Just 30 minutes southwest of Perth, Fremantle is a lively port city on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Perched at the month of the Swan River, the city has a long trading history and a striking old town — as well as a sleek, contemporary centre. A popular weekend escape from Perth itself, Fremantle brims with wonderful food markets, artisanal boutiques and buzzy cafés. Intimate and historic or lively and fun-filled, our Gurus have selected a gorgeous B&B, a heritage hotel and some hip waterfront properties.
Named for Captain Charles Fremantle, the English naval officer who founded the city back in 1829, the city is still home to some striking 19th-century buildings. Delve into the past with a tour of Fremantle Prison, or at the Western Australian Maritime Museum. The Fremantle area — originally called 'Walyalup' by the indigenous Noongar people — also has ceremonial and trading links which go back thousands of years. Guided city tours offer an insight into this rich cultural heritage.
Keen foodies will be thrilled to discover the Fremantle Markets, to taste freshly caught seafood at restaurants near the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and to sip locally brewed craft beer. Head to Port and Leighton beaches for sunshine and sea swims, as well as the opportunity to snorkel, kitesurf and windsurf. Day trips to Perth come highly recommended, but the magic of the best places to stay in Fremantle is their tranquility — a real treat after a busy day in the city.