Fremantle
Perth’s salty, historic port — the World Heritage prison, the weekend markets, the Maritime Museum, harbour seafood and craft beer, 30 minutes from the city.
Fremantle
Just 30 minutes from the city, Fremantle — “Freo” to locals — is Perth’s salty, characterful port. Convict-built heritage streets house the World Heritage Fremantle Prison, the bustling Fremantle Markets, the excellent WA Maritime Museum and a harbourful of fish-and-chips and craft beer. It’s also the main jumping-off point for Rottnest Island. Here’s how to spend a day in one of Perth’s most-loved corners.
What to See & Do
Fremantle Prison
WA’s only World Heritage building — day tours and after-dark torchlight tours.
Fremantle Markets
Historic weekend markets of produce, food, crafts and buskers.
Maritime Museum
The WA Maritime Museum and the Fishing Boat Harbour’s seafood.
Cappuccino Strip & Beer
Café culture on South Terrace and the city’s craft-beer scene.
Fremantle Tips
- Take the train from Perth — easy, frequent and about 30 minutes
- Time it for a market day (traditionally Fri–Sun) — but check current hours
- Book Fremantle Prison tours ahead, especially the torchlight tour
- Catch a ferry to Rottnest Island from Fremantle
- Prefer guided? See our Fremantle tour
Fremantle — FAQ
What is Fremantle known for?
“Freo” is Perth’s historic port city, known for the World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison, the lively Fremantle Markets, the WA Maritime Museum, the Fishing Boat Harbour, a great café and craft-beer scene, and its handsome heritage streetscapes.
How do you get to Fremantle from Perth?
It’s about 30 minutes from central Perth. The train (Fremantle Line) is easy and frequent; you can also drive, or take a scenic Swan River cruise down to the port. See getting around.
Is Fremantle worth visiting?
Absolutely — its history, markets, museums, harbour dining and relaxed feel make it one of Perth’s highlights, and it’s the main departure point for ferries to Rottnest Island.
When are the Fremantle Markets open?
The Fremantle Markets traditionally trade Friday to Sunday (and some public holidays), but days and hours change — check current times before you go.
Can you visit Fremantle Prison?
Yes — the World Heritage-listed prison runs guided tours, including day tours and after-dark torchlight tours. Tour types, times and tickets change, so book ahead and check current details.
Perth & the West Coast, Planned Around You
Kings Park and the beaches, quokkas on Rottnest, the Swan Valley and the Pinnacles — with the planning and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry