Fremantle Passenger Terminal (Perth Cruise Port)
Perth’s cruise port is in Fremantle, a port town separated from Perth by the Swan River, which empties into the Indian Ocean at the point where cruises dock. Depending on how much time you have in port, you can stay in Fremantle to enjoy its historical attractions and lively cafe and bar scene, or head into Perth for more sightseeing.
The basics
Shore excursions focused on Fremantle include hop-on hop-off tours and walking tours of landmarks such as Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Fremantle is also popular for its “Cappuccino Strip,” a stretch of cafes in the town center, as well as waterfront attractions including Little Creatures brewery and the WA Maritime Museum.
Popular attractions in Perth include Kings Park and Botanic Garden, the Bell Tower, Cottesloe Beach, Scarborough Beach, and Elizabeth Quay. The river itself is a favorite activity, with lunch and sightseeing cruises departing from both Perth and Fremantle. If you’re not interested in the city, laid-back Rottnest Island can be reached via ferry for a day trip.
Things to know before you go
- Perth is very hot in summer with strong sun, so come prepared with plenty of sun protection.
- Fremantle and the Perth CBD are best explored on foot, so wear shoes for walking.
- To avoid waiting in ticket lines at the Perth Zoo or Bell Tower, prebook your admission.
- For those with more than one day in port, consider a tour to the Margaret River wine region.
How to get to Perth from the Fremantle Passenger Terminal
Elizabeth Quay and the Perth Central Business District—where you’ll find heritage sites and waterfront attractions—is a 30-minute drive (without traffic) from the Fremantle port or a 50-minute ride on the Fremantle train line. If you’d rather hit the beach, Cottesloe is a 15-minute drive or a 40-minute train ride. If you plan to stay in Freo, as it’s called by the locals, simply walk into town.
Trip ideas
Port information
The local currency is the Australian dollar; ATMs are easily found around Perth and Fremantle. The official language is English. You'll find a café, bar, and free Wi-Fi at the port, but no shops.