Perth

When you step off your ship at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal on Victoria Quay, you are in a working port that is remarkably accessible and integrated into the city. You do not need a mandatory shuttle; you can walk straight off the ship and be in the heart of the action within minutes.

The terminal itself is a landmark heritage building, and once outside, you are on a scenic waterfront promenade. Within a 5 to 10-minute walk, you will find the WA Maritime Museum, the historic B Shed—which houses a ferry terminal for Rottnest Island, a cafe, and a bar—and the E Shed Markets. The walk into the main Fremantle city center is about 10 to 15 minutes, but the immediate port area offers immediate access to maritime history and the beginning of the city’s famous heritage-listed West End.

Walkability: Fremantle is very flat and easy to navigate on foot, with the city centre located just a 500-metre stroll from the passenger terminal. Most of the main historic sites, markets, and cafes are concentrated within a compact area, though comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring the limestone-paved streets and the larger Fremantle Prison complex.

Public Transport: For travel within Fremantle and to Perth CBD, you can use the Transperth network of trains, buses, and ferries. While cash is accepted for paper tickets on buses and at train station vending machines, it is more convenient to use a SmartRider card, which can be purchased at the train station or retail outlets; please note that contactless credit card payments are not currently supported on this network.

Taxis/Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available and very reliable throughout the port area and city centre. Dedicated taxi ranks are located at the Fremantle Train Station and near major hotels, while rideshares can be easily booked via their respective mobile apps for direct travel to local beaches or the greater Perth metropolitan area.

Use a SmartRider card for public transport or simply tap on and off with your contactless credit/debit card or mobile wallet on all Transperth trains and buses.

Strict biosecurity laws prohibit bringing fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, or plants ashore; ensure you declare all food and organic items on your Incoming Passenger Card to avoid significant fines.

Tipping is not required or expected in Australia as service is included in the price, though small tips for exceptional service are always appreciated.

All displayed prices are final and inclusive of 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST), ensuring there are no hidden costs at checkout.

The Must-Dos

• • Take a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison to explore its fascinating convict history.
  • Wander through the historic Fremantle Markets to sample local food and browse unique West Australian crafts.
  • Visit the WA Shipwreck Museum to see the impressive remains of the 1629 Batavia and other maritime artefacts.

Best Free/Low-Cost Activity

• • Visit the Round House, the oldest public building in Western Australia, for coastal views and the traditional 1:00 pm cannon firing.
  • Stroll through the West End heritage precinct to admire one of the world’s best-preserved 19th-century port streetscapes.
  • Walk along the Fishing Boat Harbour to soak in the atmosphere of the working waterfront and watch the local boats.

Local Hidden Gem

• • Explore the Bathers Beach Art Precinct to find hidden galleries and studios tucked away in historic seaside buildings.
  • Head to the “Containbow” sculpture on Canning Highway for a colourful and iconic photo opportunity overlooking the Swan River.
  • Spend time at South Beach, a local favourite with a relaxed vibe and shaded parklands just a short distance from the town centre.

Free Wi-Fi is available directly at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal. For additional reliable options nearby, the City of Fremantle provides the “FREBytes” network, which covers the Fremantle Library (Walyalup Civic Centre), Kings Square, and the Fremantle Arts Centre. Other local hotspots include the Fishing Boat Harbour and the E-Shed Markets.

Many cafes and restaurants along the South Terrace “Cappuccino Strip,” such as Moore & Moore Cafe and Dome, also offer free Wi-Fi to customers. Additionally, several Telstra payphones in the town centre act as free Wi-Fi hotspots for public use.

For passengers docking at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal, the most convenient major supermarket is Coles, located in the Woolstores Shopping Centre on Cantonment Street, which is a 10-12 minute walk (approximately 800m) from the terminal. Alternatively, IGA Fremantle in the FOMO building on Newman Court is about a 15-minute walk away.

For pharmacies, Chemist Warehouse and Priceline Pharmacy are both located on Adelaide Street, roughly a 12-15 minute walk from the port, while Fremantle Central Pharmacy is situated on the corner of Cantonment and Queen Street, also within a 15-minute walking distance.