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.
What to Expect
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Weather Forecast

Fremantle enjoys hot, dry summers and mild winters. During summer rain is unusual, but winter can bring downpours of rain and thunderstorms.

Spring (September – November) 11°C to 25°C
Summer (December – February) 17°C to 31°C
Fall (March – May) 12°C to 29°C
Winter (June – August) 10°C to 19°C

What to Expect
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Getting Around Fremantle

Central Fremantle is compact and easy to negotiate on foot or by bicycle. Free Blue and Red CAT buses link landmarks such as the Fremantle Arts Centre, Maritime Museum, and Fishing Boat Harbour. Buses and trains operate from Fremantle to Perth, Rockingham, and Mandurah. There is a regular ferry service from Victoria Quay to Rottnest Island. The crossing takes around 25 minutes.

 

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What to see and do in Fremantle/Perth

Notre Dame’s Fremantle Campus is nestled in the West End of Fremantle within beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings. It is the only “town” university in Australia and is situated in unison with other Fremantle businesses and just steps away from local parks and beaches.

The iconic Campus is close to the Fremantle Harbour, all major transport hubs, cafés and restaurants that reflect the truly multi-cultural lifestyle of the port city, one-off fashion boutiques and specialty shops that draw thousands of international visitors each year. A vast range of music, cultural and food festivals add a constant buzz to the European village-style atmosphere.

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People to Follow

If you’re like us, you might enjoy those gorgeous travel blogs, interesting podcasts, and social media influencers who test things out to let you know if they’re worth the money.

Here are a few people to follow:

 

 

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.