Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is a place where the ocean meets the city. With its salty sea air, top quality restaurants, and glimpse back into WA’s past, it embodies the quintessence of the portside town. Whether you’re craving fresh fish and chips, exploring historical landmarks, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this guide covers the best things to see and do at Fishing Boat Harbour Fremantle.
Scenic attractions & landmarks
Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is one of the key links between the city and the Indian Ocean, and has a number of iconic Fremantle attractions woven into its fabric.
Bathers Beach
Bathers Beach has been around as long as Fremantle has. The city was essentially built up around it. Discover 300 metres of soft white sand, bordered on both sides by two rock walls, which creates calmer waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Tucked away behind the bustling West End, it’s almost hidden, but you’ll still find it buzzing with people settling in to enjoy the view, have a swim, or eat hot, fresh fish and chips on the sand. Want to know more about the beautiful beaches in this region? Read our Best Hidden Beaches in Fremantle blog.
Fremantle boardwalk and harbourfront
The Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour boardwalk skirts the water, giving you the chance to walk around and immerse yourself in the sound of the waves and the sea air.
Walk past the fishing boats — but be careful, as they run a busy trade. Stroll past the famous Fremantle fish and chip restaurants that are an integral part of Fremantle’s fabric, and see the statue of AC/DC’s lead singer Bon Scott, Fremantle’s most famous son.
The harbourfront is home to some of the best seafood in Fremantle, and you’ll find plenty of spots to relax with a drink while taking in the stunning views of the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.
The Round House and Whalers Tunnel
The Fremantle Round House stands atop a hill overlooking both the city and the sea. It opened in 1831, and is the oldest public building in Western Australia. It was originally built as a prison for anyone who committed a crime in the new Swan River Settlement, and was active up to 1886.
Now, the Round House stands in remembrance of our convict past, and is open to anyone who wants to learn our rich history.
Where the Round House sits overlooking the city, Whalers Tunnel is carved into the bedrock below. Constructed in 1837 using prison labour, it was built by the Fremantle Whaling Company to allow easy access between the town and the beach.
WA Maritime Museum
The WA Maritime Museum is a must for history buffs, and features a diverse collection of exhibits, artefacts, and stories that talk to Fremantle’s nautical history.
Inside, exhibitions tell you the story of WA’s fishing industry, and its naval defence during wartime. You’ll read about the boats that sailed the Swan River over time, discover WA’s unique marine life, and learn the stories of WA’s multicultural communities, tracing their paths over the water to arrive in Fremantle.
You can even set foot in a real decommissioned submarine, the HMAS Ovens. If you’re a history fanatic or simply want to know more about Fremantle’s heritage, check out our suggested self-guided walking tour of Fremantle.
Discover the best restaurants
It wouldn’t be a trip to the Fremantle Boat Harbour if you didn’t grab a bite to eat on the wharf. Here are some of Fremantle’s favourite spots by the water.
Cicerello’s
Cicerello’s is one of Fremantle’s best-known fish and chip spots. Established in 1903, it’s still going strong today. And where better to grab a serve of their delicious fish and chips, paired with an ice-cold drink, than on their shaded tables out on the wharf.
Specialising in fresh local fish, local lobster, crab, prawns, abalone, and more, it’s a seafood paradise.
Kailis Fish Market Café
Kailis Fish Market is located in a prime spot at the corner of the Fishing Boat Harbour. With mouthwatering fish and chips, octopus, squid, seafood chowder, and the freshest sashimi, it’s a place for the discerning fish-lover.
Bathers Beach House
Bathers Beach House is Fremantle’s only absolute beachfront restaurant. Sitting right out on the beach, you can enjoy a drink in the fresh ocean air, with your feet buried in the sand. Enjoy top-quality food and exceptional drinks, looking out over the Indian Ocean.
Explore Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour with us
When you think of Fremantle, you think of the harbour. So, make the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour a part of your next Fremantle visit. Walk along the boardwalk, enjoy the cool sea breeze, and take in the sights, sounds, and ocean smells.Want to really make the most of your visit? Take a bit more time for yourself. Book a room at Pier 21 and turn your trip into a staycation.