Restrictions are starting to relax and your next urban adventure awaits you in Fremantle. And what better place to flex your new-found freedom and rediscover some of life's simple pleasures.
Visit our port city for the day, stay the night, have a special meal delivered to your room or dine out at one of Freo's restaurants; browse the stores and boutiques starting to reopen their doors, discover the history and heritage of this intriguing city. You can customise your own urban adventure! We've put together some ideas below, enjoy the fresh air and find your freedom in Freo!
STAYCATION OR MINI BREAK. IT'S A WEEKEND AWAY
After so much time spent cooped up at home, wouldn't it be nice to take a break? Fremantle's hotels are ready to welcome you and provide a 'home base' while you soak up the city's atmosphere, wander the streets and meet the locals.
Be. Fremantle at Fishing Boat Harbour offers unparalleled views from every room with the gentle tinkling of the rigging outside the door you could be a world away. Choose between a sunrise over the harbour or a sunset over the ocean from the comfort of your room.
In the heart of the city, the Hougoumont provides the boutique welcome and the best place to view Fintan Magee's latest large scale artwork, the Escape Artist. Quality Suites sits right across the road and both are within walking distance of the Cappuccino Strip, West End and Market Street precincts.
At The National Hotel experience 5 star comforts in bespoke furnished rooms with views over the West End. Quest Fremantle apartment hotel offers a studio style experience with 1 and 2 bedroom apartments - you could bring the family. Fremantle is right outside the front door at the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle - by Rydges and it's a short stroll across the park to Fishing Boat Harbour.
DINE IN
Tired of cooking and eating at home? Let someone else serve you dinner for a change! Fremantle's foodie scene is waking up and offering your tastebuds a new adventure. As of next week Madalena's Bar, Twin Fin, Joe's Fish Shack, Bread in Common, Benny's, Sandrino Cafe, La Sosta, Tonic & Ginger at The Old Synagogue, Strange Company, The National Hotel, The Local Hotel, Clancy's Fish Pub Fremantle, Propeller, Bib and Tucker and Piggy Food Co will be open for dine in meals and we are sure to hear from many more soon. Check out each venue for their opening hours. Don't forget to book!
RETAIL THERAPY
Boutique, not big box, Fremantle is Perth's best open-air shopping experience with unique shops and boutiques found along the length of our inner city streets and terraces. Discover fashion, menswear, shoes, gifts, bookshops, and homewares that you won't find anywhere else. Local shopkeepers are turning the lights on, opening the blinds and putting the OPEN sign back up. Wear 2, Nifty in Freo, Bousfields Menswear, Three Stories, Yarns on Collie, Elizabeth's Bookshop, Toyworld, Jacksons Drawing Supplies, Bindoon Boots and Bill Campbell Books are open but it's just as nice to wander. Now seems likes a perfect time to treat yourself to some retail therapy.
Image: Bill Campbell Books captured by @its_just_an_entry via Instagram
FREMANTLE ON FOOT OR ON WHEELS
Whether on foot or by bike, discover the rich history of Fremantle from convict and colonial heritage to arts, food, culture and one of a kind harbour views. The Fremantle Highlights cycle trail takes you through our historic town and port on a 7.5km trip, giving you a taste of all that Freo has to offer (download the PDF trail here). If you are looking for a slower pace, the Manjaree Walking Trail at Bathers Bay includes a series of interpretive signs starting at the northern edge of the Old Kerosene Store (now Kidogo Arthouse) and throughout the Bathers Beach Precinct explaining the Nyoongar seasons, bush tucker, trade and other customs relevant to Manjaree. Visit our walking and cycling trails page to find out more.
FIND YOUR FAVOURITE STREET ART
There is amazing street art on display across the city. Find your favourite as you walk the main streets, the little laneways and keep your eyes peeled for the sides of buildings and those unexpected and often thought-provoking pieces that are hidden treasures throughout Fremantle. There's the famous East West Designs mural, the zebras at Ootong and Lincoln, the walls out the back of the Federal Hotel and the boxing kangaroo on High Street to get you on your way but there are hundreds of others. Check out this list for more locations as you plan your trip around the City of Fremantle. Snap a pic of your fave and tag @visitfremantle on socials.
Image: @odd_and_beautiful Instagram
GO TO THE BEACH
Before the cooler weather sets in, make the most of the glorious WA climate and get down to South Beach, Bather's Beach, Port Beach or Leighton. Whichever Freo beach you choose, there is always a cafe nearby ready to refuel after you've had some fun in the sun and waves. Our beaches are some of the best in Perth and easily accessed by public transport.
GO FISHIN'
Fremantle is a popular spot for dropping a line to catch fish, squid and even blue swimmer crabs. Grab your fishing rod and some bait and head to South Mole or North Mole, the North Fremantle edge of the Swan River or South Beach and settle in - you might even catch yourself some dinner!
PACK A PICNIC
Fremantle's reserves, parks and beaches have some of the most stunning views in Perth. Gather your brunch, lunch or dinner delights from our gourmet supermarkets, bakeries and butchers, pack your picnic and get outside with a small group of your nearest and dearest. Esplanade Reserve has plenty of room to spread out and social distance amongst the Norfolk Pines. Bathers Beach, South Beach and Leighton Beach are perfect for watching the sunset while enjoying your dinner. Booyeembara Park is a spot to relax and feel like you've left the big smoke. There's a nice little patch in front of the Maritime Museum at Victoria Quay where you can look out over the port or head up to Monument Hill - it's been a popular lookout over Fremantle since the early days of settlement.
CHANNEL YOUR INNER PHOTOGRAPHER
Dust off your camera and head to Fremantle to capture street scenes, nature, landscapes, iconic attractions, the colours of the Indian Ocean, heritage buildings, shop fronts, street art... the list goes on. If you don't have a camera or haven't thought of yourself as a photographer before, use your phone (there's some great photo editing apps). Set yourself a photo challenge or host an InstaMeet. Don't forget to tag @visitfremantle so we can see your beautiful pics.
Image: @xshannon14x Instagram