Making the most of Fremantle
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Fremantle's harbour occupies the mouth of the Swan River, which runs from Perth to the coast.
Ships berth at Victoria Quay, within an easy walk of Fremantle town centre and railway station. Taxis are generally waiting outside the terminal.
View the live webcam.
Known locally as Freo, Fremantle is a lively port at the mouth of the Swan River. Its multicultural character gives it a distinct identity within Perth, while renowned heritage architecture accompanies absorbing maritime and convict history. It also preserves the world's finest example of a 19th-century port streetscape. Historic highlights include WA's first convict jail, the Roundhouse, Fremantle Prison and WA Maritime Museum. Freo retains its authenticity, creative spirit and anything-goes attitude, and is excellent for shopping, including local crafts...
Getting around
Fremantle Trams stop at six convenient locations and show passengers the busy harbours, beautifully preserved buildings, convict-built Old Fremantle Prison, celebrated Cappuccino Strip and Markets.
Please note that the complimentary CAT bus no longer operates.
Free to enter, Shipwreck Museum is a local favourite and is recognised as the southern hemisphere's leading maritime archaeology museum.
Perth is easily reached by rail. An unlimited day ticket costs about $5.00, and the trip takes only 30 minutes.
Nearby places
Rottnest Island, affectionately called 'Rotto' by residents, lies just off Perth's coast and is known for snorkelling, diving, surfing and swimming.
Fremantle and Perth have nearly merged, with no clear boundary where one finishes and the other starts. A railway connects them, and the trip takes around 30 minutes when the train calls at every station.
Perth's hop-on, hop-off tours provide a two hour excursion.
Food and shopping
Fremantle Market consists of two connected sheds containing fruit traders and many other purchases, from souvenirs to music CDs, and also opens on Sundays. A large Cole's Supermarket is one block from the cruise berth.
Several pleasant pubs stand directly on Victoria Quay, where a locally brewed drink can accompany views of ships entering and leaving the harbour.
E Sheds Markets occupies a converted warehouse with a food court, bar, indoor and outdoor seating, toilets, souvenir and clothing stores, and antique and vintage dealers. Live music is presented on some days.
Stop for a meal or coffee on Fremantle's famous Cappuccino Strip, a bustling district of cafés, bars and restaurants.
Money
Australia's currency is the Australian Dollar.
Staying connected
Free WiFi is available almost everywhere.
Opening Hours and
Festival of Fremantle is the city's biggest yearly event, a 10-day November celebration featuring parades, concerts, exhibitions and free performances.
Shops and services usually open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and until lunchtime on Saturday. Many stores in cities and larger towns trade late on Thursday or Friday, generally until 9pm, and throughout Saturday; shopping centres often open on Sundays too.
In remote country districts, roadhouses offer all essential services and generally remain open 24 hours a day along major highways. Tourist offices in visitor areas, even remote ones, frequently trade daily or at least on weekdays and weekend mornings; urban information centres are more likely to follow ordinary retail hours.
Museums, galleries, staffed historic monuments and other attractions often open daily, although hours in rural communities can be unpredictable.