A Guide to Fremantle: A Journey of Art and Culture
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A guide to Fremantle reveals a captivating blend of history and culture where colour and contemporary creativity coexist in a vibrant tapestry. Fremantle is a lively and energetic city full of public art and sculptures, yet she has a relaxed vibe. Just 30 minutes from Perth by car, you can take a relaxing scenic cruise on the ferry from Barrack Street Jetty, or for those who just want to get there and explore the treasure trove of attractions that await you, hop on a train or bus. The port city prefers to be called Freo and is a must-see for a day trip or a longer stay and will welcome you with open arms, a myriad of attractions and a splash of colour.
The sculpture by prominent Perth artist Marcus Canning is so colourful it delights the inner child in me
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a delightful day trip, Fremantle promises a memorable adventure filled with creativity and charm. This guide will lead you through Fremantle’s must-see spots, from its bustling markets and historic landmarks to hidden alleyways adorned with stunning artworks.
The streets and alleys are adorned with colorful murals and thought-provoking graffiti, each piece telling a unique story and reflecting the city’s dynamic artistic spirit. As you wander through the streets, you’ll encounter a blend of large-scale murals and intricate graffiti, contributing to the city’s colorful atmosphere.
The Artistic Soul of Freo
As soon as you arrive the city will indeed sing to your soul with its dynamic street art scene that creates an eclectic atmosphere. The city’s walls are adorned with imaginative works, making Fremantle a renowned cultural and artistic epicentre of Perth and an artist’s haven. Once truly iconic and moody piece with so much detail is Kraken, the octopus painted by Phlegm in 2015. You will find this as you enter Fremantle, near the old traffic bridge on the old Naval Store building.
Walking through Freo, you’ll encounter a diverse range of street art that adds both colour and energy to the urban landscape. From old bronze sculptures to modern vibrant murals, the city’s art scene is a dynamic reflection of its culture, allowing artists to display their ever-evolving styles.
The legendary Bon Scott at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour
This awesome artwork was painted by Italian artist Nemco Uno and can be found on the side of Old Bridge Cellars North Fremantle
Whether public art will stand the test of time and be preserved for future generations alongside Aboriginal art or Michelangelo’s masterpieces remains to be seen. However, urban street art is undeniably an essential expression of our contemporary culture and a vivid reflection of our past and present. In Fremantle, this blend of artistic eras is especially striking. Standing in Fremantle, you can witness timeless architecture and bronze sculptures coexisting harmoniously with modern murals, all sanctioned for their artistic merit by the City of Fremantle. This juxtaposition highlights the city’s commitment to fostering artistic diversity.
Common Seadragon painted by Brenton See at the Freo Merchant cafe in B Shed on Victoria Quay
Colourful mural by Anya Brock, part of Underline, The North Fremantle Rail Bridge Mural Project in 2015
Fremantle has gained international attention with works from some of the world’s most notable street artists now gracing its public spaces. The city boasts a significant number of public artworks, both historic and contemporary, including permanent and temporary installations that are well worth exploring. Despite the typically ephemeral nature of street art, often painted over and replaced with new works, many of Fremantle’s murals have endured the elements for a decade or more.
A collaborative project by Too Much Colour Productions, Dan Duggan, Lawry Halden and Darren Hutchens
Art stimulates our thinking, deepens our sense of place, and transforms the spaces where we live, work, and play. In Fremantle, this transformative power is evident as the city’s vibrant street art scene enriches the urban landscape, fostering a sense of community and cultural identity. Whether through the intricate details of a historic sculpture or the bold colours of a contemporary mural, public art in Freo creates a dynamic dialogue between the past and present, inviting residents and visitors alike to engage with the city’s artistic spirit.
The below piece by Fintan Magee has a lovely backstory that explains the mural.
Fintan Magee painted this mural on Hougoumont Hotel, Fremantle named the Escape Artist
Urban creativity – Cyclone mesh gate decorated with metal fish in South Fremantle
Self-Guided Street Art Tour
The city’s appreciation for street art is evident as it allows personal expression to flourish rather than painting over it. A self-guided tour will lead you to some of Fremantle’s most iconic pieces, from large-scale commissioned murals to ever-changing graffiti. As you explore, you’ll find back alleys splashed with spectacular colours by both local and international artists, which adds not only colour, but energy and a unique atmosphere.
Mural by Art by Row behind Paddy’s Bar & Cafe, Fremantle
Colorful creation inspired by our world and the spirit that moves it at South Terrace, South Fremantle by Mercedes Joy Knapp
Artists in Fremantle are given various canvases, including bus stops, buildings, sea containers, and even ping pong tables, to display their high-quality public art. This innovative and passionate approach results in incredibly creative and colourful works that contribute to the city’s distinctive charm and make every blank wall a potential for a future masterpiece.
Noticed this driving into Fremantle, interpretation of ongoing development and transport routes within the City by Dan Duggan & Minaxi May
Electrical boxes make a great a canvas for public art
City of Fremantle is renowned as an epicentre of culture and the arts and supports local artists to paint their murals. Unlike some cities that paint over street art, Freo embraces it, allowing personal expression to flow freely. Like fashion, home designs and modern cars, the styles of art change with time. But this doesn’t mean that art is a passing fad, it just means nothing stays the same in life. Art is an essential expression of our culture, showing how it changes over time with old bronze sculptures juxtaposed with modern vibrant murals opening our eyes to the past, inspiring a different and creative future.
At FOMO FREO hub opposite the Walyup Civic Centre in Fremantle is “Absorbed by Light” by Gail May Lucas, an artwork portraying art imitating life
The Family, a beautiful sculpture in Walyalup Koort, outside Dept Communities by Margaret Priest
Any Freo guide will reveal a charismatic city that dances to the beat of her own drum, where history and contemporary creativity coexist in vivid murals, authentic flavours and energetic atmosphere. Renowned for its rich maritime heritage and Victorian architecture, Fremantle also pulses with modern energy, especially evident in its dynamic street art scene.
Street Art Safari
Stretch your legs and take a leisurely stroll to seek out some eye candy, discovering some of the city’s most iconic pieces of large scale commissioned works along with the ever-changing graffiti street art.
Take a walk near the Tydeman Road Bridge and Bridge Cellars Bottleshop in North Fremantle to see a great collection of murals. The Gage Roads mural on Old Bridge Cellars includes many Fremantle favourite icons from the Old Dingo Flour Mill, to the port cranes known as the Giraffes, even locals pets.
Fantastic mural on Bridge Cellars Bottleshop that includes many Fremantle icons
Painted in 2015 by Too Much Colour, located in Bather’s Beach
Fremantle offers some striking murals, it also has some stunning grungier murals like this one on an old factory building in Wood Street painted in 2012 by Idol, ArtByDestroy, Ladie Poise and LADY Bananas.
Stunning grungy mural on an old factory building in Wood Street
While new murals are constantly being added, some must-see spots include the derelict wool stores opposite Clancy’s Fish Pub on Cantonment Street, which features a mix of graffiti and tags that showcase the raw and evolving talent of local artists.
More grungy artwork on the Woolstores by by Ben Crappsley aka ART B.C
Constantly changing artwork, stencils, graffiti and postups on the walls of the Woolstores
Well-known, long time pieces like the chisel art on the Norfolk Hotel of the face of the first female Australian senator, Dame Dorothy Tagney by Vhils aka Alexander Farto bought new life into old walls in 2013. Another well-known piece is the wonderwall applied to the East West Design store on South Terrace commissioned in 2013 tells a travel story to exotic destinations is something you literally can’t miss. A favourite of mine painted by Anya Brock is the distinctive zebras, one of the first café murals painted back in 2012 on the wall of Ootong and Lincoln in South Fremantle.
At 78 meters long, this is Fremantle’s largest mural at East West Design
Anya Brock painted the zebras, one of the first café murals in South Fremantle.
Other artworks that you may have known of, have since been removed, painted over, or the buildings demolished. One being the numbat running on the wall near Fremantle Markets painted by ROA in 2011, demolished to make way for a six storey hotel, restaurant, small bar and basement public parking. Another of my favourite’s, Amok’s enormous Praying Mantis painted in 2015 on the Myer building that was renovated to make way for the new Walyalup project. A funky bike rack that use to be in the carpark behind Metropolis Nightclub was painted by Ian Mutch and made by Fremantle Men’s Shed from a sea container was also removed as part of the same project that saw the demise of the numbat.
Now demolished, this incredible 25 metre Numbat, painted in 2011 was painted by Belgian artist ROA opposite the entry to Fremantle Markets
Funky bike rack that use to be in the carpark behind Metropolis Nightclub was painted by Ian Mutch and made by Fremantle Men’s Shed from a sea container
One of the most iconic murals that has inspired other artists was originally painted in 1940 by Les Nash, the large scale logo is on the Great Southern Roller Flour Mill, colloquially named Dingo Flour Mill in North Fremantle.
The red dingo on the flour mill in North Fremantle is somewhat of a landmark
On the walls of the derelect Fremantle Woolstores you’ll find the iconic dingo
I love murals with historical reference like this one on The Newport Hotel in Paddy Troy Lane painted in 2016 by Brolga giving a nod to the Dingo Flour logo
The heritage listed Newmarket Hotel on the Cockburn-Fremantle border is celebrating a renaissance from a dilapidated tavern to a ballet academy and unveiled a stunning Swan River Ballet mural. The hotel was closed and left abandoned in the mid 90s and is now going from strength to strength. The mural is breathing new life into the previously derelict pub. Artist Di Harnett completed the mural in 3 weeks on the 100 year old hotel.
The Swan River Ballet mural at the Newmarket Hotel
Unique Experiences in Freo
While wandering through the bustling spots of this port city, don’t be surprised if a busker serenades you along the way. The lively atmosphere is part of what makes Freo so enchanting. Fremantle’s appeal extends beyond its maritime history and Victorian architecture, it also has strong links to the British penal colony. This larger than life mural in the beer garden at the Federal Hotel features the legendary lead singer for ACDC, Bon Scott, International model Tahnee Atkinson, John Butler from John Butler Trio and Kevin Parker, singer, songwriter and musician for Tame Impala. ArtByDestroy referenced lots of connection to Fremantle including the Dingo Flour Mill, Gino’s, the Cappuccino Strip, the iconic Kombi Van, Freo’s giraffes, and reference to the America’s Cup and of course the Freo Dockers logo.
Colourful jumper outside shopfront
Heritage Bars and Quirky Cafes
There is a lot to grab your attention, whether viewing street art or hanging out in some of the city’s coolest cafes. Many of the quirky, colourful bars lining the streets are housed in heritage buildings, each with their own history.
The Courthouse Restaurant & Bar, is a great place where aside from a meal and a few drinks, you can stand in the dock were Bon Scott, Alan Bond and murderers David and Catherine Birnie were tried.
The Old Courthouse is now a popular place for a meal
Some of the beers on tap at Benny’s
Gimlet, once the warders’ cottages, housed prison wardens and their families. Darling Darling is a nautical-themed bar in a revamped 1860s seafarers’ bar. Percy Flint offers cocktails, funky wines, and craft beer, while Whisper Wine Bar, a 19th-century limestone flour mill, is now a classy French townhouse with an extensive collection of fine wines, finger food, and fondue.
Best Places to Eat
If you’re a fan of good food then there’s plenty of choices offering relaxed or fine dining, some with live music and all with good vibes. At almost any venue you can enjoy a classic meal of local fish and chips, then settle in for a pint or two of pale ale and watch the sunset or a craft beer at one of the many microbreweries while waiting for the Fremantle Doctor to arrive. I’ve listed some of our favourite places we regularly enjoy.
Fremantle fish n chips at the Norfolk Hotel, yum
Ruocco’s Pizzeria E Ristorante: Enjoy a warm, rustic dining experience that will take you to Italy, with woodfired pizzas, delicious house-made pastas, mouth-watering mains and delicious homemade desserts. I love that the walls are adorned with Italian landscape murals,
Little French Nest: This was a fantastic discovery as we wondered the streets, a charming cafe conveniently located in Fremantle town centre, perfect for an afternoon pastry or meal. Enjoy outdoor seating and charming ambiance.
Benny’s Bar & Café: A busy brasserie with outdoor tables and live music, offering breakfast, a wide-ranging menu and cocktails. Warning, the food comes in large portions so bring your appetite.
Sandrino Café & Pizzeria: Located in the heart of Fre right on the Cappuccino Strip, this restaurant offers traditional Italian food with hand-stretched woodfired pizzas, handmade pastas and delectable tiramisu. The restaurant prides itself on traditional techniques and quality ingredients. I highly recommend the gnocchi, seafood risotto followed by the tiramisu which is to die for.
Emily Taylor Bar & Kitchen: This Asian inspired kitchen bar located at the rear of the old warder’s cottages, now the Warders Hotel has an expansive mural of Emily Taylor which was one of the first ship’s to bring Asian spices to Fremantle. Prior to being wrecked at South Bay in Freo the ship was named after the wife of the ship’s captain making for a fitting name for the Asian restaurant. Peking Duck, Sticky Pork, Seafood Dumplings or charred Beef Cheek just must be on your order.
Aunty Lucy’s Cakery is a fabulous place to indulge in the sweet life in Fremantle, where decadent homemade cakes rival Nanna’s classics.
Seafood Heaven
Fremantle offers an array of fantastic places to eat and drink and is a must for seafood lovers. You’ll be in heaven once you try the local octopus, it’s truly unforgettable and will leave you craving for more.
Famous Fremantle Octopus at Benny’s
Savour the flavours of Freo
Begin your art-inspired day with a coffee along South Terrace. Freo’s residents are an eclectic mix of alternative healers, artists, musicians, and street performers, making for excellent people-watching.
Along South Terrace there are super chill coffee spots. Some offer healthy homemade snacks, yummy smoothies, or an organic blended tea in a trendy café, and are particularly good for those looking for vegan options.
The Cappuccino Strip
One of the most fun things to do when travelling is to go on a gastronomic adventure, and the best place for that in Fremantle is South Terrace. It’s impossible to come to Freo without hearing about the legendary Cappuccino strip, a place where you can enjoy an awesome cup of coffee from any one of the many Italian cafes, while people-watching and soaking up with vibrant atmosphere.
Modern Freo: Walyalup Koort
Nearby Walyalup Civic Centre at Walyalup Koort is a beautifully designed building that is part of the $270 million renewal of Fremantle including the redevelopment of the old Myer and Queensgate buildings, creating offices for more than 1800 government workers and the new FOMO food, art, amusement and retail precinct.
Formerly known as Kings Square the name was changed to Walyalup Koort in 2021. The new name means Heart of Fremantle, Walyalup is the Nyoongar name for the region, and Koort means heart. The renewal project was the largest of its kind in the area’s history. FOMO has hawker style food styles serving pho, ramen, kebabs, burgers, even fried ice cream. Funlab offers an array of bowling, mini golf, arcade games and cocktails. Varsity is Fremantle’s very own authentic American Sports Bar and Restaurant.
Walyalup Koort is a space used by the community as a market place, space for public events, recreation and council business. There is a historic display that shows the timeline of Walyalup Koort in the entrance of Fremantle Walyalup Civic Centre. Sir Hughie Edwards, Pietro Porcelli and John Septimus Rose are three bronze statues that take pride of place in the Koort.
St John’s Anglican Church
In the centre of Freo in Walyalup Koort and in stark contrast to the uber modern, award winning Civic Centre a beautiful heritage church. St John’s was originally built in 1843 and is the oldest parish in Fremantle, the original was replaced and relocated a few metres away in 1882 to make way for the Townhall.
Fremantle Arts Centre
Built by convicts in Fremantle’s east end in 1861, the Fremantle Arts Centre is the City’s premier arts service and one of the leading arts organisations in Australia. The neo-Gothic heritage listed building was used as a psychiatric hospital called the Fremantle Lunatic Asylum, later renamed the Asylum for the Criminally Insane. It is said to be one of the most haunted places in Australia. This imposing building was the largest public building constructed by convicts in the state, after the Fremantle Gaol and was saved from demolition in 1958 and reopened as an arts centre in 1970.
The Fremantle Art Centre
Monument Hill
When it comes to panoramic views of Freo, Monument Hill takes the crown, perched 43 metres above sea level. Overlooking the iconic Fremantle Harbour, Rottnest Island and the Darling Ranges, this spot is perfect for watching the breathtaking sunset. The Fremantle War Memorial, perched atop the hill, is a poignant reminder of the city’s history and where annual Anzac Day and Remembrance day celebrations are held each year. The Legacy Widow and Child bronze statue in the gardens was unveiled by former Legacy child, WA Governor Dr Ken Michael in 2009. The statue commemorates 80 years of Legacy services to Western Australia as a tribute to families of those who served in the defense of the nation.
Freo’s blend of cultures
With an array of trendy cafes, boutique shops, and live music venues, Fremantle is not just a destination but an experience that invites exploration and immersion into its lively atmosphere. Fremantle’s soul is deeply connected to multiculturalism and art. The city boasts stunning colonial-era architecture, beautiful beaches, and an array of unique cafes, bakeries, and gourmet restaurants. The cutting edge street art is the focal point for art lovers, with hidden alleyways and buildings adorned with vibrant murals giving Freo an undeniably Mediterranean vibe.
Ruocco’s is one restaurant we eat at frequently
The diversity of the neighbourhood and the eclectic mix of people is what really makes Fremantle fantastic. Heading towards South Terrace there is a blend of landscapes that adds to the charm, from project restorations, heritage houses, contemporary two storey homes, timber framed houses, and apartments housing people from all walks of life. Freo is home to newcomers, long termers, renters, expats and travellers alike. Everyone flocks to the area to make the most of the beaches, the eateries and the laid back lifestyle.
