Fremantle

Fremantle
Originally uploaded by thisperthlife.

Fremantle, known as Freo (you'll soon see that everything is shortened in Australia!) is Perth's port.

Over the years Perth has sprawled to engulf Fremantle which is now more of a suburb of the city rather than a town in it's own right.

However, Fremantle has a completely different feel to Perth with a real sense of history.

The History of Fremantle

Fremantle has been "occupied" for many thousands of years. First by the Noongar people due to the fact that several trails joined on the south side of the Swan River at a natural bridge whcih was the hub of intertribal trading routes. It's modern history started when the ship HMS Challenger landed in 1829 and the ship's captain, Charles Howe Fremantle took possession of the west coast in the name of King George IV.

Like Perth, it didn't really take shape as a town until convict labour arrived when most of the town's earliest buildings were construcged. Some of them, such as the Round House, Fremantle Prison and Fremantle Arts Centre are now among the oldest in WA.

As a port Fremantle wasn't up to much until the engineer CY O'Connor created an artificial harbour in the 1890's (see also Weekend Activities in Perth - Mundaring Weir) which then transformed the town into a bustling port.

Things To Do

Fremantle Markets - This colourful market is a real attraction and draws people looking for anything from hand decorated clothes to essential oils, fruit and veg to jewellery and antiques.

Fremantle Prison - The prison operated from 1855 to 1991 and had many colourful inmates including Moondyne Joe (see also "Weekend Activities in Perth - Toodyay").

Western Australian Maritime Museum - This museum is housed just on the harbour in as stunning building and is a fascinating exploration of Western Australia's relationship with the Ocean. Boats on show include an Indonesian outrigger canoe, used by the indigenous people in the Kimberley and a Pearl Lugger which is used in Broome. You can also take a tour of the submarine, HMAS Ovens.

Shipwrecks Museum - Don't miss this museum though. It has a displays on WA martime history including the finding and restoration of the famous wreck, Batavia.

Round House - On Arthur Head near the Maritime Museum is the Round House. Built in 1931 it is the oldest public building in WA. Entry is by donation and there are a team of volunteers guides to inform you as you take a self guided tour.

Some of the well preserved buildings to take a peek at include;

Samson House, an 1888 colonial house in Ellen Street
St Johns Anglican Church on the corner of Adelaide and Queen Streets
Fremantle Town Hall situated in Kings Square

Fremantle has some colourful festivals including The Blessing of the Fishing Fleet which is held in October every year and was brought to Fremantle by Italian Fishermen. Also the Fremantle Festival, held in November, when the street come alive with performances and parades. For fish lovers there's an annual Sardine Festival!

Comments

[Lou B]

Hi,
Great site! We are coming over to Perth very soon (me,hubby + 3 kids) Hubby has a job in Fremantle and we are lookig for furnished short term rentals in the city of coburn area. As of yet I haven't found anything at all. Do you know of any websites I may have missed?

[Claire Sutton]

Hi Lou,

I've been having a look at this end and seem to be having the same problem as you. Long term unfurnished is out there but not short term furnished.

Sorry but it looks as if you have to look further afield for when you first arrive. Give me a shout if you decide on any other areas to look in.

Regards, Claire