Are you looking for ideas of things what to see and do in Fremantle? In this post we tell you about our day in this curious city of Western Australia 🙂
Although Fremantle today presents itself as a calm and relaxed coastal city, it was not so in the past. The fundamental reason for its turbulent past was the Fremantle Prison, where they served their sentences both prisoners sent from the British and Australian and Australian islands, for almost 150 years. Lety did not serve sentence but years between the walls of the jail, and we had the opportunity to sleep two nights behind bars and one of them coincided with the first day of Lety's 33 years.
Fremantle is a small town on the west coast of Australia, just 30 km from Perth. People usually visit it during the day on a round trip from the capital, however we recommend spending at least one night and discover its most hidden charms. It is also one of the entrance gates to know Rottnest Island and its hairy inhabitants.
The fremantle jail It was built in 1852 by a group of 75 convicts sent from Great Britain, the first occupants of their cells. Gradually and with the gold rush in full swing, this area of the country attracted more and more people, so it was inevitable that the prison would increase its residents. There were several extensions over time and the building became a real fortress.
But if something has to be highlighted from the history of this prison, it was that it was the first in the state of WA who dedicated a section to convicted women. And it is this section that they have taken advantage of to become a YHA hostel. So you have the possibility of sleeping in a barracks in one of Australia's most famous prisons.
If it's not your roll, you can always make a 2.5-hour jail guided tour. We had enough to stay at the hostel, but we are sure it must be super interesting. Remember that you have to have a reservation, the price is 21AUS.
The jail is one of the most popular attractions in the city, but there are many other things to see and do in Fremantle, here we tell you which ones.
Fremantle is not a big city and the whole movement is concentrated in a couple of streets in the center, so to have a drink on a terrace or fill your head, head towards the street Hight st.
If you've been to New Orleans you'll see that it has a certain resemblance, with those metal porches on the facades of the buildings.
In the center of the city, the National Hotel building, probably the most significant in the city. By the way, do not forget to look at the informative sign from each corner where they explain the evolution of the streets and where you can compare it with old photos.
Have you noticed that the whole city is marked with yellow lines? If you continue towards the coast you will reach the Round house, if you go up the stairs and face the city, the riddle will be solved alone: these lines that apparently made no sense from the ground, from the new perspective have magically become circles with the origin exactly at the point where you are
From here you can go through the tunnel that crosses it to reach the beach of Bathers bay. Here are some cool pits in front of the beach to have a drink, a beer, a fish and chips, or just a break.
One of the most valued craft breweries in Western Australia is Little creatures. The factory is precisely here in Fremantle and you can visit it on a guided tour. They take place every day at 12, 13, 14 and 15 and to sign up you just have to show up a few minutes before (with your passport) and sign up. The price: 15AUS with tasting included! More information.
Another of Fremantle's star attractions is its Maritime Museum, where WA's relationship with the marine world is explained. Some interesting objects, boats and even a submarine are displayed! The price is 15AUS.
If your visit coincides on the weekend you are lucky: go without thinking to Fremantle Markets. The building is very cool but the interesting thing is its interior, here there are many stalls that offer their typical dishes and drinks at good prices. Do not fall into the temptation of the first, endure the desire, turn around and finally decide which one has convinced you.
If you take the blue line of the CAT Bus you will arrive at South beach, a neighborhood away from the center but with some charm. It is a good area to take a dip, although what we fell in love with were the murals of the warehouses of the East west design. Both the front and the rear façade are completely decorated with murals set in distant places, super well done and huge! And take a walk inside the stores, even if you don't buy anything you'll see some pretty strange objects.
But certainly the real surprise we took even before getting off the train, from the window we could see a dolphin group that jumped in the port itself! It seemed they were welcoming us to their style. And the train people as if such a thing ... but guys, a little blood in the veins!
If you have several days of time, dedicate one to know Rottnest Island, it is one of the best things you will see in Australia!
Do you know more stuff what to see and do in Fremantle? Tell us 🙂
Useful information
:: Where to sleep in Fremantle?
We, as we have said in the article, stay at the Prison YHA of the Australian YHA hostel chain. It is one of the most peculiar accommodations where we have stayed and we recommend it 100%, the experience of sleeping in a historical place like this prison is, in itself, the best attraction of Fremantle. The bunk beds are from 23AUS per night, although it also has double rooms (up to 4 people) with bathroom and TV.
Where it is: 6 The Terrace
:: How to get to Fremantle from Perth?
The best way to do it is by train from Perth station. It takes a half hour and costs 4.70AUS. It is the Fremantle Line that leaves from platform 7, the frequency is high.
:: How to get around Fremantle?
As in Perth, in Fremantle there are two free bus lines: the CAT Bus. There is the red line, which moves in the downtown area, and the blue line, which makes a wider route to South Fremantle . Both share some stops, such as Fremantle Station.
:: Tours and activities in Fremantle
