If you’re looking for unique things to do in Western Australia, look no further than Fremantle Perth. Fremantle is a beautiful port town within the Perth basin area of Western Australia. It is well known for its maritime heritage, Victorian architecture and unique remnants from Australia’s colonial days. as a British penal colony.
If you are looking for things to do in Fremantle Perth, we’ve highlighted the best bars, markets, and sights in this charming city.
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1. Sail to Carnac Island, the world’s deadliest island
Spend time on a beautiful sailboat cruising with dolphins by your side and bubbles flowing. Carnac Island is a short sail from the Fremantle Boat Harbour.
You can see the Australian Sea Lions either lazing on the island’s beach or swimming around the boat. Be sure to bring your swimwear as the clear blue water is well worth diving in!
You can either join a group or book the boat for your own cruise.
2. Enjoy a coffee on the Cappuccino Strip
Aptly named the Cappuccino Strip due to its array of cafe choices. This is one of the things to do in Fremantle for those who enjoy coffee and people watching.
Boasting some of the state’s best brew, the strip also has an Italian influence with pizza and pasta restaurants being some of the local favourites.
Located in the center of town, it’s a great place to soak in the classic architecture and local city buzz.
3. Join a local walking tour
Get to know the ins and outs of this town’s interesting history and culture. Don’t worry the tour is not all about the old days. It includes insights into the best-hidden bars, restaurants, and places to see in Fremantle.
There’s a maximum of 10 people per tour and it runs daily, rain, hail, or shine (or even for 1 person). With a friendly, local guide the tour ends at the Little Creatures Brewery so you’re sure to have a good time.
4. Enjoy a frothy beer at a Fremantle Breweries
If you’re looking for the best breweries in Perth, Fremantle is home to a few of them:
- Otherside Brewing has a colourful use of industrial space. The brewery offers great food and live music.
- Little Creatures is a large scale brewery located by the harbour where you can see things done at scale, yet there’s still very much a craft feel. They have a great selection of beer, ciders, and great pizza.
- Running with Thieves is a South Beach brewery/distillery which has a combination of industrial and edgy with a hint of flare. The all in one stop has a restaurant, retail store, distillery and brewery!
5. Visit Rottnest Island
One of Western Australia’s gems, Rottnest Island is a must on the list of things to do in Fremantle.
You can get to the island by ferry (Rottnest Express, Rottnest Fast Ferries, SeaLink Rottnest Island) or even by small plane (Kookaburra Air, Rottnest Air-Taxi, Corsaire Aviation, and Swan River Seaplanes).
Whether you just want to go for the day, explore some of the island, take a swim or see the infamous Quokkas (probably the cutest animals in the world) there is plenty to do.
Alternatively, you can stay over night and make the most of the island sunset.
If you’re looking for some adventure you can join a boat/snorkel tour and get to see some of the island’s best hidden beaches.
The tour includes:
- Guided tour of Rottnest island
- BBQ prepared by the crew
- Snorkel equipment
6. Eat at Mother (previously named Raw Kitchen), Fremantle’s conscious cafe
At the forefront of raw, vegan plant-based food is this amazing restaurant that offers fresh, local, and seasonal meals. With a focus on sustainability and unique dishes, it is delightfully set up with indoor plants against brick walls and calm lighting.
Head in for a coffee and a dessert or seasonal treat, you won’t’ be disappointed. While it is on the pricy side, you certainly get what you pay for.
7. Join a yoga class at YogaLab
Located above the Mother Cafe (previously called Raw Kitchen), this creative space is an open warehouse feel with white brick and indoor plants.
They host various styles of yoga and even introduce a been of live music during session to make it fun and interesting for all of the clients.
8. Have a coffee at Fremantle’s Equal Opportunity Cafe
Humble Pantry is Fremantle’s first social enterprise and equal opportunity cafe. Located in the city area, this venue has a quiet courtyard to escape the city noise.
The Humble Panty provides employment, including training, to people with a disability or disadvantage.
They also showcase artwork created by people with disabilities. It is a great cafe to support during your city exploration.
9. Have some Caribbean inspired food and rum at the Jungle Bird
Looking for something a little different in town? One of the things to do in Fremantle that’s off the beaten track in try out the Caribbean inspired bar, Jungle Bird.
The vintage, tropical decor and classic rum cocktails make it an interesting stop. They also serve up jerk chicken, Jamaican rice and peas, and saltfish fritters.
10. Visit the Fremantle Markets
One of the best things to do in Fremantle over the weekend is to visit the markets (open Friday, Saturday & Sunday 8 am-6 pm).
Located in town this indoor market is an eclectic collection of food and artisan crafts. There are live performances and a broad range of activities for kids and adults.
You can either get some great locally grown fresh produce or sample some incredible local delicacies.
11. Feast on middle eastern delicacies at Canvas Cafe
This quaint cafe has a beautiful courtyard setting with vine-covered walls and a manicured lawn.
They have a great selection of desserts and make a tasty Shakshuka. It is at the Art Centre so be sure to check out what events are on while you are there. The venue is also BYO wine!
12. Visit the boutiques on George Street
George Street is one of the prettiest streets in Fremantle. The well-maintained brick buildings and range of trees make it a perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
There are plenty of small boutique shops that sell a range of clothing and homeware goods including, Atelier on George, Savvy Brands, and a great florist called Floral Army.
13. Drink Wine On Tap
The strange company offers wine on tap in their intimate bar setting. This is a great spot to sit, drink wine, and enjoy small tapas-style servings. They get live music on occasion and have a great list of cocktails.
If you are thinking of exploring Western Australia, there are some great wineries and Airbnbs in Margaret River.
14. Enjoy the views from Sweetwater Rooftop Bar
Stylish rooftop bar with a tropical/Asian feel. They have a great range of food and cocktails.
The venue is bright and airy with a lot of indoor plants and views out to the cityscape. They have a range of set menu offers including Sunday bottomless brunches.
15. Listen to live music at a Southern-Style Jazz Bar
Step into another world. The Duke of George Bar is a New Orleans themed venue that specializes in southern style comfort food and bluesy jazz.
It is an indoor venue that has 200 seats. But be sure to book your seat before going as it can sell out depending on the act.
Best Places to stay in Fremantle
There are some beautiful Perth Airbnb stays. Here are the best in Fremantle:
