Fremantle
The Fremantle Visitor Centre invites you to take in the sights and sound of one of WAs most historic and beautiful cities. Fremantle is recognised as the best preserved 19th Century seaport in the world. Over 150 buildings in the port city, including the Round House ( built in 1831) Western Australias oldest public building; the Esplanade Hotel (1890s) and the Fremantle Prison are classified by the National Trust.
Fremantle, Perths port, is a part of the Perth experience. It became a city in its own right by 1929, and survived the building demolitions of the 1890s and the 1960s to emerge in 1987, when it was the host city for the Americas Cup sailing challenge, as a city rich in heritage and character.
Freo, as nearly everyone calls it, is home to a 500-strong fishing fleet and a vast number of yachts and pleasure craft. In recent years two significant historical replica ships were built here - the HMS Endeavour and the Duyfken (the first Dutch vessel to chart the Australian coastline in 1666).
The port city is located at the mouth of the Swan River on the West Coast of Western Austarlia and is part of the Perth metropolitan area. The Perth city centre is only 20 klms away - a 25 minute cab ride or 25 to 30 minutes by train.
Fremantle is much more than an architectural time capsule. Its the lively maritime street party bubbling with character, culture and cappuccinos enriching the culture of all Australia. It is an experience that no visitor to WA should miss, a gourmets delight with a wide range of different cuisines at its many cafes, restaurants and hotels. Often there is sidewalk entertainment, especially on South Terrace, known as the Cappuccino strip"" and near the Victorian-style markets.
Bring a healthy appetite for rib-sticking food, great times and good friends and discover the Port of fun - FREMANTLE.
Fremantle, the port of Perth, is a remarkable area. In the past decade Fremantle has become the great tourist attraction in the Perth area with many interesting historic buildings, gracious modern hotels, extensive seaside parks and enough tourist attractions to make it the ideal day-out destination. Have a picnic or a meal in one of Fremantle's innumerable restaurants, visit the museums, gaze at the conspicuous wealth of the Fremantle Yacht Club, explore the five heritage trails, investigate the Fremantle markets or go fishing at North Mole. Quality accommodation is available at Fremantle.
Fremantle is a dynamic, vibrant, port city situated at the mouth of the Swan River twenty kilometres down stream from Perth, the State capital. The city is renowned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere with strong southern European, particularly Italian, influences. It has preserved its built heritage and is arguably the best example of a late nineteenth early twentieth Australian city.
It has many attractions including the spectacular Western Australian Maritime Museum, the Fremantle Prison, Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and the famous Cappuccino Strip. Fremantle, as the State’s premier tourist destination, has seven day a week shopping and a large variety of restaurants and cafes, pubs and clubs. Fremantle is well served by public transport – rail, bus and ferry and is renowned as a walking and cycling town.
Freo's a friendly place, full of talk, and lots of action. Everyone has an opinion. Passions rise with the heat and fall with the soft nights. Out of them come ideas that make the rest of the nation want a look in.
* Where is Freo
* History
Fremantle was established in 1829 as a port for the fledgling Swan River Colony and was the major city in Western Australia for much of its early history.
It was the first port of call in Australia for many migrants and visitors and today Fremantle sustains a rich mixture of cultures and nationalities.
Fremantle is Western Australia's major commercial port and handles the majority of the State's imports and exports.
The distinctive nature of a port city and the availability of warehouses made vacant by the modernisation of the port attracted artists and arts organisations seeking low cost accommodation.
Fremantle is a major tourist attraction for travellers from all parts of the world and attracts large numbers of residents and visitors on a daily basis. The city offers a unique blend of a lively multicultural yet relaxed lifestyle and is a 7 day city.
Fremantle has long been know as Perth's other capital.
Within easy walking and cycling distance, visitors can experience contemporary circus, fine crafts, original music and theatre, exciting galleries, museums, bookshops and buskers. Along with maritime history and extensive architectural conservation, the Arts have become a central part of Fremantle life where visitors can discover the past and present.
Many Arts organisations are housed in historic buildings providing a contemporary use for some of the most spectacular reminders of an earlier history.
Fremantle provides a unique opportunity for the visitor to experience and enjoy a range of cultural activities in a relaxed atmosphere. A browse through the markets or leisurely stop at one of the numerous cafes and restaurants will complement your exploration of the arts, making a visit to Fremantle a rich and rewarding experience.
Fremantle and Rottnest Island
There are two places that shouldn’t be missed during a visit to Experience Perth - Rottnest Island and Fremantle. Big favourites with locals, they offer relaxing getaways and a blue ocean backdrop.
Fremantle, known locally as ‘Freo’, is just 20 minutes drive from Perth city. You can also take a scenic route and go by ferry. Rottnest Island, or ‘Rotto’, lies half an hour’s ferry ride from Fremantle – perfect for a day trip or short escape.
