Fremantle is one of the most iconic and exciting areas in all of Perth. Its fascinating culture and history gives tourists and locals alike a rich variety of activities for the whole family. You can enjoy some natural beauty by visiting parks and beaches. Alternatively, there are also plenty of options for cultural enrichment. And wherever you are in Freo, you can look forward to excellent dining options. So read on to learn about some of the best things to do with your family in Fremantle.
Fremantle Markets
Since 1897, the Fremantle Markets has been one of the big cornerstones of Freo’s unique culture. From Friday to Sunday every week, you have the opportunity to explore a dizzying array of handcrafted goods, delicious food, and unique clothing. The shopping can keep you occupied for hours as you explore the various stalls and find the trinkets that you like best. And if the children aren’t so excited about shopping, they have the chance to enjoy some of the many street performers that delight audiences in the markets. Jugglers, dancers, magicians, acrobats and more gather around the markets to perform and keep onlookers of all ages enthralled. Located near the intersection of South Terrace and Henderson Street, the markets in the heart of Fremantle are a must-see for anyone in the area.
Photo: Adventure World
Fremantle Prison
One of Fremantle and Western Australia’s most interesting heritage sites and tourist attractions is the Fremantle Prison. Built in the 1850s by convicts, Fremantle Prison is an architectural marvel, in all its limestone glory. It’s situated on a ridge that manages to overlook both the coast and the surrounding town of Fremantle.
Fremantle Prison offers a variety of excellent tours that allow you to learn all the fascinating details about its construction and history. The Prison Day Tour lets you get a thorough look at the structure, with qualified guides that can give you all the facts you’re interested about. If you’re interested in a boat tour, you also have the Tunnel Tour adventure at your disposal, which allows you to explore some of the areas that sit below and around the prison building. And if you’re really feeling up to it, you can take one of the Torchlight Tours at night for a scarier experience. But maybe consider leaving the really young ones at home if you don’t think they’re up to it.
Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre
If you’re more inclined towards the arts, the Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre is the perfect place for you. The arts are thoroughly baked into the identity of Fremantle, and this is a big hub for artistic events of all genres. You can look forward to enjoying everything from pumping musical concerts, to exhibitions from local artists, to markets that allow you to peruse and perhaps buy handmade goods from skilled artisans that live in the area. The Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre also hosts a variety of creative classes in areas like painting and writing. It’s a great opportunity to get in touch with your inner artist. Many of the events here are also specifically aimed at children, so you can rest assured that your young ones will be kept entertained and occupied too.
WA Shipwrecks Museum
For lovers of history, nautical enthusiasts, or simply anyone that appreciates looking at cool things, you should have a look at the WA Shipwrecks Museum. Often lauded as one of the most impressive maritime archaeology exhibits in the world, there is something here for almost anyone to enjoy. It’s full of various artefacts and relics that have been salvaged from wreckages that have occurred across Western Australia’s treacherous coastline. Some highlights include the hull of the Batavia and the de Vlamingh Dish. And if your kids aren’t super enthused to learn about the unfortunate fates of Dutch sailors from centuries ago, there’s a dedicated children’s play area to keep them entertained while you’re there.
Photo: Seniorocity
Beaches
Fremantle is full of great beaches, which give everyone a chance to do the activities they enjoy. You can choose to have a relaxing day, lounging in the sun or fill it with fun activities like kite surfing or paddling. The exact beach you might want to choose will depend on what you’re looking for, but they’re all worth checking out while you’re there.
Bathers Beach
Snugly situated between the breakwater of Challenge Harbour and South Head, Bathers Beach provides a great location for families to have a relaxing day. There are plenty of tables, umbrellas, and deckchairs that let you settle in and enjoy the sun. The clear water and protection from wind creates great swimming conditions for parents and children alike. And if you’re feeling a bit peckish, there are plenty of great cafes and restaurants to choose from, including the beloved Bathers Beach House.
South Beach
South Beach is a fantastic option for fun, aquatic activities with the kids. The calm waters give you the opportunity for a range of great options including kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and swimming. You can even take your dog as there’s a dedicated “dogs off leash area” in the northern tip of South Beach. And if you don’t feel like taking a dip, you can enjoy the walking track that’s full of natural beauty and shady spots to protect you from the sun. You can also head to the cafe and enjoy the cafe food and snacks available.
Port Beach
Port Beach gives you the best of both worlds, appealing to those looking for relaxation as well as a bit of excitement. There’s gorgeous sand and clear water that makes it perfect for lounging about or building sandcastles. But if you’re looking for something slightly more high octane, you can find space for various water sports or aquatic activities in the water.
Coogee Beach
Perhaps the most picturesque of the beaches in the area, Coogee Beach is a sight to behold. The beautiful white sand goes perfectly with the clear, shining water. And the shark barrier helps you to feel extra secure while you’re going for a swim or enjoying the sunset. If your kids are looking for a bit more to do, they can take a leisurely swim to the pontoons. From there, they can also have a look at the Omeo wreck, located at the northern end of the beach. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can bring some scuba gear and get a closer look.
Ngarkal Beach
Nestled inside the Port Coogee Marina Development, you can find Ngarkal Beach. The beach is full of calm, shallow water that makes it the ideal choice for families with very young children. For older children looking for a bit more challenge and excitement, there’s a pontoon in the deeper water that they’re able to swim to. If you’re looking for a little peace of calm, you won’t find a better beach in the area.
Photo: @dylan_alcock
Pier 21 is the perfect place to stay in Fremantle
Fremantle is chock full of things to explore as a family. There’s so much variety, that you’ll never really have a chance to see everything. But if you are planning to get a thorough look at Fremantle, you want to make sure you have the best accommodation possible. If you’d like to be situated in the heart of Fremantle, close to all of these great attractions, you won’t find a better option than Pier 21. We offer short to medium-term accommodation that suit your needs, and let you take your time enjoying the area. Check out some of our great package deals and contact us today if you’re planning to visit Freo.