SHOUT OUT TO FREMANTLE'S OWN
We want to give a special shout out to all the businesses in Fremantle who are fundraising for communities affected by the bushfires. Come to Fremantle and support these initiatives knowing that you are contributing to genuine efforts to care for those areas of Australia in crisis. The two Fire Aid concerts at Fremantle Arts Centre featuring John Butler, The Waifs, San Cisco, Carla Geneve and Stella Donnelly will be fantastic events. The National, Fremantle Navy Club, Little Creatures, Broody Hen, The Storehouse, The Orange Box, Gypsy Tapas House, Bib & Tucker, Manuka Woodfire Kitchen and Bread in Common have all been involved in fundraising and we're sure there are plenty more local businesses getting involved.
Image: Carwoola Fire Brigade Fire Fighter Chris Montgomery. Photography by Alex Ellinghausen, The Sydney Morning Herald
CLASSIC FREMANTLE EATS
There are plenty of exciting changes in Fremantle but don't you love the things that stay the same? For decades, Fremantle has been home to some classic eateries that continue to serve up delicious food with a touch of nostalgia. The Cappuccino Strip has been home to Capri since the doors opened in 1954. Mexican Kitchen started up in 1980 and Gino's set up in the 1980's. Ruocco's in South Fremantle started cooking in 1978 and the South Beach Hotel (previously The Davilak Hotel) was built in 1903. You know they're all doing something right - come and taste for yourself and soak up the local history.
Image: Gino's
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that the Round House is the oldest public building in the state of Western Australia? Opened in January 1831, just 18 months after settlement, it was built to hold any person convicted of a crime and was used until 1886. Since then it’s been a police lock up, accommodation for the Water Police, and a storage facility for the Fremantle Ports. Today it’s a popular historical tourist attraction, with views of High Street and the gorgeous Bather's Beach. If you haven't been to check out this historical treasure yet, it's worth the visit. While you're in Fremantle, be sure to take that short stroll to the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour or the historic West End for lunch, dinner or an ice cream!
Image: Round House
VALENTINE'S DAY GIFTS IN PERTH'S BEST OPEN AIR SHOPPING CENTRE
Looking for the perfect gift for your special someone? Fremantle has you covered. Find beautiful jewellery at Kailis Pearls, Creations Jewellery & Designers, Kartique and Fremantle Opals. If you are searching for a creative and unique gift idea check out Compendium Design Store, Kate + Abel, Vanilla Gifts, FOUND or Remedy. For those more traditional Valentines you can find flowers and chocolates at The Little Posy Co, The Flower Hound, The Twisted Tulip, The Green Emporium and Fremantle Chocolate in the Fremantle Markets. There are plenty of dining specials and events too - check out the 'What's On' section below.
Image: Kailis Pearls
WHAT'S NEW
Rei Lane Eatery is now open on Wray Avenue and serving up wholesome and fresh Asian inspired bowls and 'sandos'. Described as "where inspiration meets anticipation" - sounds good to us! Collie Street also has a new addition with Phoever Vietnamese Restaurant joining the ranks of tasty dining options in the centre of the city.
Image: Rei Lane Eatery Facebook page
WHAT'S ON IN FREMANTLE
ST. JEROME'S LANEWAY FESTIVAL
The St. Jerome's Laneway Festival is coming up on Sunday 9 February with a stellar line up. With Charli XCX, The 1975, Ocean Alley, DMA's, Hockey Dad, Stella Donnelly and many more taking the stage, this is sure to be another fabulous day out. Tickets on sale now. There will be a Laneway After Party held at Freo.Social with proceeds going to support for bushfire relief organisations.
Image: St. Jerome's Laneway Festival Facebook
FRINGE IN FREMANTLE
FRINGE WORLD Festival 2020 is alive in Fremantle with plenty of shows happening in venues across the city. The Sonar Room, Sail and Anchor, Ronnie Nights, The National, Old Customs House, Art on the Move, Fremantle Church and Fremantle Navy Club will play host to FRINGE WORLD shows - comedy, music, circus and much more. Search the FRINGE WORLD program for Fremantle events.
Image: FRINGE WORLD Facebook page
HARBOUR SUNDAYS | WA MARITIME MUSEUM
Every Sunday this month from 4 pm - 8 pm, WA Museum and RTRFM will host Harbour Sundays at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle. Enjoy local music on the stunning harbourside balcony- everyone is welcome at these free concerts. This year's line up will include the likes of Sgt. Hulka, Lincoln MacKinnon & the Wrecking Train, Brayden Sibbald, Fraeya, The Lost Quays, Dan Howls, The Bambuseae Rhythm Section, Crucial Rockers and DJ Osric. What a perfect way to spend a summer evening.
Image: WA Maritime Museum
VALENTINES DAY
For the love birds celebrating Valentine's Day this month, there are romantic specials available at The Harbour Master, Char Char Restaurant + Bar, Bather's Beach House, Sail and Anchor and The Atrium Garden Restaurant at the Esplanade Hotel. If it's a low key celebration that you are looking for, why not take a sunset walk along South Beach and check out one of the many restaurants in South Fremantle or take a ride on the Tourist Wheel Fremantle and walk around the city discovering some of our new small bars.