Despite Freo being a bustling spot filled with great bars, cafés and shops, it still has a relaxing beach vibe. Soak up the atmosphere of this fantastic Australian coastal town that is a tourist magnet with its blend of public art, rich history and delicious food.
Another of Greg James’ sculptures “To the fishermen”, definitely included in a guide to Fremantle
Fremantle’s Historical Highlights
Fremantle Prison: A Dark Past
A visit to Fremantle wouldn’t be complete without stepping back in time and exploring the UNESCO-listed Fremantle Prison. Once one of the British Empire’s most notorious correctional facilities, it witnessed fires, hangings, and riots. Now, it stands as a testament to history, earning TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award for Top 10 Landmarks in Australia. Take a tunnel tour, a torchlight tour, or any of the other paid tours to delve into its dark past. If you’re on a budget, free videos and information are available in the courtyard near the entrance.
Fremantle Markets: A Shopper’s Delight
With over 150 shops, the Fremantle Markets are a treasure trove of local produce, artisan goods, and handicrafts. Spend your weekend wandering through food stalls, gift shops, clothing boutiques, and more. It’s the perfect place to get lost and discover unique finds.
Another of the quirky items for sale
St Patrick’s Basilica
The parish of St Patrick Fremantle was established around 1850. The gothic revival style church is an icon in Fremantle and a stunning building. St Patrick’s is one of only five churches in Australia with basilica status and was the 3rd Catholic community in Western Australia.
Fun in the Sun
Gage Roads
When the weather is warm, Gage Roads is the place to be. Enjoy the cool Indian Ocean breeze, an icy cold beer, and the best view of the iconic “giraffes”, the towering cranes at Fremantle Port. Nearby, the sail training ship Leeuwin II docks at Victory Quay, adding to the nautical charm. The 1500 person capacity brewery is built in a 100 years old warehouse overlooking the shipping channel between Fremantle and Rottnest Island that the venue is named after. This is the perfect spot to sit portside, watch the ships sail in from the Indian Ocean and enjoy the Freo Doctor. The term for the cooling coastal breeze that is welcomed in the hot, dry summer months is colloquially dubbed the Freo Doctor.
Beaches and Bars
Freo’s beaches are where the turquoise waters meet the sandy white shores that make it perfect for a relaxing day by the water. The beautiful beaches that form Fremantle’s coast are South Beach, Bathers Beach, Port Beach and Leighton Beach. After a day of sun and surf, head to one of the many microbreweries for a pint of pale ale or craft beer.
Little Creatures Brewery
Final thoughts: Why you’ll fall in love with Freo
So now we’ve introduced you to one of our favourite cities and given you an insight into Perth’s trendier little sister, don’t be surprised if this wonderfully arty city steals your heart and becomes one of your favourite places on the planet.
Street scene in Freo
With its laid-back energy, bustling spots, and artistic flair, Fremantle is a creative magnet and artist haven. Whether you’re a free spirit, a coffee connoisseur, or a culture vulture, Freo is effortlessly cool and ready to welcome you with open arms.
The abundance of funky creativity in Fremantle is invigorating, and the buzz created by aerosol art is a testament to its vibrant cultural scene. The city’s embrace of street art, from large-scale murals to graffiti, showcases the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of public art. It serves as a powerful medium for personal and collective expression, contributing to Fremantle’s unique and colorful identity.
This awesome piece was painted back in 2011 by Perth born, Brooklyn based artist The Yok in Atwell Arcade.
We’ve introduced you to one of our favourite cities and given you a glimpse of why Fremantle is not only Perth’s artsy Sister, but I’m sure you’ll agree she’s also Perth’s trendier little Sister.
I <3 Freo at Fremantle fishing boat harbour
If you’re captivated by the bold strokes of local and international artists or the charm of this port city’s historic roots, then Fremantle promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates both tradition and innovation.
Freo is arty, she will continue to march to the beat of her own drum, and she will win your heart.
Does Fremantle’s aesthetics appeal to you? What stands out most to inspire you to visit?
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Fremantle offers a vibrant tapestry of art and culture that’s truly captivating. This guide beautifully highlights the city’s unique blend of historic charm and creative spirit. A must-read for anyone planning to explore this dynamic destination!
I absolutely love how you’ve captured the essence of Fremantle in this guide! Your description paints such a vivid picture of the city’s unique blend of history, culture, and creativity. It’s easy to imagine the lively atmosphere, filled with art and energy, yet balanced by a laid-back vibe. The options for getting there, whether by a scenic ferry cruise or a quick train ride, make it feel accessible and inviting. You’ve truly highlighted what makes Fremantle special—thank you for sharing this wonderful insight!