Here are some suggestions for things to do in Fremantle, or Freo, as the locals call it.
Rottnest Island
Known locally as Rotto, this stunning island is a favourite getaway for Aussies, who love to shorten words whenever they can!
The name Rottnest comes from the Dutch word “Rattennest”, meaning “rat’s nest”. When Dutch explorers arrived in the 17th century, they mistook the island’s adorable quokkas for giant rats.
Check out my full guide to Rottnest Island, where I cover ferry options, activities, and tips for making the most of this popular destination!
Fremantle Prison
Fremantle’s history is closely connected to its prison, originally called The Convict Establishment, which was built to house British convicts. The last convict ship to arrive in Australia in 1868 was the Hougoumont (the same name as the hotel in the review). It is estimated that around 10,000 convicts passed through here between 1850 and 1868. The prison remained in operation until 1991, when it was officially closed.
Today, the Prison is one of the city’s main tourist attractions, and I highly recommend a visit. There are several types of tours available, some of which are restricted to visitors over the age of 12, such as the Tunnels Tour. It is also possible to combine multiple tours into a single ticket.
We had originally planned to book a tour for the following day, but were lucky to catch the last Convict Prison Tour just as it was about to start. It was a great tour, although perhaps a bit long for a six-year-old! 😊We heard fascinating stories about life inside the prison, as well as some incredible escape attempts made by inmates over the years.
Find out everything about visiting the Prison here.
Fremantle Markets
I also wrote about the Markets in my post Where to eat in Fremantle because this market really does have a bit of everything! From handicrafts and clothing to typical Australian products such as honey and even kangaroo meat (yes, you read that right!), as well as fruit and vegetable stalls (some even sell pre-cut and packaged fruit), and plenty of food stalls serving up delicious-looking dishes.
Fremantle Markets are open from Friday to Monday until 6 pm. Check for full opening hours, including public holidays in here.
Exploring Fremantle
In addition to the Prison and the Markets, there is so much more to see in Freo! Fremantle’s streets are absolutely stunning, full of well-preserved historic buildings from the colonial era and Victorian buildings that now house charming cafes and restaurants. Freo feels like an open-air museum and many of the buildings are heritage listed.
Here are a few must-see (in addition to those already mentioned):
At the Fremantle Visitor Centre, you’ll find a variety of tour recommendations, which can be really helpful for planning your visit and exploring the city in more depth.
Final thoughts on Fremantle
As a major port city in the late 19th century, Fremantle welcomed countless visitors, from sailors passing through, to convicts arriving from Britain and Ireland. This mix of people helped shape Fremantle into a vibrant hub of artists and craftspeople, whose influence can still be seen today.
Every street here is full of character, and my only regret was not having more time to explore the craft breweries, unique shops, and galleries that thrive in the city.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Freo, I promise you won’t regret it!
You can also join a guided tour to discover more – check out this one on Get Your Guide.
Don’t miss the other posts about our stay in Freo:
*This post contains affiliated links, and if you make a reservation/purchase through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost you.
