Locally referred to as Freo, the city of Fremantle is a breath of fresh air. Laid back, colourful and creative, the port city has long been a favourite with barefoot hippies, young families, aspiring musicians and eccentric retirees alike. The city’s main drag serves up a chic coffee culture, while the weekend markets are a great place to pick up everything from locally grown fruit to handcrafted souvenirs. For Aussie Rules Football fans, donning a purple Dockers jersey is a Freo rite of passage.
Thanks toa lack of development during the 20th century, the streets of Fremantle are still lined with majestic Victorian and Edwardian buildings, making it one of Perth’s most treasured heritage areas with a vibrant personality to match. Just minutes from the city centre is the Fremantle foreshore, where craft breweries, wooden boardwalks and seafood restaurants enchant tourists, locals and seagulls alike.
From Perth CBD, Fremantle is a scenic 45-minute train ride. Major highways also connect Fremantle to Perth and beyond, which makes it easily accessible by car. Once in town, walking is the best way to get around, as Fremantle’s pint-sized 19 square kilometre footprint is easy to navigate.
As one of Perth’s three founding towns, Fremantle is steeped in history that dates back to 1829. It was the Swan River’s first settlement, which gave it a lively spirit that lives on to this day. It was also a major hub during the convict era, with beautifully maintained buildings like the Round House gaol and Fremantle Prison still standing.