Fremantle is one of my favourite places around Perth. It’s a lively coastal town with markets, historic buildings, good food and beautiful beaches.
I lived in Fremantle for about six months, so I had plenty of opportunities to explore the area and get to know some of its local spots.
If you’re visiting Perth and fancy a day trip to Fremantle, here are five places I’d recommend based on my own experiences.
I’ve listed them roughly in order of distance from Fremantle Station. I visited these places at different times during my stay, rather than doing them all in one day, but they should give you a good starting point for planning your own visit.
Most are easy enough to explore on foot, although Run Amuk and South Beach are a bit further away. You can walk there if you don’t mind a longer stroll, or take a bus towards the beach.
1. Fremantle Markets – Have a Wander Around the Stalls
Fremantle Markets is a good place to start exploring the town.
Inside, you’ll find plenty of stalls selling fresh produce, food, souvenirs and locally made goods. It’s quite a spacious market, with all sorts of things to look at as you wander around.
I enjoyed the lively atmosphere and the variety of stalls. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth having a look around.
If you’re just browsing without stopping for a meal, you could probably get around in under an hour. But if you enjoy looking through every stall or trying different foods, you could easily spend longer.
The market doesn’t open every day, so it’s worth checking the opening hours before you go.
2. Fremantle Prison – A Glimpse into the Past
Fremantle Prison is one of the town’s best-known historical attractions and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites.
It’s an interesting place to visit if you want to learn more about Fremantle’s history.
One thing that particularly caught my attention was the drawings made by prisoners. Seeing them added a more personal side to the experience and made me think about the people who had spent time there.
There are different tours available, so it’s worth checking what you can see and how much time you’ll need before visiting.
If you’re interested in history, I’d definitely consider adding it to your plans.
3. Little Creatures Brewery – A Nice Place for a Break
Little Creatures Brewery is a well-known spot near Fremantle’s waterfront.
It’s somewhere you can stop for food or a drink while exploring the town. I visited during my time in Fremantle, and it’s one of the places I remember from those days.
I even bought a Little Creatures T-shirt there.
It’s a good option if you fancy taking a break from sightseeing and spending some time around the waterfront.
You don’t necessarily have to be a beer enthusiast to enjoy stopping by.
4. Run Amuk – Hot Dogs Worth Trying
Run Amuk is one place I’d definitely recommend if you’re looking for something to eat.
I actually used to work there when I lived in Fremantle, so it’s a particularly memorable spot for me.
The hot dogs are absolutely delicious, and I’ve had them plenty of times myself. The food was served pretty quickly when I worked there, so you don’t necessarily need to set aside a lot of time for a visit.
One of the best things about Run Amuk is its location, right across from South Beach.
I’ve bought a hot dog and taken it over to the beach to eat, and it’s a combination I’d happily recommend.
If you’re heading this way, you might as well enjoy both places.
5. South Beach – Slow Down and Enjoy the Sea
South Beach was one of my favourite places when I lived in Fremantle.
In fact, I was practically at the beach every day!
I went swimming, walked along the sand, sat and watched the sea, and sometimes stayed to watch the sunset. I never really got tired of it.
It’s a beautiful place to relax, and I think it’s worth spending some proper time here rather than just stopping for a quick photo.
You don’t need to have anything particular planned. Sometimes sitting by the sea and doing absolutely nothing is the best part.
South Beach is a bit further from Fremantle Station than the other places in this guide, so bear that in mind when planning your day. Walking is an option, but you can also catch a bus towards the beach.
Can You Visit All Five Places in One Day?
These five places could work as a starting point for a day trip, although how much you manage to see will depend on what you want to do.
You could begin at Fremantle Markets, visit Fremantle Prison and then head towards the waterfront for Little Creatures.
After that, you could make your way to Run Amuk and South Beach.
I haven’t personally followed this exact route in a single day, so I wouldn’t suggest rushing around just to tick everything off.
For example, a prison tour or a leisurely meal could take up a fair bit of time. And if you enjoy the beach as much as I do, you might end up staying there longer than you expected.
It’s perfectly fine to choose just a few places and enjoy them properly.
Final Thoughts
Fremantle is a place I have plenty of fond memories of, from exploring the markets and historic buildings to enjoying the food and spending time by the sea.
Run Amuk and South Beach are particularly special to me, and I’d happily recommend both to anyone visiting the area.
If you’re staying in Perth, Fremantle is well worth a visit. Whether you spend a few hours exploring the centre or make a full day of it, there’s plenty to enjoy.
