19 Exciting Things to Do in Fremantle, WA for First Timers

Planning a trip to Fremantle and wondering what to do? This detailed travel guide covers the best things to do in Fremantle near Perth, Western Australia, for first time visitors.

Fremantle (affectionally known as ‘Freo’) is a vibrant port city where heritage charm meets modern coastal cool. A place where you can stroll past 19th-century limestone buildings one minute and sip a locally brewed beer overlooking the water the next.

I spent three full days exploring Fremantle, and it’s a great first stop along a Western Australia road trip itinerary. Between the buzzing Fremantle Markets, the fascinating history at Fremantle Prison, scenic waterfront spots and day trips to Rottnest Island, there’s so much to do!

This guide covers all the top things to do in Fremantle, from must-see landmarks and museums to beachside hangouts and foodie hotspots. Every recommendation comes from my own visit, so consider this your insider’s itinerary for getting the most out of this coastal gem.

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Pro tip: Fremantle is best explored on foot, so wear comfy shoes, grab a coffee, and get ready to wander.

Here is What to See & Do in Fremantle, Perth

1. Fremantle Markets

One of the first stops I made in Fremantle was the Fremantle Markets, and it instantly set the tone for the city’s vibrant, creative energy.

Housed in a gorgeous 1897 heritage building, the market is packed with local produce, handmade crafts, vintage clothing, street food, and buskers, adding to the lively atmosphere.

It’s a great place to grab breakfast or a coffee before a day of exploring. I loved starting my mornings here with a pastry and a wander through the aisles. The market is only open Friday to Sunday, so time your visit accordingly.

2. Fremantle Prison

This UNESCO World Heritage site offers an unfiltered look at Australia’s convict past through expertly guided tours. From its limestone cell blocks to its eerie underground tunnels, the stories here are raw and unforgettable.

I joined the Convict Prison Tour at Fremantle Prison and found it the best introduction for a first-time visit. If you’re more adventurous, you can book the Tunnels Tour for a deeper dive beneath the prison walls. The site is just a short walk from the town centre, making it easy to include in your day.

3. Rottnest Island Day Trip

One of the best experiences I had in Fremantle was hopping on the ferry to Rottnest Island for the day.

Just 25 minutes offshore, this little slice of paradise is known for its quokkas, turquoise beaches, and car-free cycling trails. I spent the day biking the island’s loop with my husband and mom, stopping at Little Salmon Bay for a swim and Wadjemup Lighthouse for lunch with a view.

Booking the ferry and bike rental in advance is wise, especially in summer. With regular ferries departing right from Fremantle, it’s an easy, unforgettable day trip that blends adventure and relaxation.

4. Gage Roads Brewery

Located right on the wharf, Gage Roads Brewery has some of the best harbour views in Fremantle. It’s a laid-back, airy spot that’s perfect for a cold beer and a casual lunch or dinner after sightseeing.

Their beers are brewed on-site, and you can order tasting paddles to sample a few different styles.

We sat outside overlooking the port, watching the ferries come and go, and it felt like the perfect break between exploring. The food menu is simple but delicious, with wood-fired pizzas, tacos (yum!), fresh seafood, and share plates that pair well with their brews.

This great spot is also included in my Perth to Margaret River to Esperance road trip itinerary.

5. The Roundhouse

Perched on a limestone bluff overlooking the ocean, The Roundhouse is Western Australia’s oldest public building and one of Fremantle’s most photogenic spots. Built in 1831 as a colonial prison, it now offers a glimpse into the city’s early settlement days.

It’s a quick but meaningful stop, and the view from the top of the stairs is spectacular – perfect for snapping photos of the coastline and Bathers Beach below.

If you’re there at 1 PM, you can even watch the daily cannon firing, a long-standing local tradition that adds a fun historic touch.

6. WA Maritime Museum

The WA Maritime Museum is a must for anyone interested in Western Australia’s deep connection to the sea. Housed in a striking modern building on Victoria Quay, the museum showcases Fremantle’s maritime history, from Indigenous seafaring to the America’s Cup and the state’s pearl diving past.

One of the highlights is the America’s Cup-winning yacht Australia II, which you can see up close.

The museum is beautifully curated, and the interactive exhibits make it engaging even if you’re not a history buff. The museum is also an easy walk from the train station.

7. Cappuccino Strip

If Fremantle has a heartbeat, it’s the Cappuccino Strip. This bustling stretch of South Terrace is lined with cafés, restaurants, bars, and buskers, giving it a lively European feel. It’s the perfect place to people-watch, grab a flat white, and soak up the local vibe.

We stopped here each morning during my stay. Sometimes for coffee, sometimes for a long brunch. It’s central and easy to reach from anywhere in town, so whether you’re starting your day or winding down in the evening, this street is always buzzing.

8. Esplanade Park

Right in the heart of Fremantle, Esplanade Park is a leafy green space that makes a great pit stop between sights. It’s home to towering Norfolk pines, playgrounds, and plenty of shaded lawns where locals relax with picnics or coffee in hand.

The park sits between Cappuccino Strip and Fishing Boat Harbour, so it’s easy to weave it into your walk around town. I liked sitting here in the late afternoon, letting the sea breeze roll in while watching families and travellers pass through.

9. WA Shipwrecks Museum

Located in a beautifully restored 1850s Commissariat building, the WA Shipwrecks Museum tells the dramatic stories of Western Australia’s maritime past.

