If you are looking for things to do in and around Perth, then why not get to know the wonders of Fremantle with this perfect one-day itinerary? The eclectic port city offers some of the best dining in Perth, heaps of quirky street art and a cruisy coastal vibe. It’s easy to spend a day wandering Fremantle’s historic streets and uncovering the kooky charm of the port city.
Where is Fremantle?
Located just a quick trip south of Perth, Fremantle is a vibrant port city alive with history. It’s easy to spend a day in Fremantle exploring the city’s historic streets and soaking up the artistic vibe.
Long-serving as the gateway to Perth and WA, Fremantle’s multicultural influences have cultivated a buzzing food and wine scene. You’ll find stacks of places to enjoy yummy food around the city. The city’s colonial architecture has been well preserved and there are plenty of museums to explore for the history buffs.
The city’s creative atmosphere makes it a fun place to spend the day on the hunt for unique souvenirs and eclectic street art. And if the Fremantle Doctor (the afternoon sea breeze) isn’t in, you can always cool off with a dip at the beach. No matter what you like to do, you can find plenty of ways to spend a day in Fremantle.
What to do in Fremantle
Wondering how to spend a day in Fremantle? Make the most of your day in Fremantle with this perfect one-day itinerary.
Morning
Breakfast on the Cappuccino Strip
Kickstart your day in Fremantle with the most important meal of the day. There are stacks of great places to grab breakfast around Freo, from European-inspired The Bistro Café to coffee nerdy Hush. Or take an alfresco seat on Freo’s famous Cappuccino Strip for some first-class people-watching with your morning brew.
Peruse the stalls at Fremantle Markets
Once you’re caffeinated and raring to go, your first stop is the historic Fremantle Markets. Still going strong after over 125 years, The Fremantle Markets are an excellent place to pick up a unique handcrafted souvenir.
Browse the stalls selling everything from stunning hand-drawn wildlife illustrations to unique jewellery crafted from sea glass found on Fremantle’s beaches. And if you’re still hungry, there are more than a few places to get something yummy to eat!
Boutique shopping in Fremantle’s historic streets
As you leave the markets, start making your way towards the fishing port. Take the time to peruse some of Fremantle’s unique boutiques and enjoy getting lost in the city’s alleys. Many of the city’s charming heritage buildings now house independent boutiques selling everything from books to homewares, vintage clothing to modern designs.
Afternoon
A classic port side lunch
Following Freo’s narrow streets towards the ocean, you’ll arrive at Fremantle Fishing Port. Here you are spoiled for choice on where to dine on some of WA’s best fresh seafood. Local institutions Cicerrello’s and Kailis both offer waterfront dining so you can enjoy the view as you tuck into crispy fish and chips.
If beers and burgers are more your style, Little Creatures offers classic pub meals at their casual brewery by the water. Or watch the boats come and go into Fremantle Port at Gage Roads.
Take your pick from Fremantle’s museums and historic attractions.
It’s time to brush up on your history at one of Fremantle’s many museums and historic landmarks. Choose from uncovering Western Australia’s relationship with the ocean at the WA Maritime Museum, hearing the stories of early convicts and criminals at Fremantle Prison or wandering WA’s oldest building at the Round House.
If you’re more of a culture vulture than a history buff, you can’t miss the Fremantle Arts Centre. Housed in a stunning Neo-Gothic style building, the Fremantle Arts Centre hosts a range of local and international exhibitions and events.
Sunset drinks at Bather’s Beach House
As the sun sinks towards the horizon, it’s time to settle in with a drink at Bather's Beach House and enjoy a famous WA sunset. Bather’s Beach House is one of WA’s only absolute beachfront bars, offering front row seats to the sunsetting over the Indian Ocean. It’s the perfect way to end a day exploring Fremantle!
Evening
Explore the flavours of the world with dinner at a Fremantle locale
If you can pry yourself away from the good food and stunning views of Bathers Beach House, there is an abundance of top-notch places to grab dinner in Fremantle. The port city has always served as a gateway to the rest of WA, and the multicultural influences are on full display in Freo’s dining scene.
As a result, your tastebuds can travel all around the world without leaving 6160 post code. Southeast Asian inspired Tonic + Ginger has its home in the stunningly converted Old Synagogue. Sailing for Oranges and Vin Populi offer the taste of the Mediterranean while Lions and Tigers serves up delicious modern Indian cuisine. Enjoy your meal / buon appetito / selamat makan!
