Fremantle is the Port City of Perth, Western Australia. Referred to as 'Freo' by locals, it's a place you will want to spend some extra time getting to know. The history, culture, seafood, surrounding beaches, markets, coffee, and the occasional busker make this place a destination rather than a city you pass by. The people are amazingly friendly to outsiders and make you feel right at home.
The weather is generally great all year round; however, the best time to visit is in the Summer or Spring. The sun welcomes a quick dip in the nearby ocean during these times.
Pro tip: If you plan to stay in Freo, you won't need to hire a car. Everything is within walking distance, and if you want to venture a little further to Port Beach, South Beach, or Cottesloe Beach, Uber is a great option.
Things to See and Do in Fremantle
Fremantle is small when compared to many other cities in Australia. You will find the roads are almost like the backstreets in an Italian town, built for horses and carriages. So make sure you have a good set of walking shoes and a full bottle of water - as you will need it!
When visiting Fremantle, the first thing you should do is fuel up by visiting the cappuccino strip located on South Terrace. It's here you will get to experience a mix of cosmopolitan cafes, restaurants, and pubs. The coffee is by far the best in Western Australia due to the strong Italian influence. For the best cappuccino, you can't go past Ginos. It's in the coffee shop that you can come to know Fremantle's history. Take a look at the historic photographs of the town while your there.
After your coffee, ensure you see the restaurant's exterior wall, where you can normally find a local artist drawing on the walls using markers. This will be a good gateway to venture to Freo markets located around 5 minutes walk down the cappuccino strip.
The markets are located undercover, so regardless of the weather, you should take full advantage of this place. Within the labyrinth of market stalls, you can see local artists, things for the home, the freshest produce, and a small selection of cafes. It's well worth grabbing a freshly squeezed orange juice just before the fresh produce area, as your tastebuds will go wild! Western Australia grows some amazing fruit, so ensure you stock up and take some back to your accommodation!
Next, take a walk over to Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour. It's here you can take some great photos of the fishing vessels in the small harbor that's surrounded by amazing seafood restaurants. You can also sit back with friends or family at Little Creatures, a bespoke watering hole for locals. Pale Ale is renowned for and gallery exhibitions on the second level for local artists.
Off the Beaten Path
Fremantle has many hidden secrets. The place is littered with history, and all you have to do is walk and explore. Those wanting a little more adventure talk a stroll up the hill for around 20 minutes to Western Australia's oldest jail. The Fremantle Prison isn't in operation anymore but is steeped in history and adventure. Underneath the building is where you will find tunnels that you can explore by kayak! That's right; they're full of water! Bookings are essential so put aside at least three hours of your day for the tunnel tour. They run tours starting at 9.00 am, 9.45 am, 10.40 am, 12.20 pm, 1.40 pm, 2.40 pm, and 3.25 pm, so there's bound to be a time that suits you.
What to Eat in The Port City of Fremantle
Breakfast: When you first wake up from your accommodation, you will undoubtedly take delight in the fresh produce for breakfast. Take advantage of the local stone fruits like peaches, plums, and apricots in your breakfast bowl and avoid the cooked breakfasts. If you are heading out for breakfast, don't go past the delicious delights from any of the cafes on the cappuccino strip. Or if you want to keep away from the sometimes busy pedestrian streets, then tuck yourself away at the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges.
Lunch: Fremantle is all about sustainability. Its vibrant culture promotes this, which is why we recommend visiting 'Mother' for lunch. This restaurant is like walking into a New York loft. Exposed bricks are visible, and the chatter and conversation in the air add to the energetic atmosphere. Lunch here is best shared, so take the time to grab a selection of smalls and nibbles and then something larger from their tasty lunch menu.
Dinner: With all the walking you have been doing, you certainly deserve a break. So take the time to soak in the view of the ocean and eat some wood-fired pizza while enjoying a freshly brewed beer or glass of local wine. Little Creatures must be on everyone's list for dinner. The pizza dough is fresh and carefully crafted with a host of fresh produce that will get your taste buds jumping.
Where to Stay in Freo
Luxury Accommodation
The Rydges is by far one of the best places to stay in Freo. The Esplanade Hotel is smack bang in the middle of the city, and the rooms are spacious and clean. Leaving the accommodation, you are only a stone's throw from the cappuccino strip and a short walk to the fishing boat harbor. It's well worth staying more than two nights to get the best out of this place.
Affordable Accommodation
Fothergills of Fremantle is also nestled in the heart of the city. If you don't want the annoyance of a hotel, then this old charm may rub off. The rooms are bigger here, and you will find it to be a little more peaceful than the Rydges at night. Sometimes there can be some loud noises from the distant pubs if you are closer to the cappuccino strip at night.
Mid-Range Accommodation
Perth and Fremantle have some high accommodation prices. The competition is fierce; however, you can use that to your advantage. We recommend always booking direct for the best deals and if you are looking for mid-range accommodation, then head to Quest Fremantle. Staying here isn't a compromise. You get the best of both worlds. Close to Fremantle without the price tag. The markets are only around seven minutes' walk from here, so remember to pack your things before walking.
Casey Barbles 
Jeff Yelton 