Fremantle

Overview

Fremantle—or “Freo” as Australians call it—is located within the Perth metropolitan region, is a vibrant port city which draws people to its beaches, parks, eateries, and markets. Perth is the sunniest capital city in Australia!

The Perth metropolitan area has a population of 2.14 million people with very diverse backgrounds. The Perth/Fremantle lifestyle is very relaxed and there is lots to see and do. Fremantle is always abuzz with beach-side sunset markets, popular local bars, live music and street cafés.

With Perth city just 18 kilometres away and accessible by train in less than 30 minutes, students have the freedom to explore far and wide for daytime adventures and nightlife. Numerous festivals and events are hosted throughout the year including the Fringe Festival, Fremantle Street Arts Festival, and Perth International Arts Festival.

Just a 40-minute drive from Perth International Airport, Fremantle is within easy reach of Western Australia’s main gateway to Asia, with most Asian cities no more than seven hours away by air.

Fast Facts

  • Established in 1829, but the original inhabitants of the land on which the city is built are the Whadjuk Noongar people.
  • Fremantle was the only Australian city to feature in The Lonely Planet’s guide to the “Top Ten Tourism Cities in the World” in 2016, and Perth recently featured in the top two friendliest cities in the world in the prestigious magazine Condé Nast Traveller.
  • Various cafés and coffee shops are situated around Fremantle, particularly on the “Cappuccino Strip,” a section of South Terrace known for its al fresco dining culture.
  • Referred to as a “boho town” by Lonely Planet.

 

Bucket List

1. Bon Scott Statue
The most popular of Fremantle’s public sculptures is Greg James’s statue of AC/DC’s Bon Scott (1946–80), strutting on a Marshall amplifier in Fishing Boat Harbour.

2. Bathers Beach
In late 2016 Bathers became the first beach in WA to be granted an alcohol license. It’s the closest beach to central Fremantle and also has an art trail. You can swim here, but South Beach or Port Beach are nicer options.

3. Round House
Completed in 1831, this 12-sided stone prison is WA’s oldest surviving building.

4. Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Various classes and workshops, including language, art and crafts, are held at this interesting Aboriginal cultural centre.

5. Bathers Beach Art Precinct
The Bathers Beach area has artists’ galleries and studios in heritage cottages and warehouses stretching from near the Round House north and west towards the Western Australian Museum – Maritime.

6. Esplanade Reserve
A large park shaded by Norfolk Island pines between the city and Fishing Boat Harbour. Attractions include a soaring Ferris wheel and a skateboard park. Live-music gigs and festivals are often held here.