The Fremantle Arts Scene
Fremantle Arts Centre:
A visit to the grounds of this lovely old building is a must. Fantastic spot to locate just the gift to take home - FOUND at Fremantle! The historic complex is located just opposite the leisure centre on the corner of Tuckfield and James Streets. A short walk across the park from central Fremantle. Enjoy the art exhibitions, cafe and grounds. Free music in the courtyard is a feature of Sunday afternoons through the summer.
Kulcha - Multiculural Music Venue in the heart of the Cappucino Strip.
Enjoy a concert at this lovely venue in central Fremantle above the Dome coffee shop.
Fly-by-Night Club - a smoke-free venue that features a wide range of artists local and world wide. Tucked just behind the Fremantle Markets this much-loved, rather funky venue is a delight.
Getting around by Public Transport
The Fremantle and Perth Free Central Area Transit Buses (CAT)
One of the easiest ways to get around Fremantle is to use the free and frequent CAT bus. Buses runs every 10 minutes in a figure of 8 (one way) route through central Fremantle and down to South Beach via South Fremantle Village - hop onhop off. There are also three CAT buses that serve the Perth area.
See the Fremantle CAT bus map here:- See the Perth CAT bus map here:-
Reach Perth very easily by bus or train (frequent services to Perth). All leave from the Fremantle Railway Station.
Circle Bus Route: 98 and 99
The Fremantle Leisure Centre: gym, swimming pools for all occasions, grassed area, under cover shade, cafe
The Maritime Museum and The Shipwreck Gallery
Visit the world famous Fremantle Maritime museum. Built to represent a fully-rigged small yacht resting on a beach, this beautiful structure houses not only the history of the Swan river and Fremantle Port development but also tells the story of the second largest submarine base for the Allies in the WWII. There is a fascinating tale of piracy on the high seas told in displays in the commissariat building close by (The Shipwreck Gallery) - a tale of Dutch gold on the way to Batavia and shipwreck on the Abrohlos Islands just off the coast of Western Australia about 800km to the north.
Restaurants and Pubs
Many restaurants, cafes and pubs are in central Fremantle. Here are links to a few local spots, easy to reach but not in "the main drag".
Clancy's Fish Pub: music, good food, cheerful company, fishy decor
The View Fremantle: fantastic views, upmarket decor, modern fusion food
Joy Kitchen: Chinese food with flair, smart decor, great location
La Villa Roma: High street location, good Italian food, friendly service, garden setting at rear
Activites a Little Further Afield
Rottnest Island Off the coast a short 3/4 hour ferry trip (ferries from E-shed in the harbour), visit this delightful holiday spot. See unique animals and birds such as the quokka and osprey. Visit the tunnels and do a historic tour, take a bus around the island, scuba to see wrecks on this sometimes wild coast and the most southerly coral at Little Salmon Bay. No cars allowed or domestic pets such as cats and dogs.
Ballooning Sail quietly above the pastures, fields and the River Avon in a magnificant balloon. Easily reached by a drive from Fremantle to Northam (about 1.5 hours). Experience the fun of coming to rest in a field and helping, both when the balloon is being inflated and then again to pack the balloon away. Forget the internal combustion engine and experience peace, clouds, sky and distant vistas! Enjoy a magnificant breakfast with a celebratory glass of bubbles.
Penguin Island - dolphins as well! A must do trip. This island, is attached at low tide to the coast, a short 25 km to the south. An interesting and educational day for young and old. See a wide variety of water birds and learn about their habits and the natural ecology of our coastal environment.
Whiteman Park Fill the day with fun for all the family, trains, native animals, picnic areas with children's playground. Activites to show off the Australian farming community.
Perth Zoo In South Perth, just off the main road, our world-class zoo is a good day's outing where you can see all the animals of australia and the world. Learn about our involvement with endangered species breeding programs. See all Australian animals in their natural habitat.
Whale Watching and Sailing A chance to see these magnificent mammals pass along our coast as they progress to and fro from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic to the quiet birthing waters in our northern coast. Enjoy a sail: at one with nature, only the smell and sound of the ocean and the wind! Leave noisy engines on shore!
