Fremantle History and Heritage
Duration: 2 Days
Day 1
Fremantle is very much well known for its heritage and historical attractions. The town is a working port and once you step foot in Fremantle, you’ll find yourself engulfed in the vibrant atmosphere.
Before you start a fun-filled, adventure packed day, park your car for free outside Sealanes on Marine Tce and take the free cat bus into town. Alternatively, parking at the Point St Parking Station or Queensgate Parking.
Begin your day at the Fremantle Prison, the largest convict built structure in Western Australia, constructed in 1850. Take one of the many tours available and your lively and knowledgeable guides will take you on a tour through the prison and the grounds.
Make the short walk back to the High St CAT bus stop and go for a short ride to the History Museum and Art Centre on Ord St. Well worth the detour, the Arts Centre and History Museum tells a fantastic story about the pioneers of the town.
Heading down South Tce on the free bus, you can stop off at the Fremantle Markets, open from Friday to Sunday. Full of talented buskers, local arts and crafts, the Markets are 110 years old and set in an authentic Victorian building.
Pick up the CAT bus again and take a scenic trip of Fremantle to the Fremantle Chocolate Factory. Depending on what time of the day you visit the store, you can watch the chocolateers make the gooey goodness.
No doubt you are feeling peckish, if you haven’t filled up on chocolate! Catch the CAT bus to the Esplanade Reserve, where, if you have brought a picnic you can settle yourselves on the grass and the reserve has toilet facilities. Alternatively, there is an abundant of restaurants nearby.
A short walk away lies the WA Maritime Museum Shipwrecks Gallery in all its finery, available to view for a gold coin donation.
The Round House and Whalers Tunnel are situated just behind the WA Maritime Museum Shipwrecks Gallery. Built in 1830, it was the first gaol in Western Australia and is now the oldest public building in Western Australia.
The Whalers Tunnel was constructed in around the same time to gain easy access to Bathers Beach from the town. If you are visiting at 1pm, a cannon is fired everyday.
To the west, looking out on the horizon is the innovatively built WA Maritime Museum. You are welcomed into one of the most newest attractions in the town that will captivate your interest in a very unique way.
Positioned next to the WA Maritime Museum is the Motor Museum, one of the most interesting museums around.
The CAT bus will pick you up again from the Motor Museum and take you to the nearest stop where you left your coach or car. Another excellent way to see the sights of Fremantle and discover the secrets of this fascinating port city is to jump on the Fremantle Tram.
Take the opportunity to enjoy the ambience of Fremantle by staying in one of the many different styles of accommodation available. The Fremantle Visitor Centre can provide a free booking service for your accommodation and any tours that you would like to partake in.
Day 2
After your night stay in Fremantle, partake in any one of Fremantle’s great diversity of cafes and restaurants for a great breakfast to start your next day’s adventure.
Fremantle is a great starting destination for any one of the day or half day trips to Rottnest Island or your Whale Watching Adventure, or a leisurely trip up the beautiful Swan River to see the sights of Perth or further on to the Swan Valley for incredible wine tasting and beautiful views and lunches.
These tours can be provided by any one of the great tour companies leaving from Fremantle Harbour at varied times each day. See the Fremantle Visitor Centre for all details of these companies for times and tickets.
After a lovely day out you can return to Fremantle and be sure you have seen one of the wonders of Western Australia.