Hotels in Fremantle

Fremantle is a microcosm of all that is good about visiting a destination. It has a wonderful vibe, beaches, waterside attractions, established parks with large trees, fine and simple dining, unique watering holes and eateries, nice cafes that can be fancy, al fresco and boheme, old-style markets with a variety of goods and eclectic places to eat, quirky shops, character pubs, a very mixed demographic giving it an 'everyone's welcome' feel, music in pubs and clubs, wine bars, street performers, nightlife, street art, industrial heritage, culture with world-class galleries, exhibitions, museums etc, stunning heritage architecture alongside interesting contemporary and adaptive reuse buildings too, convenient public transport both free and on the trains where you can access the city, Cottlesloe beach and other locations in metropolitan Perth, bikes to hire with designated bike lanes and most of all friendly and hospitable locals. Fremantle has something for everyone, it has character and atmosphere and you will be hard-pressed to not be taken by this wonderful port town. It is like a combination of a vibrant and quirky innercity area in Melbourne or Sydney, but at a seaside location with a lot more to offer in one convenient, walkable location, so even better. We loved it and look forward to visiting again one day.

The purpose for the trip was family related due to Christmas period. Having lived in Cottesloe for a number of years during the 60's & 70's area well known, but many changes to infrastructure and residential growth. Still area like a very large country town to drive around, and walk Fremantle significantly changed during the America Cup defense, which has made city to bee trendy and upmarket, but recent visit indicate economic issues now impacting due to the growth of very large retail outlets within 15 to 20 mins of the town centre, which is unfortunate, but occutring through Australia. Old preserved buildings indicating its past importance Friendly retail staff Large parkland near centre of town Easy to navigate around Plenty of trendy eating places and selection of food variety Centre restaurant strip has a buzz day & night

Fremantle is a great place to visit for say a week or so. The city has an olde world charm of its own, and the restoration of the stone buildings being of a high standard ensures that the character of the city is maintained. The shipwreck museum I found very interesting with a reconstruction of part of a wreck from the early seventeenth century. Eating was amazing and Chachabull is one of many excellent restaurants by the front. As a conference venue Notre Dame University was an inspired choice being so accessible and very picturesque. Only downside is the shark warning which the locals informed me about, so kept away from the sea - not that it stopped the local kite-boarders.

Fremantle Prison Tour is a must do: the guide , Ben . Was thoroughly informed and organised and so welcoming. This is a fascinating aspect of the history of WA. If staying in Pier 21 in North Freo , (and you must!), go to Mrs B wine bar in the nearby Queen Victoria street , (that also serves beer,) and then order a Hand delivered burger from next door 'Flip' bar that delivers magnificent designer burgers to the wine bar: a truly great experience! Go to the Freo markets for excellent fresh foods and unexpected special jewellery, not to mention the cool juice bars and bakeries. There is an Asian food court with something for everyone and a brilliant busker to top the experience off. Plenty of pubs have happy hours between 5 and 7.

So many fantastic cafes and bars to try. Highlights for me were 'Little creatures brewery', Gino's cafe, San Churros - so many sweet treats to choose from!!! The Newport hotel, great tex mex style menu and cool indoor/outdoor bar & the Ball & Chain historic pub, great outdoor area, good cocktails and live music some nights. The maritime museum is a must do, as is the street markets, Rottnest Island and if you have time browse the many historic streets of Fremantle filled with quirky shops!

When we first arrived into Fremantle we checked in and walked around fremantle and had a pub grub lunch at one of the local hotels Rosie O Gradies was tasty and not too expensive. .My Husband and I did a Frematle Jail tour with dinner (which was supplied by Ciccerillos) great serving and yummy. The tour aws fantastic covered alot of other areas besides just the jail and the tour guide was informative and funny great fellow. We also went to the Fremantle markets the next day which was great and bought some fresh bread meats and produce to take home.