Perth is touted as one the most isolated cities in the world and with a population of just under two million in many respects it is like a big country town, but it has much to offer visitors whether it be for a pit stop like me or a longer stay.
On offer is unique bohemian destination surrounded by water, with a friendly and laid-back social atmosphere is Fremantle located at the mouth of the Swan River. Fremantle Harbour serves as the port of Perth. Fremantle is a classic example of mixing the old with the new to create a unique and edgy city that’s as proud of its artistic cultivation as it is of its maritime and colonial past. The combination of world-class attractions with microbreweries, waterside seafood eateries, heritage pubs, cafés, buzzing markets, boutique shopping.
'Freo' as the locals love to call it, is 20 km or just 30minutes drive or train ride from the Perth CBD. One of the better modes of transport is hopping on a ferry from Barrack Street terminal for a leisurely cruise along the swan river.
Fremantle is one of the easiest cities in the world to explore by foot or bike. All leading attractions are located within walking distance of the Fremantle Train Station and the free Fremantle CAT bus completes regular circuits around the city stopping at popular places of interest and offering easy access to major attractions and venues. A great way for visitors to get around is to take the Fremantle Tram Tour which completes regular circuits of the city with educational commentary, hire a bike from the Fremantle Visitor Centre. However our top recommendation is join a walking a guided tour around the Freemantle area. A walking Tour will show you all the quirky nooks and crannies that you would not find by yourself.
There is a great heritage trail, if you are going to hit the track make sure you pick up a free map from the Visitor Centre in Freo. The stunning streetscape features 150 buildings classified by the National Trust including Western Australia's first public building, the uniquely shaped round house. The Round House was a gaol built in 1831 to hold any person convicted of a crime in the settlement and was later used as a local police lock up.
Located near by you can explore the most intact convict establishment in the Southern Hemisphere and Western Australia's only World Heritage listed building - Fremantle Prison. Built by convicts in the 1850's it remained a prison until 1991.There are fascinating tours of the secret tunnels, the best is an eerie torch light which will leave the hairs on the back of your neck standing on edge, if the rumours of the super natural are to be believed.
The architecture takes a modern leap with the Western Australian Maritime Museum, which is renowned for its interior as well as its exterior. Perched as an entrance statement to the port, the designs resembles the hull of a boat. It's contents includes the pride of Australia, the winning yacht of the 1983 America's Cup. Closeby is the shipwreck and army museums.
Behind Fremantles historic facade is a contemporary city with a penchant for festivals. It celebrates music with a laneway festival in February and hosts Australia's largest street art festival each April. Freo's past is brought to life for 10 days in May and October where the town celebrates everything Freemantle - from poetry to street parades, to sporting contests, folk music, indigenous ceremonies, surf films, cabaret, classic cars as well as multicultural dance and food - In Australia's longest running community festival named after the town "Fremantle Festival".
Besides the large scale events, Fremantle has a great night life with a vibrant live-music scene, artists' studios and galleries, designer owned specialty stores and a pumping hospitality industry.
Don't miss out on the vibrant Fremantle Markets open Friday through Sunday for the freshest of fruits and vege as well as an eclectic mix of buskers, stalls and goods. Here you can experience the exotic aromas, sights and sounds of an icon that's been operating for over 100 years - The oldest market in Australia.
The famed Cappuccino Strip, influenced by Italian immigrants is a must stop. As you sip your latte, soak in Freo's chilled-out vibe and be fascinated by the diverse mix of locals from retro hippies to 21st Century hipsters against a back-drop of the best preserved 19th Century colonial architecture. If the freshest seafood you will ever have is more your style, head down to the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, it is a go-to place for all the locals, while you are there why don't you wash down dinner with one of the famous Little Creatures Craft Beer which was founded a few years ago, Arguably the most well known craft beer companies in the world.
There is a huge range of accommodation options in Fremantle, including budget friendly backpackers, boutique bed and breakfasts, self catering apartments, caravan and holiday parks and some of the most stunning luxury hotels.
If Fremantle and Western Australia sounds like a bit of you - get in touch