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Afternoon: Fremantle to Perth
Highlights
- Explore the Western Australian Maritime Museum to marvel at awe-inspiring vessels and rich maritime history.
- Step inside an Oberon-class submarine for a unique glimpse into naval life and engineering marvels.
- Wander through Fremantle Prison to uncover gripping stories from its 136 years of history and heritage.
- Relax on the white sands of Port Beach or Leighton Beach, perfect for swimming and snorkelling adventures.
Hit the history trail to Victoria Quay. The modern architecturally-designed Western Australian Maritime Museum creates a striking setting for some of the most awe-inspiring vessels in maritime history. Here, you can step inside an Oberon-class submarine and see the yachting icons Australia II and Parry Endeavour suspended from the ceiling.
Or head for the Roundhouse, Western Australia’s oldest public building, and the World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison. After 136 years of continuous use, the prison opened its imposing gates to the public in 1992 to share its gripping stories. Choose from day tours, haunting night tours, or adventurous tunnel tours.
If the beach is more your scene, take your pick from Fremantle’s four hotspots. The local favourites are Port Beach and Leighton Beach – much-loved for their white sand, swimming and snorkelling spots. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are also popular when the afternoon breeze gets up.
Or, for more retail therapy, venture a little further afield to the George Street Precinct in East Fremantle and you’ll discover a quieter enclave of historic charm, arts, antiques and cafes.
Make the 30-minute journey back to Perth via the Fremantle train line or by car on the Canning and Kwinana route.
Itinerary highlights
WA Maritime Museum
Celebrating the State’s affinity with the Indian Ocean and high seas beyond, the WA Maritime Museum takes you on an epic voyage through history, from early explorers and pearlers to America’s Cup winners.
Overlooking the mouth of Fremantle’s working harbour, the museum can be reached by water (on a river cruise from Perth to the B-shed terminal), by train, bus or car. It’s a short walk from the station and there is ample parking in Victoria Quay.
Fremantle Prison
Fremantle Prison is one of Western Australia’s premier cultural heritage sites and tourist attractions. It is the State’s only World Heritage listed building and the only World Heritage listed site in the Perth metropolitan region.
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A Day in Fremantle
Fremantle – or “Freo” as it’s known to locals – is for the free spirits. A blend of old and new, this waterfront precinct is effortlessly cool and a must-do day trip from Perth – get there in around 30 minutes by train or car, or take it slower with a cruise along the Swan River to arrive in port.
Coffee connoisseurs can start their day at the “Cappuccino Strip”, a cosmopolitan hub of cafes, pubs and restaurants on the South Terrace. Then saunter the streets and alleyways, admire the colonial heritage buildings, and peruse the boutique and designer shops.
The Fremantle Arts Centre is the place for culture vultures: creators of all kinds show off their work in the gothic heritage building, from Aboriginal and contemporary artists to local bands and international musicians.
The Fremantle Markets, weekly from Friday to Sunday, are a bubbling haven of local produce, artisanal food, fashion, music and Aboriginal art.
Fremantle is a city that spear-headed the Australian craft beer revolution, so settle in for a classic fish and chip lunch and a pint or two of pale ale or small-batch beer at one of the many microbreweries, pubs or restaurants.
Step back in time with a visit to the Western Australian Maritime Museum, the Round House (the Swan River Colony’s first-ever building) and the UNESCO (United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison. If only those walls could talk – a guided tour is the next best thing.
Don’t forget that in Fremantle, life’s a beach. Swim and scrunch the sand between your toes, snorkel or windsurf. When things get too hot to handle, the “Freo doctor” (cooling afternoon sea breezes) has your back.
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