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There is a lot of history in Fremantle, especially maritime history, and it has a laid-back atmosphere in this Australian city. Aside from the architectural facades, the outdoor high tables, the live music, and the lined-up cafes, Fremantle is also best known for its European vibes. All of these things make it a great place to visit. The multi-cultural city of Freo, as locals know it, lies at the mouth of the Swan River, just 20 minutes from Perth's city center. The town has a charm all its own, which sets it apart from the rest of the city. A world-famous heritage building and fascinating maritime and convict history highlight Fremantle's incomparable 19th-century port streetscape.
With its unique winding streets and rich history of colonization and gold rush, the city offers a taste of both past and present! Continue reading to learn more about Fremantle's highlights.
Before the British colonization of Perth in 1829, Perth was inhabited by Aboriginal Noongar groups. In the past, the Dutch explored the area, as well, but deemed the soil quality too poor to settle. The Noongar people considered the Swan River an important place for international trade and commerce, and the British viewed it similarly. It was here that thousands of convicts were sent by the British during the mid-19th century. When astronaut John Glenn visited Perth in 1962, he remarked that the city was brightly lit up. In terms of population, Perth is the second most populated city in Australia, with nearly two million people living there.
There are many vintage shops in Fremantle, as well as boutiques and name-brand shops. You can get a famous Australian flat white from a coffee shop on Cappuccino Strip in South Terrace before boarding your cruise ship in Fremantle, one of the many eateries and food options. Over 150 vendors are displaying handmade items, fashion goods, jewelry, food items, and more at the Fremantle Markets.
Many restaurants in Perth specialize in the fruits of the local waters. You can find tiger prawns and lobster at Exmouth, abalone at Bremer Bay, and Cervantes lobster at Cervantes. There is also plenty of fun to be had when it comes to modern Australian cuisine. Whisk serves salted caramel popcorn milkshakes during your Perth cruise. If you prefer Chinese food, please try Pleased to Meet You's Chinese-style steamed buns filled with barbecue pulled pork.
Fremantle is always full of activities. The vibrant, colorful, and cultural Fremantle is just 30 minutes from Perth City. In addition to having a long history in marine trade and having the largest convict prison in Australia, Fremantle's port city is renowned for its arts community, both local and national. Several exciting spots can be found in Freo, so make sure you stop by.
You can enjoy a locally brewed beer or Western Australian wine at many outdoor cafes and restaurants along Fremantle's 'Cappuccino Strip.' This strip of restaurants, hotels, and cafés is located between Parry Street and Bannister Street. On weekends, this area is home to lounge and live music performances. Many 'Fremantle-famous' street performers - like the Bad Piper and John Butler - have become international and local favorites along the strip toward Fremantle markets.
Make sure you visit the Roundhouse while exploring Fremantle, Western Australia's oldest building, built in the 19th century. Convicts were held in this building in the 1830s, and it eventually became a police lockup. Visitors and tours are now welcome. Fremantle and the Indian Ocean can be seen from the Roundhouse, located on a hilltop. It is possible to watch the daily cannon fire if you plan your visit around 1 pm. From the 19th century onwards, the practice has continued.
Craft beers coming straight from Fremantle's breweries are one of the best things to do in Fremantle for beer lovers. In Fremantle, Little Creatures Brewery is regarded as the best brewery. The Mon, Sail and Anchor, and Beerporium are some of the other good microbreweries in Fremantle. You can take daily tours of the distillery from local tour operators if you want to see what goes on behind the scenes. Additionally, there is a Fremantle Beer Fest held annually on the Esplanade Reserve grounds in November.
It is essential to understand Fremantle's affinity with the ocean and to explore this affinity through the Fremantle Maritime Museum. Many iconic vessels, including the three-time circumnavigation of the world by Jon Sanders' Endeavour, can be found at the museum. Several Cold War-era submarines are available to be toured, including HMAS Ovens. On Cliff Street, the Shipwreck Gallery features stories from Western Australia's early maritime history, including the fabled stories about the Batavia and other shipwrecks off the coast.
In Aboriginal culture, this winding river is believed to have been created by the rainbow serpent "Waugal." The river offers a range of outdoor activities for tourists and locals alike. Take a relaxing river cruise between Perth and the historic port of Fremantle to see some of the posh houses of the riverfront suburbs. Some cruises take you upriver to the fertile shores of Western Australia's oldest wine-growing region, the Swan Valley. A variety of highly acclaimed restaurants present scrumptious artisan foods as well as fresh local produce. The Barrack Square Jetty is the port of departure for most ferries and river cruises. The calm waters are also conducive to sailing, swimming, and kayaking, as well as picnicking in the riverside parks, biking, hiking, or casting a fishing line.
During spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), Fremantle is the most popular time to visit. The summers can be a bit hot, so it's best to see in the spring and fall. It's best to avoid June to August during winter since it's usually rainy and cold.
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