Fremantle

Step into Western AustraliaÂ’s past in the historical port of Fremantle. Fremantle is the main port city of Western Australia, offering visitors a rich insight into WAÂ’s history and a truly multicultural and diverse atmosphere.

Fremantle was established in 1829 as part of the Swan River Colony, and quickly became AustraliaÂ’s key port in the west. The RoundHouse, WAÂ’s oldest building, was built in 1830 and today is a popular tourist site. In 1850 Britain began sending convicts to Fremantle to provide labour as the colony developed. Many of FremantleÂ’s historic buildings were built using convict labour.

The Fremantle Prison, built by convicts in the 1850Â’s served not only as the convictsÂ’ goal but also housed many of WAÂ’s prisoners until its closure in 1991. Today visitors can explore the jail and itÂ’s rich history, and possibly even meet one of the jailÂ’s resident ghosts during the evening candle-light tours.

Many of the unique sandstone buildings built with convict labour through the late 1800Â’s still stand and provide an old-world feeling to the cityÂ’s streets.

If a place is itÂ’s people then Fremantle is a truly distinctive character. Fremantle has developed a strong artistic and creative community, embracing the different cultures of those who have settled in this port city. For migrants and visitors throughout the last century, Fremantle was the first port of call in Australia and it stills offers a warm welcome to all.

Freo (as it is colloquially known) has developed over the years into a thriving city with a unique ambience. Al fresco dining, fantastic nightlife, historic sites and eclectic characters have all combined to create a city of distinct character and style.

With its unique blend of history, culture and progress, Fremantle is a city that offers two distinctive features for any visitor – heritage and heart.