Fremantle

More than just charming and quaint, this old port town still brings a vibe that's upbeat and fresh

- Dan Booth

1 Western Australia Maritime Museum

Fremantle is a compact little slice of Western Australia just across the Swan River estuary south of Perth. For generations the indigenous Noongar people have called the place Walyalup and gathered her for cultural ceremonies and trading. The town is imminently walkable, with plenty to see and do.

Since Fremantle Harbor is a major port that serves Perth, it’s only fitting that we begin at the Western Australia Maritime Museum on Victoria Quay. The billowing modern architecture is a reminder of Fremantle’s connection to the sea, a history that predates the arrival of Capt. Charles Fremantle in 1829. Exhibits cover the natural wonders of the Indian Ocean and the history of maritime warfare and trade, and include the Australia II, the racing yacht that won the America’s Cup in 1983. A tour of the HMAS Ovens, reveals what life was like aboard a Cold War-era submarine. The vessel is perched on the historic World War II submarine slipway, which was the Allied navies’ largest submarine port in the Southern Hemisphere. Hours: 9:30-5:00 PM, admission A$15 ($10). Western Australia Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay, tel: [phone]; museum.wa.gov.au

2 Fremantle West End Heritage