Image: Jessica Wyld Photography
SCULPTURE AT BATHERS
Sculpture at Bathers exhibition returns from Saturday 15 February - Sunday 2 March with over 90 works by emerging and recognised Western Australian sculptors. Discover sculptures on the beach, lining the timber boardwalk, along the winding path, in bushland below the limestone cliffs at Arthur Head and inside the historic Kidogo Arthouse.
Image: I Will Always Be With You. On The Significance of Nothing. Not Chairs. 'Wavy Baby'. 2019. By Virginia Ward. Courtesy of the artist.
DEREK GRIPPER | PS ART SPACE
South African guitarist extraordinaire, Derek Gripper is returning to Fremantle on Friday 21 February to perform at PS Art Space. Now at the pinnacle of an already stellar solo career with a busy international touring schedule, Derek Gripper is one of the world's truly unique guitarists. Gripper is also a formidable composer and in more recent times he’s been exploring extended improvisation. This will be an incredible performance and if you are a fan of classical guitar, you will be awestruck. Get your tickets today.
Image: Derek Gripper
BINGO LOCO FREMANTLE AT FREO.SOCIAL
On Friday 21 February, Bingo Loco are coming to Freo.Social with a Mardi Gras Special featuring the Queen of Numbers, Karen from Finance! This crazy event provides bingo with a hint of madness complete with lip sync battles and dance offs. Costumes are highly encouraged and prizes will be awarded for best dressed. In 2020, Bingo Loco is partnering with Make-A-Wish® Australia to help create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. If you are looking for an event with a twist get your tickets here. Please be aware that this is definitely an adults only event! (18+).
Image: Legs Eleven | Bingo Loco
FREMANTLE ARTS CENTRE | SUNDAY TUNES
We love summer at the Fremantle Arts Centre with free live tunes every Sunday from 2 pm - 4 pm. Bring a picnic and rug or grab some wood-fired pizzas from the bar and enjoy a fabulous line up of local and touring acts. In February you can catch Steve Hensby Band, Harry James Angus, Gordon Koang and Pugsley Buzzard.
Image: Sunday Music at Fremantle Arts Centre
Photo credit: Miles Noel
AFL WOMEN'S AT FREMANTLE OVAL
Cheer on the Fremantle Dockers team at their Home Games this season - Sunday 9 and Saturday 22 February, Sunday 8 and Sunday 22 March. Come along with friends or bring the family down to Fremantle Oval for a fun day out. Arrive early to secure your spot on the Visit Fremantle Chillout Deck - the best seat in the house - with lounge furniture, astroturf and fun activities. There will be food and beverages available for purchase. Click here to find out more about the games. See you at Fremantle Oval!
GATEWAY TO ROTTNEST
Fremantle is the gateway to Rottnest Island, Western Australia's very own island getaway, featuring a casual atmosphere, picturesque scenery and some of the world's finest beaches and bays. This is the perfect time of year to take the 25 minute ferry ride from B Shed on Victoria Quay to this stunning location. Plenty of opportunities for a quokka selfie, snorkel, or bike ride around this exquisite island.
Image: Rottnest Island Authority
SOUTH BEACH SUNSET MARKETS
These gorgeous markets offer food from around the world, cold drinks and live entertainment in a stunning location by the sea. South Beach Sunset Markets are on every Saturday evening from 5 pm - 9 pm through summer. This is the perfect place to watch the sun going down over the Indian Ocean and take in the beauty of Fremantle.
Image: South Beach Sunset Markets Facebook page
COMING SOON
HIGHWAY TO HELL
Highway to Hell will be the finale of the 2020 Perth Festival. This once-in-a-lifetime event will see Canning Highway transformed into the world’s longest stage as we celebrate the late, great AC/DC frontman Bon Scott - Fremantle's most famous son. On Sunday 1 March 2020 from 5 pm, the event will claim 10km of open highway for local and international acts to perform AC/DC songs from stages on the back of semi-trailers in a slow parade from Applecross to Fremantle. Save the date - this will be a fabulous free event on the Labour Day long weekend followed by after-parties in Fremantle.
Image: Perth Festival
SUNSET MILITARY SPECTACULAR
The Australian Army Museum of WA presents the Sunset Military Spectacular on Sunday 8 March at the Artillery Barracks, Burt Street, Fremantle. The concert will feature performances by the Australian Army Band Perth, Royal Australian Navy Band WA, Royal Australian Navy Ceremonial Guard, HMAS Stirling and the Massed Pipes & Drums of the Australian Army Band Perth and 51 ACU Swan Regiment Drums & Pipes. Tickets are available now and include a visit to the museum prior to the concert. This event is unlike any other on the Fremantle calendar and is not to be missed.
Image: Australian Army Museum of WA
INTERNATIONAL WATERCOLOUR EXHIBITION
From Friday 13 March - Monday 13 April, the International Watercolour Exhibition Fremantle (IWEF) will be held at the Moores Building Contemporary Art Gallery on Henry Street. As part of the exhibition, on Saturday 14 March an En Plein Air competition will take place throughout Fremantle. The world-class artists participating will be free to paint whatever subject they like anywhere in the port city. These artists gather in Fremantle from across the globe and a walk around town seeing them in action will be worth the visit!
Image: Rust Shadow - Martine Vanparijs