Dutch explorers once marvelled at black swans near the mouth of the Swan River, in the area that later became Fremantle. On self-guided audio tour, you’ll explore the historic port town that became Western Australia’s gateway to the world. You’ll also find out how Fremantle went from a struggling colonial outpost to a bustling gold rush hub. This tour starts as soon as you exit the train at the Fremantle Railway Station, once the beginning of WA’s first urban train line. You’ll walk through the heart of the colony, following Market Street and the High Street mall with its stunning examples of Australian colonial architecture. You’ll hear tales of bushrangers who escaped the notorious Fremantle Prison, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that was built by the very convicts who would be imprisoned within its walls. The tour ends at Arthur Head, where Captain Charles Fremantle first planted the Union Jack in 1829.

Wander Fremantle the way it likes best: curious, unhurried, and slightly spooky. This self-guided walk weaves from Fremantle Markets to the quiet power of the Fremantle War Memorial, drifting through Esplanade Park Fremantle and past parking Esplanade Hotel Fremantle. You’ll uncover ghost stories on a Fremantle Arts Centre ghost tour, face dark maritime history at WA Shipwrecks Museum Fremantle, circle The Round House Fremantle, and explore creative corners like shed art. The walk stretches along Victoria Quay, past the WA Maritime Museum, out toward South Mole Lighthouse, and back through the heart of town via Republic of Fremantle, The National Hotel Fremantle, Fremantle Oval, and Walyalup Koort Fremantle. Expect humour, history, sea air, and stories that linger longer than planned.