The port city of Fremantle is a summertime destination that fuses Australia’s colonial past with eccentric graffiti and a bustling alfresco scene. Follow our summertime guide to all things Freo, and tour the bright ports encircled by smooth, sandy shorelines.

A daytrip to Rottnest Island

Just off the coast of Western Australia, Rottnest Island is renowned for its quokkas and crystal clear waters, and is roughly a 20-kilometre journey from Fremantle via ferry. don’t miss the chance to paddle around the neighbouring beaches. Pinky’s Beach is perfect for those who prefer stillness and quiet, and offers a spectacular view of the Bathurst Lighthouse. For a more private dip, head west and rejuvenate on the silky sands of Parakeet Bay.

Art in the West End

Fremantle’s West End is hemmed with late Georgian and Victorian architecture, found at the southern end of the port. Nestled along these historic streets is a buzzing art precinct. If you’re a lover of abstract art, skip down to Art Marx Gallery. Meshing abstract, modern and contemporary art together, this gallery, which opened in 2020, displays work from professional and emerging artists, and is renowned for exhibiting some of Western Australia’s prominent creators. Offering textured, acrylic-ink paintings to fine-brushed, silk screen prints, Art Marx is open from 11 am to 4 pm every day, and is located around the corner from the Round House – the first permanent building built in the Swan River Colony.

Something’s brewing

It’s not an Aussie getaway if there’s no beer involved. Hop on over to the Little Creatures Brewery to tickle your tastebuds. Offering an interactive, guided tasting tour, the hopheads here will walk you through the local ingredients used to produce their incredible tipples while sharing the history of the brewery, as well as the many notable events that took place in the area – such as the Fremantle America’s Cup race. The tour leaves the best for last: a guided tasting of the Little Creatures range, including the specialty brews currently being concocted.

Read more about Freo in the Summer 2022–2023 edition of Caravanning Australia!

_{Image: Pinky Beach and Bathurst Lighthouse, Rottnest Island (C) Tourism Western Australia}