Keep the party going at Fremantle’s night spots
If you’ve still got the stamina to kick on after a full day exploring Fremantle, firstly – congratulations! Secondly, you’re in the right place. Fremantle has plenty of places for evening entertainment.
There’s pirate bar Darling Darling, which will make you feel like you’ve gone below deck on a 19th century ship rather than stepped off a Fremantle alley. Head to Flight Club to try your hand (or show off to your friends) at darts or pretend you’re in New Orleans with live music and table service at Duke of George.
If you still have time….
If you’re staying a bit longer in Fremantle, make time to seek out these highlights of the city.
Wadjemup / Rottnest Island
Just a quick ferry ride from Fremantle lies one of WA’s most popular destinations, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. Home to the adorable quokka and oodles of beaches, walking trails and snorkelling spots, a visit to Rottnest Island will not disappoint any nature-lover. Ferries depart daily from Victoria Quay.
Discover Fremantle’s unique street art
You’re sure to notice plenty of street art as you meander your way through Fremantle’s streets and alleys. But there are a few pieces around the city that are worth especially seeking out.
Australia’s women’s soccer team captain (and Fremantle local) Samantha Kerr is celebrated in a huge mural on Norfolk Street. Bon Scott, another Freo hero and the original singer of AC/DC, is immortalised in a statue on Mews Road.
The walls of Fremantle’s buildings are constantly changing and evolving with colourful new murals. Check out Horatio’s Wall on Market Street, where you may even be lucky enough to spot Horatio himself adding his latest changes. And constructed from 9 shipping containers, Marcus Canning’s Rainbow is a colourful tribute to Fremantle’s maritime history.
Explore further to South Fremantle
Just a short bike or bus ride further along the coast, South Fremantle is another fun spot to enjoy good food and beach vibes. Top places to eat and drink include La Cabaña, the Local Hotel and Magdalenas. There is a sauna in a shipping container on South Beach and don’t miss the unbelievable East West Design mural.
How to get to Fremantle
Train
The train is an easy and cheap option to get from Perth to Fremantle. It takes about 30 minutes and passes through some of Perth’s most charming suburbs. Keep an eye out for dolphins as you go over the bridge at Fremantle Port.
Swan River Cruises
A far more picturesque and informative way to arrive in Fremantle on a Swan River Cruise from Perth. Cruises depart from Elizabeth Quay in the city and include engaging captain’s commentary about Perth and the river along the way.
Fremantle cruise options
- Fremantle Explorer
Join the Fremantle Explorer for an enjoyable day out exploring the Swan River and Fremantle. Relax onboard the scenic cruise along the river from Perth in the morning, then hop off at Fremantle to spend the afternoon exploring. After a few hours of free time, make your way back to Victoria Quay to join the afternoon cruise back to Perth.
- One-way cruises
For more freedom to explore Fremantle at your leisure, join a one-way cruise from Perth or Fremantle. We recommend taking the morning cruise from Perth to spend the afternoon wandering Fremantle’s historic streets. Then jump on a train to come back to the city when you’re ready!
- Cruises from Fremantle
Staying in Fremantle? You can still join the scenic Swan River cruises from Freo. One-way and return river cruises depart from Fremantle to Perth and include the commentary and scenery of the cruises from Perth.
Must know about Fremantle
Is Fremantle worth a visit?
Fremantle is definitely worth a visit on your trip to Perth! The charming port city offers some of the best food and drinks in Perth, plenty of history and stacks of quirky art and shopping. Plus, don’t forget the beach!
How long should I stay in Fremantle?
You can enjoy many of Fremantle’s attractions on a day trip from Perth. If you have a bit longer, staying 2 – 3 days will allow you to fully soak up the atmosphere of the eclectic city.
How do you explore Fremantle?
Many of Fremantle’s attractions are located within a 1.5-kilometre radius of the city centre (including the train station and Victoria Quay). So, you can easily walk around Fremantle to see and do most of the best things found in the city. If you want to head further out to South Fremantle, it’s about a 30-minute walk. Or hire a bike and explore along the cycle paths that run along the coast.
The free CAT bus no longer operates in the city, but numerous public buses service the city and its surroundings. Rideshare and taxis are also easily available in the city.
Spend a day exploring the historic streets and eclectic locales of Fremantle and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with this gorgeous port city near Perth!
