Perth summers are long and hot; bright, sunny days merge into warm afternoons as the sun starts to set. It’s the perfect recipe for beach weather.
And there’s nowhere better to experience Perth summer than in Fremantle.
Located on the water, a short distance from some of the city’s best beaches, and with its own bustling hive of things to do and see, Fremantle is the perfect place to be.
Here’s our list of the best things to do in Fremantle this summer.
Wander and experience the city
With so much to do in Fremantle, you’ll want to plan ahead to beat the crowds and make the most of each day. But to really immerse yourself in WA’s busiest port city, the best thing to do is just go for a wander.
The architecture of Fremantle makes it perfect to walk around and beat the heat. Curving streets, smaller laneways, and long shadows mean you can dodge the sun while you shop.
Stop into one of Fremantle’s cafes for a cold brewed coffee. Or duck out of the sun for a while and explore the Fremantle Markets. Browse the stalls and shops, grab a freshly-pressed juice or snack, and enjoy the vibrant sights and sounds undercover, without worrying about the UV.
When the sun starts to dip towards the horizon, stroll along the waterfront and cool down with the afternoon sea breeze (there’s a reason we call it the Fremantle Doctor). If you’re hungry, grab some classic fish and chips at the Kailis Fishmarket Cafe or Cicerellos, a long-time favourite of locals and tourists alike.
Take in Fremantle’s live music scene
The hot Perth summer weather pairs perfectly with live music. From buskers at the Fremantle Markets, to solo and acoustic sets at your favourite pubs, and even big-name music festivals.
It doesn’t get bigger than Juicy Fest, heading to Fremantle on 14 January. Featuring some of the biggest names in 90s and 2000s R&B like The Game, Ashanti, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, and more, it’s going to be a huge event.
Looking for more underground music? Explore Freo’s eclectic small bar and pub scene. Discover local and national artists playing at venues all over town. A favourite of ours is the Norfolk Hotel, with a large, airy courtyard that’s made for relaxed summer listening.
See the Sculptures at Bathers Beach
Every two years, one of Perth’s best beaches comes alive with this vibrant open air exhibition, which tells the story of art and sculpture in WA. Sculptures at Bathers features installations by a range of WA artists.
It’s coming back to Fremantle in summer 2024, and will be packed full of artist talks, tours, tactile experiences, and more. Head to the website for more information, and updates on dates for the 2024 season.
Spend the day at Rottnest Island
An iconic Perth summer experience is waiting for you just across the water. Take a day trip to Rottnest Island.
Pier 21 is located just a 10-minute drive from the Rous Head ferry terminal, and from there, it’s only 20 minutes from the port to the island.
While there’s plenty to see and do, a day trip is the perfect way to acquaint yourself with WA’s favourite island. See the adorable quokkas in their natural habitat, hire a bike and ride around to see the sights, or just lie back and relax on one of the 63 pristine white sand beaches.
And while you’re on holiday, why not indulge yourself? Book a long, lazy lunch at Isola, featuring modern Italian fare with a distinct WA twist. Or unwind at one of Samphire Hotel’s many bars, grab a cocktail, and take in the crystal blue water in front of you.
Staying at Pier 21 makes it easy to get to Rottnest Island: just leave your luggage with us, and take a day bag. It’s that simple.
School holiday activities in Fremantle
Fremantle has heaps of activities for big and small kids alike.
Take a tour of the Fremantle Prison, and learn about Fremantle’s convict past. Discover the spooky ghost stories that aren’t any less haunting on a hot summer’s day.
Explore the fun and vibrant Walyalup Koort Play Space. Made for little adventurers, it features lots of fun things to run around and climb on, including playground versions of the iconic Fremantle giraffes.
For arty kids, check out the exhibitions at Fremantle Arts Centre. Looking for something even more hands-on? Fremantle Arts Centre has a range of one-day courses for kids to try their hand at creating, colouring, and imagining their own artwork.
If you prefer being indoors—locked indoors, even—keep them guessing at the range of escape rooms dotted around the town. Featuring a range of challenge levels, it’s sure to help burn both mental and physical energy.
Relax on the water at our holiday apartments in Fremantle
Just a 35-minute drive from the Perth CBD, Pier 21 offers holiday apartments in Fremantle that are perfect for helping you explore the city.
We’re summer-ready, too, with both indoor and outdoor pools, poolside barbeque facilities, and free paddleboard hire to get you out on the cool waters of the Swan River.
So when you’re planning your summer holidays, get out of the city, head to Fremantle, and book your stay at Pier 21.