Fremantle – open seven days
Fremantle oozes heritage and cosmopolitan culture. Seven days a week, the streets are abuzz with shoppers and al fresco diners, while pubs brim over with patrons from across the globe.
South Terrace, Cappucino Strip, FremantleA strong Italian influence has produced a vast array of pizza and pasta restaurants, alongside a wide selection of other international eateries.
Don’t miss the weekend markets which are great for fresh fruit and veggies or that unique gift.
But best of all, are the fish and chips. Some of the state’s most popular seafood restaurants and cafés are dotted around Fishing Boat Harbour – the perfect place to sample the Indian Ocean’s bounty.
Western Australia’s pioneering history lives on in the port city, where convict prisons and maritime museums tell fascinating stories of courage and mischief.
Fishing alongside Maritime Museum, FremantleSitting on Victoria Quay is the Western Australian Maritime Museum. Designed to depict a boat stranded on a sandy promontory, the museum houses famous sailing vessels along with hands on exhibits bringing sea-faring heritage to life.
Weekends make way for an array of street performers, setting an artistic and fun-loving tone for shoppers.
Funky Australian fashions, the freshest local produce and the latest indigenous art – you will find it all in Fremantle’s boutiques, markets and shopping centres.
Spend the day or stay a while in ‘Freo’ and really get into the lifestyle. There’s no shortage of accommodation choices ranging from stunning hotels to backpackers’ lodges.
For more information on Fremantle, visit Fremantle First.
Rottnest Island – relaxing and rejuvenating
‘Rotto’ has a tranquil atmosphere – it’s the island where the locals go to get away from the every day.
Parker Point, RottnestSituated just off the coast of Perth, Rottnest Island is renowned for superb snorkelling, diving, surfing, fishing, boating and swimming in crystal bays. There’s plenty for land-lovers to do too, including golfing and walk trails.
Private vehicles are not permitted on the island. Instead, visitors hire bicycles and pedal their way from bay to bay – or catch the bus.
Accommodation is in villas, cabins, hotel rooms or on the campsite, but needs to be booked well in advance.
Wherever you stay, Rottnest Island’s relaxed pace will leave you rejuvenated and ready to face the real world again.
Over 150 stalls offering everything from ocean-fresh seafood, fruit and vegies, cheeses, freshly baked bread, coffees, gourmet foods, herbs, spices, health food, painted t-shirts, cane-ware, pottery, fantastic clothing, finely crafted jewellery and much much more.
If you're interested in unique Western Australian Gifts then the Markets are the place to go. Sheepskin and leather goods, jarrah and cane products, dried wildflowers, opals, local shells and pottery are all available.
The building which houses the markets was originally built as a market hall in 1897 and the current building has been restored to its original Victorian grandeur.
You will also be entertained by buskers both inside and outside of the markets as you stroll from stall to stall, or rest your weary legs and quench your thirst at the market bar.
Just 20 minutes' drive southwest of Perth is the mouth of the Swan River and the port town of Fremantle.
A vibrant port city, it is rich in heritage buildings and attractions, maritime history and culture. Fremantle has been recognised as the best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape in the world. It has Western Australia's largest collection of heritage listed buildings, many of which house attractions, museums, offices, art galleries and shops.
Be sure to visit the famous Fremantle Markets (open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays) for local crafts, fresh food, clothes, jewellery and all sorts of curios. When you want a break from shopping, sampling and eating, sit in the corner bar and watch the markets' colourful hustle and bustle.
Fishing fleet moored in Boat Harbour, Fremantle Maritime experiences include a visit to the working Fishing Boat Harbour and Fremantle Port as well as the new Maritime Museum which overlooks the working port.
Restaurants and cafes cater to every taste from the traditional to the exotic. Fremantle's cultural diversity is reflected in the range of cuisines from Europe, Asia and all points between. Highlights can be found on 'cappuccino strip' along South Street. Fresh local seafood is also recommended.
Numerous entertainment venues including a puppet theatre, cinemas, music clubs and bars offer a tantalising choice to visitors. Buskers can often be seen performing in the streets and at various stations in Fremantle. There are also several licensed clubs including a multicultural performing arts centre.
Fremantle proudly supports many regular festivals and events throughout the year:
Aerial of Fremantle Harbour featuring ocean liners Oriana and QE2.The Fremantle Street Art Festival attracts over 60,000 people to Fremantle over the Easter long weekend, to enjoy acrobatics, music, magic, flaming twirling fire torches, comedy and an astounding array of street performance skills. The streets fill with a unique 'vibe' and are enlivened by wild fun and unusual performances.
Each November the port city comes alive with the Fremantle Festival. Ten days of hair raising acrobatics, world class music, blistering sensual Latin dance and much, much more.
Fremantle's cultural diversity is evident in some of its sports clubs such as soccer, bocce and Australian football. There is also a vast range of other activities on offer including golf, swimming, basketball, tennis and sailing.
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