Inside, you’ll find incredible artifacts from shipwrecks along the treacherous WA coast, including parts of the infamous Batavia, which sank in 1629.

Its location near Bathers Beach makes it easy to pair with a seaside stroll, and entry is by donation, which makes it accessible for all travellers.

10. Rainbow Sea Containers

The Rainbow Sea Containers is one of Fremantle’s most iconic modern landmarks. This colourful archway, created from nine recycled shipping containers, celebrates the city’s port history and creative spirit.

It’s perched on Canning Highway at the entrance to Fremantle and offers fantastic views over the Swan River and port.

I stopped here on foot from the town centre with my mom on our way to Fremantle Prison. It’s an easy walk, and the vibrant rainbow against the blue sky makes it a great photo stop.

11. Fremantle Arts Centre

Set in a stunning Gothic-style limestone building originally constructed as a lunatic asylum in the 1860s, it now hosts rotating exhibitions, live music events, and art workshops.

Even if you’re not a big art person, it’s worth visiting for the atmosphere and architecture alone.

12. Fremantle War Memorial

Perched on Monument Hill, the Fremantle War Memorial offers one of the best panoramic views of the city and port. It’s a short uphill walk, but the outlook makes it worthwhile. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the ocean.

The memorial itself is beautifully maintained and a meaningful place to reflect on Western Australia’s wartime history. I visited in the late afternoon when the light was soft and golden, and it was surprisingly peaceful compared to Fremantle’s busier attractions.

13. Dinner at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour

No trip to Fremantle is complete without a classic fish and chips dinner by the water, and Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is the place to do it. This working harbour is lined with casual seafood restaurants serving up freshly caught fish, crispy chips, and cold drinks.

We ate here on our second night, taking a stroll on the jetty with the boats gently bobbing in the water and the sun setting over the harbour.

Kailis (where we ate) and Cicerello’s are two of the most popular spots, but there are plenty of great options.

14. South Mole Lighthouse

For a short and scenic walk, head out to South Mole Lighthouse, a striking green-and-white beacon at the end of the breakwater. The walk along the pier is breezy and beautiful, with panoramic views of the ocean and harbour.

It’s a great place to watch the ferries and container ships glide past. If you’re visiting on a hot day, bring a light jacket or windbreaker since it can get gusty on the pier.

15. Bathers Beach

Bathers Beach is the perfect place to slow the pace. Just steps from the city centre, this stretch of white sand and calm water is ideal for a quick dip or a sun-soaked break in between sightseeing.

I came here a couple of times during my stay. Once in the morning, before the crowds and again in the late afternoon to watch the sun sink over the Indian Ocean. There are a few beachside bars nearby if you want to linger with a drink.

16. Little Creatures Brewery

Little Creatures Brewery is one of Fremantle’s most beloved institutions. Set inside a converted boatshed on the waterfront, it offers craft beer brewed on-site, a buzzy beer hall atmosphere, and delicious wood-fired pizzas.

I loved the casual, social vibe here, perfect for ending a day of exploring. You can grab a tasting paddle to try a few of their signature beers or order a pint and enjoy it out on the deck with harbour views.

It’s popular, so arriving a little early in the evening helps snag a good table.

17. Port Beach

If you want a beach that feels more local and laid-back, head to Port Beach.

Just a short drive or bike ride from Fremantle’s centre, this wide stretch of sand is perfect for a refreshing swim or a long walk along the shoreline. The water is usually calm, making it a great spot for both swimmers and paddleboarders.

We loved walking along its shoreline during a sunny late morning, and because the beach is so expansive, we felt like we had it to ourselves. There’s a small café nearby where you can grab a post-swim coffee, and the views of the Indian Ocean are stunning, especially in the early light.

18. Fremantle Tourist Wheel

For a fun, quick activity with a panoramic payoff, the Fremantle Tourist Wheel is a great stop. Located at Esplanade Park, this 40-metre-high Ferris wheel gives you sweeping views over Fremantle, the port, and out to Rottnest Island on a clear day.

Each gondola is enclosed, so it’s comfortable and suitable year-round. It’s a short but memorable way to see Fremantle from a different perspective, and ideal if you’re exploring on foot.

19. South Fremantle & South Beach

South Fremantle has a slightly more bohemian, beachy vibe, making it one of my favourite areas to wander. South Beach, at the heart of this neighbourhood, is a calm, shallow beach that’s great for swimming, lounging, or enjoying a beachside picnic.

We spent a relaxed afternoon here watching families, swimmers, and paddleboarders, and grabbed a drink at one of the nearby cafés. The area has a cluster of cute shops and eateries, giving it a more local feel compared to the central port.

It’s the perfect place to end your Fremantle visit on a slower note.

What Top Fremantle Attraction Will You Visit First?

Fremantle is one of those places that has a little bit of everything: rich history, vibrant culture, incredible food, and a laid-back coastal vibe.

What I loved most was how easy everything is to reach on foot (I’m an avid walker!). You can start your day wandering the Fremantle Markets, explore convict history at Fremantle Prison, stop for lunch by the harbour, and finish with sunset at Bathers Beach or South Mole Lighthouse, all in one loop.

Whether you’re visiting on a day trip from Perth or staying for a few days like I did, Fremantle is absolutely worth the time. It’s one of Western Australia’s most character-filled destinations and a perfect blend of culture, coast, and community.

Heading out on a Western Australia road trip? Read my guide to renting a car in Perth.