North Fremantle Heritage Trail
Discover the stories that shaped North Fremantle.
Originally launched in 1988 as the Rocky Bay Heritage Trail, a community-driven project, the refreshed North Fremantle Heritage Trail invites you to rediscover the area’s layered history, from early settlement and industry to deep cultural connections with the Whadjuk Noongar people.
This revitalised trail features new interpretive signage and an interactive digital story map that brings local stories, heritage sites and community voices to life.
Take a self-guided journey along the river’s edge, through leafy bush paths and the heart of North Fremantle’s town centre. Along the way, you’ll uncover striking architecture, scenic natural landscapes and tales of people and place that have shaped the area over generations.
Follow the Yoorn
Known as the Yoorn Heritage Trail, the 2.4 km loop celebrates the yoorn, or bobtail lizard. The yoorn exhibits territorial behaviour, always returning to the same place each year for mating. Children often follow its tracks and create little loops, forging their own paths and adventures as they learn from its journey. Like the yoorn, visitors are encouraged to explore, return and discover something new each time.
Distance: 2.4 km
Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour loop
Cultural collaboration
Developed in partnership with the community and Whadjuk Elders through the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation and its Cultural Advice Committee, all cultural content has been reviewed to ensure it is respectful, accurate and aligned with cultural protocols.
This collaboration is central to the trail’s commitment to truth-telling and cultural integrity, ensuring the stories shared reflect both the past and the living culture of Whadjuk Noongar people today.
Plan your visit
The trail begins near the North Fremantle town centre and can be completed in under an hour, or explored in sections. Bring your phone to access the digital story map and discover bonus content, historical photos and local insights along the way.
Project partners
The North Fremantle Heritage Trail is a collaboration between the City of Fremantle, Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation, and the Department of Local Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, through the Trail Planning Grants Program.
