South Beach sunset
Fremantle has been our base for the last 10 months as we've explored Australia's south-west corner. We didn't realise it had become our home away from home until we arrived back from our last road trip singing 'Driving Home For Christmas', (it was March) and high-fived when we arrived at South Beach.
In those 10 months, we have house sat for 5 families and their pups, stayed in 3 Airbnbs and even resided at the Fremantle Village Campsite for a while. I have run miles and miles along the water and Jot has taught at several of the primary schools in the area.
The iconic Freo cranes
Freo is a pretty cool place and while you don't need more than 5 days to get to know the town there's a long list of coffee shops and eateries to visit while you're there. And of course, between all the eating and drinking, there are some other attractions to learn more about Freo's colourful history and take advantage of its coastal location.
Here are some of our favourites.
1/
Freo Markets - these can get pretty packed on the weekends, so if you can make it on the Friday, then do it. The indoor markets have a good mix of the standard tourist stuff, food stalls including my personal fave - the Get Chunky cookies. You need someone to share with though. There's also a good selection of fresh fruit and veg.
2/ Hoyts cinema - Thanks to the recent upgrade, there's a lot less seats but loads more space and luxury. The full length reclining seats will make you want to see another movie the next night.
Relax in style at the Freo Hoyts
3/
Port City Roasters - check their Insta feed if you'd like a second opinion. Even the salads are amazing and really reasonable at $15 a go. Of course, there are much more interesting things on the menu like their eggs benny with an Asian twist and the potato cakes.
Port City Roasters South Freo
4/ Fremantle Prison
- there's about 4 tours to choose from but you can hang out in the entrance and gift shop for free.
5/
Fremantle Arts Center If you are there in summer, they host live outdoor music events and markets in the grounds of the beautiful building. But there are always great exhibitions and good coffee on offer.
Live music at the Freo Arts Center
6/ Rottnest Island - we've been twice now. Once we did the self-guided bike tour and the second time we jumped on the hop on hop off bus. The bike tour is hard work but if you can handle the heat and the hills you'll see a lot more.
Rottnest Island
7/
Moore & Moore Gallery and Cafe It's an amazing space but head down the corridor and see if there's a table out the back in the cute courtyard. The salted caramel pancakes are one of the best things I've ever eaten. Great coffee too.
Moore & Moore pancakes
8/ Mother India - this homestyle, family-run restaurant is in the front of their home. It's probably the best Indian I've had in my 7 years in Australia. Plus it's BYO so it can be a cheap but delicious night out.
9/
Ruoccos Pizza South Freo - we'd been meaning to go here for ages and time was ticking. In our last week, we managed to squeeze in three trips. Hopefully, that speaks for the quality of the food. Grab an outside table.
10/ Sweethearts Rooftop - this is a bit out of town but not too far from the Rainbow Containers that you'll want to check out. You head into an apartment block and the lift takes you to the penthouse level. This place will keep you happy with cocktails and nibbles until you forget what the time is.
11/ Little Creatures Brewery - this place is like an adventure wonderland for adults. Over three buildings there's always something going on. Live music, comedy, art exhibitions, beer making lessons. And that's all before lunch. Smash some oysters then grab some share food.
Little Creatures
