Image credit: Destination Perth
Next to the coast and infused with the smell of the sea, Fremantle is known for its historical buildings and thriving cafe and restaurant scenes. But that’s not all you can discover here.
Fremantle is also home to some of WA’s most well-known markets, which let you see a different side of the city.
Here’s your complete guide to some of the best markets in Fremantle.
Discover the Freo Markets
The Fremantle Markets were first established in 1897. And while it’s been expanded and added to over the years, you can still see the 125 years of heritage built into its walls.
The heritage-listed building offers a diverse range of stalls, from handmade crafts, toys, fashion, and artworks, to fresh products, street food, and live music. Dive into the maze-like walkways, squeeze past the individual stalls, and stop a while at whichever display takes your fancy. With over 150 vendors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Fremantle Markets sits in an iconic location at the top end of the cappuccino strip. Close to everything, it’s just a 10-minute walk from both the train station and the Ferry Terminal, making it the perfect place to start (or end) your tour of Fremantle’s favourite sights.
While being a busy spot for locals and tourists alike, the Fremantle Markets are only open from Friday to Sunday. The Yard, where you’ll find fresh fruit, vegetables, and scrumptious food options, is open from 8am to 6pm these days. The Hall, which offers local handmade crafts, fashion, food, and more, is open from 9am to 6pm on these days.
Fremantle Market Parking & Transport Tips
Fremantle can get busy on the weekends. So if you’re driving, there are several car parks located nearby with hourly or daily rates.
- Henderson Street Car Park is right next to Fremantle Markets. However, parking is limited, so come early if you want to grab a spot.
- Across the road is the FOMO Fremantle Secure Parking, a parking tower that provides plenty of parking options.
- Just up and around the corner, you’ll find the Parry Street car park. This open-air carpark is convenient for any occasion – but be aware that there are some tight spots if you have a larger vehicle.
If you plan on making a day of it, or don’t have a car, public transport is your best option. As we’ve said above, the Fremantle Train Station is just a 10-minute walk away, or it’s a quick bus trip directly up South Terrace.
E Shed Markets Fremantle
While they don’t have the long history of the Fremantle Markets, the E Shed Markets still hold a cherished place in Fremantle’s heart.
An iconic experience for locals and visitors alike, the E Shed Markets in Fremantle are located on the waterfront at Victoria Quay, looking out over the Indian Ocean. It’s a relaxed vibe that’s quintessentially Freo.
Inside, you’ll find an energetic hub of activity. There are almost 60 vendors waiting to see you, with stalls selling everything from hand-made souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts, to plants, antiques, and even a barbershop for that last-minute trim.
The food court provides a space to stop and recharge, with delicious food options ready and waiting for you.
It’s not just shopping, though. You’ll find a rotating cast of live entertainment to catch your interest. Depending on the day, you’ll discover bands and buskers, children’s entertainment, face painting, seasonal events, and more. They’re close to other Fremantle sightseeing spots too, like the Maritime Museum, Round House, and Whalers Tunnel, making the markets the ideal place to start your Freo exploration.
Much like the Fremantle Markets, E Shed is open Friday to Sunday, from 9am to 5pm.
And when you’ve had your fill of markets, Gage Roads Brewery is right next door. You can pop on over for a drink and a feed, and gaze out over the harbour.
Fremantle seafood market experiences
Fremantle is synonymous with fresh seafood. And as a portside city with an active fishing industry, it doesn’t get much fresher than this.
There are a range of fresh seafood markets dotted around the city – some where you can get it fresh, right off the boat.
Kailis Fish Market and Sealanes Fish Market are firm favourites for both locals and tourists, providing a true taste of WA seafood.
The Kailis Fish Market is one of the most well-known seafood markets. You can browse their displays, choosing from beautiful, fresh fish, crab, prawns, and lobster. If you’re hungry, you can also head next door and grab some of Fremantle’s favourite fish and chips, plus a whole range of other seafood options.
Sealanes Fish Market has been selling fresh fish and seafood to WA since 1928. The seafood markets themselves opened in 1993, providing seafood to the public, and in 2017 they expanded to offer takeaway fish and chips, too. Located on South Terrace, it’s directly opposite South Beach, making it the perfect spot to grab some food to devour on the beach.
Wander Freo Farmers Market
The Freo Farmers Market has been running strong since 2010. While they’ve had a few different locations over the years, they’re on every Sunday morning at Bruce Lee Reserve (barring any extreme weather events).
Famously plastic-free, the Freo Farmer’s Market feels like a true community-run initiative. They’re grounded in a mindset of building and supporting the local community, offering relaxed shopping and serving as a meeting point for both locals and visitors.
The markets support local WA farmers, artisans, businesses, and community groups. Strolling in between the stalls, you’ll find delicious food and coffee, fresh produce, live entertainment, and even a petting zoo, letting you get up close and personal to some furry farm animals.
Open every Sunday from 8am, it’s a wholesome way to start your day.
Enjoy Fremantle’s eclectic market scene
Fremantle is a place to dive in and discover, and its markets are the same. You could spend hours lost in the stalls at the Fremantle Markets and E Shed Markets, or perusing the seafood on offer at the famous fish markets, before grabbing some seafood to eat at one of the city’s iconic beaches.
Whether you’re after artisan produce, hand-made fashion, local craft, souvenirs, or delicious food, Fremantle’s markets have you covered.
So give yourself the time you need to explore, and book a room at Pier 21. Our friendly team can even let you know our favourite local markets, and help you tailor an experience based on what you’re looking for.