How to Spend 3 Days in Fremantle

With three days in Fremantle, you can check off all the top local sights, wander over to Perth or Rottnest, and even fit in some wine tasting, wildlife spotting, or sandboarding farther afield. Here’s how to make the most of your time in and around this Western Australian port town.

Day 1: Check out the local happenings

Get to know Freo, as the locals call it, on a hop-on hop-off tram tour or self-guided audio tour, either of which can help you navigate the city while exploring on your own. For a bird’s-eye perspective, go for a ride on the Fremantle Tourist Wheel near the waterfront. Or, opt for a biking or walking tour of cultural attractions such as the Fremantle Markets, the 19th-century Round House, the UNESCO-listed Fremantle Prison, and Esplanade Park. Later, hit the bars with the locals and other travelers, and find out why Freo’s nightlife is so popular. Alternatively, get some tips on capturing sights in the sunset light on an evening photography tour.

Day 2: Discover island activities or big-city sights

Head just across the Swan River to Fremantle’s sister city Perth—the capital of Western Australia—and spend the day browsing a museum or two, relaxing in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, and walking along the riverfront. Alternatively, take the ferry to idyllic Rottnest Island, home to white-sand beaches, water perfect for snorkeling, gentle hills, and historic landmarks.  (Day trips to the island are popular, so be sure to book your ticket in advance.) In the evening, watch the sunset from the water aboard a catamaran.  

Day 3: Explore wine country or venture off-road

Wine aficionados shouldn’t leave southwestern Australia without visiting the Swan Valley or Margaret River. Swan Valley is much closer to Perth, so you won’t spend hours to get there; however, Margaret River is bigger and more prestigious, and also known for its beaches, caves, and other natural attractions. For something more adventurous, journey north to the Pinnacles, limestone rock formations that create an otherworldly landscape inside Nambung National Park. Tours often include stops at Caversham Wildlife Park (to see koalas) and the town of Lancelin (where you can try your hand at sandboarding the large dunes). Most day trips depart from Perth, not Freo—verify before booking.