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Fremantle has an interesting history dating back to the mid-nineteenth century. Over 150 buildings have been classified by the National Trust. Fremantle was named after Captain Sir Charles Howe Fremantle who took possession of the Western Australian coast, then called New Holland, for Britain in 1829.
Although relatively small in area, Fremantle has many interesting things to do and see. It is a major world port, a fishing town, an historic city, a university town, a modern bustling community, and an arts centre. Fremantle has no shortage of pubs, cafes, restaurants and hostels. Many have
al fresco (in other words outside) eating areas in summer where you can watch the people go by as you sip your Emu Bitter or cappuccino.
Often there is sidewalk entertainment, especially on South Terrace, known as "cappuccino strip" and near the Victorian-style markets.
"Freo" as it is called locally, is a very cosmopolitan city with lively ethnic communities preserving their own culture and enriching the culture of all Australians. Fremantle is an experience that no visitor to Western Australia should miss.
Today Fremantle merges the old and the new. New developments are controlled to maintain the atmosphere that makes Fremantle unique.
- WA Maritime Museum
- see our Museum section.
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Roundhouse and Tunnel - 10, Arthur Head, Fremantle, This was the Swan River Colony's first gaol and Fremantle's oldest surviving building, completed in 1831. Underneath is a tunnel built to access a whaling station in the 1860s. Open daily 10 - 5.
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Army Museum - Artillery Barracks, Burt St Fremantle. Tel 9249 9457. Comprehensive display of military history of Western Australia. Uniforms, medals, weaponry, vehicles and photographs. Open Sat & Sun 10 - 4.30.
- Fremantle Museum
- see our Museum section
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Historic Boats Museum - B shed Victoria Quay Fremantle. Tel 9335 8211 Historic craft including the boat in which Jon Sanders made his solo double circumnavigation of the world. Open 10 - 3 Mon - Fri, Weekends and holidays 11 - 4.
- Fremantle Town Hall -
the building was opened in 1887 on Queen Victoria's golden jubilee. It is a magnificent example of turn of the century classical architecture. It was recently restored to it's original splendour.
- Fremantle Prison Museum
- this was opened as a cultural heritage site after 136 years as a gaol. The prison guardians run daily guided tours with candlelight tours on Wednesday and Friday evenings. The main tour includes Moondyne Joe's cell, the chapels, the gallows and isolation chambers and exercise yards and cells that house some unique works of art created by convicts.
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Fremantle Markets - South Terrace & Henderson Streets. The original building was opened in 1897. The ornate design shows how prosperous and active Fremantle was at the time of the gold rush. The markets were reopened in 1975 with over 150 stalls selling seafood, spices, gourmet items, clothes, jewellery, fruit and vegetables, antiques and souvenirs. Fri 9 - 9 Sat, 9 - 5 Sun 11 - 5.
- Fremantle Arts Centre -
see Gallery section
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Fishing Boat Harbour - on the seaward side of the Esplanade you will find the home of over 500 fishing boats. Fremantle is famous for its crayfish (rock lobsters) and more recently sardines as well as other local fish.
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Samson House - Corner Ellen and Ord Street, Fremantle. An original Fremantle home from the 1880s. Open Thurs and Sun 1 - 5.
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Monument Hill - visit this hill for a glorious view of Fremantle out to Rottnest and back to the Darling scarp.
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Moore's Building - 46, Henry Street. This heritage listed building in the historic west end of Fremantle was the site of William Dalgety Moore's general merchant business from 1869 to 1900. Recently restored, the building now houses many exhibitions and performances.
Visit the Freo net for a loads more info |
