seven days a week, they offer free Wi-Fi, and book clubs meet there regularly—just ask the helpful staff for more information.
The Fremantle Leisure Centre is open throughout the year and offers a range of health and fitness programs. Take a swimming lesson, join a group fitness class, work out at the fitness centre, or just relax on the grass outside at Fremantle Park; there’s something on offer for everyone.
The Canning Medical Centre, located in the heart of Fremantle, offers a range of services, including immunisations, and personalised care plans. The Fremantle Family Doctors have you covered too, with services including both women’s and men’s health, and mental health assessments and plans.
FREE & FRUGAL
The relaxed vibe is what makes Fremantle, so start your day right at Jac and the Bean. Coffees start at $2.50, and you can get a plate of eggs on toast for $10, so chill out with a cheap breakfast before heading into the port city.
Wandering the Fremantle Markets is an experience in itself. Browse the fresh fruit and vegetable sellers, look through the stalls selling everything from homemade soaps, to hats, and more, but be sure to pick up a snack while you’re there. There’s plenty on offer, but you can also grab a piping hot bowl of ramen from Dosukoi for just $7.50, or a bubble tea for $4.
There’s someone to suit everyone’s tastes at the Old Shanghai Food Court and something to suit everyone’s budget. If you’re after cheap and filling, though, get in line at Taka’s Kitchen. The Fremantle location of the CBD favourite, you can get an amazing teriyaki meal for $8.
