Fremantle Western Australia

In a bygone era when passenger ships were the preferred mode of transport for world travellers, Fremantle was the western gateway to Australia. Millions of migrants arrived by ship and many made the area their home. Jet travel changed Fremantle’s prominence as a destination but the port city was rejuvenated when it became the centre of world attention during the Australian defence of the America's Cup in 1987.

Fremantle today retains much of its old charm: its situation at the mouth of the Swan River, its picturesque old buildings, its cultural diversity and what its longtime residents still call the Fremantle feeling. This sets it apart from the capital, Perth. The feeling comes upon you when you cross the bridge over the Swan River from the northern suburbs, pass historic Cantonment Hill from the east or (ideally) drift down river from Perth in a pleasure boat.

Fremantle is a working port, host to a big fishing fleet as well as container ships and the occasional large cruise vessel. It maintains a vibrant commercial life and is a desirable tourist destination. It has, however, retained its cosmopolitan nature and preserved its identity, largely through the good sense and dedication of its modern-day civic managers.

In a few square kilometres, it would be hard to find a bigger variety of sights, sounds and experiences. And they can be encompassed comfortably on foot. Perhaps a visit should begin, mid-morning, with a coffee or a locally brewed beer on South Terrace, sometimes called Cappuccino Strip for its outdoor-cafe atmosphere. A stroll through the venerable Fremantle Markets, also on South Terrace, will produce anything from potted shrimp to a 78 record to a busker wearing a boater. "Countrywide Your Guide to Perth and Fremantle"

Fremantle Western Australia.