Things to do in Fremantle, Perth

The metropolis city of Perth in Western Australia is an unrivalled destination on the land that boasts of beautiful beaches, serene parks, and a thriving hub of small bars, restaurants, and street art. Nature and urban life peacefully coexist in Perth and that’s one of the most attractive things about this isolated capital city. From walking through the historic streets of Perth to watching migrating pods of whales frolicking with their calves from a whale-watching cruise in Fremantle, a terrific itinerary awaits anyone visiting Perth. Let’s take a look at some fun things to do in Perth.

Every year, Australia witnesses the most beautiful sight of migrating whales along its western and eastern coasts. These gargantuan species travel to and from Antarctica towards warmer waters for their breeding and birthing season and it’s indeed a much-awaited sight for the Aussies. At Perth, located on the western side of the continent, the whales are often spotted along the south coast from early June to November. Although whale watching in Perth has become a commonplace activity today, it never grows old and is still one of the most exciting things you can do while you’re here. The whales can be friendly and if you’re lucky you’ll see them showing off their young calves in a quite animated fashion. There are exclusive cruises that take you on whale watching tours from Fremantle, giving you the golden chance to watch them up-close. These cruises serve morning tea, snacks, and lunch at perfect intervals and give you ample time to watch the whales. 

Fremantle is closely linked to Australia’s Aboriginal history and houses the largest convict-built prisons in Australia from the colonial era. Go on a walking tour through the port town of Fremantle to witness the eerie colonial remnants including the Fremantle prison. Under an aboriginal guide, you will get glimpses of the pre-colonial era in Australia and how life and culture have evolved since colonisation. You can also get hands-on experience in aboriginal paint-making using natural ochers. Once you’ve had your fill of historical facts about the place, get down to exploring the mesmerising landscapes of Perth. 

Perth is home to many pristine beaches, unperturbed by humans. Go swimming at one of these beaches and get lost in the mellow iridescence of the landscape, where the turquoise blue waters meet the blinding-white sands. Go on an island getaway to Western Australia’s Rottnest Island and explore its beaches and cycle routes. Look out for quokkas, a friendly marsupial only found in Western Australia dubbed as “the happiest animal in the world” and snap a selfie. If you’re travelling to Fremantle on a weekend, make your trip all the more exciting by heading down to the Fremantle Markets and grab some fresh local produce, clothes, handicrafts, and more. The markets are dedicated to the indigenous which makes it easier for you to learn more about their lifestyle and multicultural history. 

Don’t miss Fremantle’s legendary ‘Cappuccino Strip’ if you love everything coffee. The place features many outdoor cafes and restaurants that are famous for the state’s best coffee and Fremantle’s pizza and pasta. With choices galore, the street has a buzzing atmosphere of dance, music, mic nights, and more and is a perfect spot for al fresco dining. Consider stopping by the Esplanade Park, a beautifully grassed reserve tucked between the Cappuccino Strip and the Fremantle Fishing Harbour, for a stunning view of the hills of Perth on the East and the Rottnest Island on the West. 

As opposed to what the world used to think about Perth, the city isn’t “the most isolated capital city in the world” anymore. Rather it is buoyant and vibrant and brings a lot to your table. So, if you’re headed to Perth, you know what to expect and it’s exciting.