If you're planning a trip to Perth (Boorloo) you might have heard of the popular Fremantle Markets in Western Australia’s historic port city of Fremantle (Walyalup). With historic buildings, glistening coastline, and quirky buskers lining its cobbled streets, Fremantle is a must-visit trip for any culture lovers visiting Perth. From things to do in Fremantle, to Muslim-friendly eateries and the best souvenirs to bring back from the Markets, this article will tell you all you need to know about this iconic Western Australian attraction!
(For 10 more Western Australian hidden gems, click here!)
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What are the Fremantle Markets
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Fremantle Markets are one of the most popular attractions for any visitor to Perth or Western Australia. Located just 30 minutes from the Perth CBD, the historic markets have been around since 1897 and with over 150 stalls, they’re the perfect place to pick up some authentic local Australian produce or handicrafts! The space is divided into 2 areas - the Yard, where you can find the finest fresh produce and food, and the Hall, where you'll find just about anything else, including apparel, woodwork, and assorted knick-knacks that make for the perfect take-home souvenirs.
How do I get to the Fremantle Markets
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Fremantle is a 30-minute drive from the Perth city centre, making it perfect for a half or full-day trip. You could also work it into a road trip up or down the Western Australia coast (just like in this 6D5N family-friendly itinerary). There's also a direct train service that runs from Perth to Fremantle. From Perth Station, take the Fremantle line (15 stops, 30 minutes) to Fremantle Station. Fremantle Markets are a short 7-minute stroll from the station.
What is the best time to visit the Fremantle Markets
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The Fremantle Markets are a weekend market, and have several standard trading hours throughout the year: 9am - 8pm (Fri), and 9am - 6pm (Sat, Sun). The Yard is open from 8am onwards each day. Do remember to check their website before your visit, as there maybe special opening times on certain days of the year. We recommend arriving either as early as possible to get the best pick of the produce, or much later in the day (4pm or later) to try and beat the crowds.
P.S. If you're not a huge fan of crowds, try to arrive on either Friday or Saturday mornings. The market is a popular weekend destination for visitors and locals alike, so Sundays are usually pretty packed throughout the day!
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Things to do near Fremantle Market
1. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Fremantle
Credit: Fremantle Parasailing
Experience the thrill of Fremantle Parasailing with Cicerello's Jet Adventures! Soar up to 450ft above the pristine coastline, embracing spectacular views stretching to Perth over the Indian Ocean. As Western Australia's sole parasailing operator, the adventure guarantees safety with top-notch equipment and expert guidance, and for travellers between September and December, you may even get an up-close glimpse of humpback and southern right whales as they migrate back down the coast. With solo, tandem, and triple flights on offer, it's a unique opportunity to check off a bucket list item or simply enjoy the excitement with friends or family. Get ready for an unforgettable journey sky-high!
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2. Learn more about Fremantle’s vibrant culture
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Embark on the Fremantle Experience Tour by Peddle Perth and delve into the heart of Fremantle's vibrant culture. Over 90 minutes, discover the city's stunning mix of old and new architecture, engage with the lively local community, and explore unique boutique shops. This tour offers a refreshing approach, steering clear of common historical facts and focusing instead on the essence of Fremantle's cultural scene. It's a perfect way to experience the true spirit of Fremantle!
3. Explore FOMO
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Fremantle On My Own (FOMO) is a vibrant hub blending art, architecture, culture, retail, and dining in the heart of Fremantle’s Walyalup Koort. A one-stop destination for the senses, FOMO offers a hawker-style food court, bowling alley, diverse retail outlets, the action-packed FunLab, and even facilities for a quick workout. Catering to every whim, it's a place where independently owned businesses thrive, making it a unique and dynamic spot for the whole family! Fun fact: if you’re extra lucky, may even spot distant whales from the rooftop!
4. Catch your own rock lobster
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Looking to do something different? The Fremantle Rock Lobster Tour offers a thrilling sea adventure where you can catch your very own rock lobster. Departing from Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, this tour promises breathtaking sights, local marine wildlife encounters, and a delightful seafood lunch onboard. Enjoy freshly caught rock lobster complemented by Fremantle sardines and local prawns, all while soaking in the stunning coastal views. With over 21 years in the industry, this tour is a unique blend of excitement, local culture, and culinary delight!
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5. Relax and listen to some busking
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Tired of shopping? Get yourself a nice cup of coffee or juice and sit down to listen to some local talents flex their vocal cords! There are buskers performing at the Markets almost every day, so if you need a break from the energy of the crowd feel free to sit for a moment and chill out to their performance. Check out the busking schedule here to see what you're in for on the day of your visit.
6. Snap an IG-worthy pic with the Rainbow Containers
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The Rainbow Containers are a little out of the way from the Fremantle Markets (a 24-minute walk, or 11-minute bus ride) - but they're still worth a visit given how IG-worthy they are! If you've got enough time, bring your snacks and purchases along for a relaxing picnic on the grassy green surrounding them.
Address: 1 Canning Hwy, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
7. End your day with a ride on the Tourist Wheel
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
To end your amazing day in Fremantle, take a ride on the Fremantle Tourist Wheel for a view that will leave you speechless. The sun, sky, and sea - there’s something idyllic and amazing about this charming city, especially at sunset.
Address: 34 Mews Rd, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Sun – Thu), 10am – 10pm (Fri – Sat), during non-school holiday weekdays closed between 5pm – 6pm
Delicious Muslim-friendly eateries to try near Fremantle Markets
1. Kailis’ Fishmarket Cafe
While not actually located within the Market itself, Kailis’ Fishmarket Cafe is a local favourite that sells delicious fish and chips and seafood platters. The serving sizes here can be quite generous and we recommend sharing the Seafood and Fish and Chips platters to try out the variety of dishes they have on offer! Grab a seat overlooking the harbour and dig into some of the freshest seafood you'll ever have.
Halal Status: Seafood options available, cooked separately from non-halal chicken meat and alcohol. As the eatery is not halal-certified, we advise you to dine at your own discretion.
Address: 46 Mews Rd, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm daily
Contact: +61 9335 7755
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2. Raw Raw Raw
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Looking for a stall that has both sweet and savoury options? You won't have to look further than Raw Raw Raw, which has delicious vegetarian and vegan options that are the perfect mid-day pick-me-up. Their Moroccan Chickpea Salad and Buddha Bowl are great for a larger meal, but if you're looking for a small snack you've got to try their selection of Bliss Ball truffles, cakes (like these Salted Caramel Cheesecakes), and doughnuts!
Halal Status: Vegetarian and vegan options only. The eatery has confirmed that no alcohol is used, and all ingredients are listed on the menu. As the eatery is not halal-certified, we advise you to dine at your own discretion.
Address: Shop Y126a (The Yard)
Contact: +61 434 676 787
If you’re looking for more Muslim-friendly eateries in Fremantle Markets, here are some options to consider: Sana for Middle Eastern tapas, Suku for Indonesian grub, HomeRun Fremantle offers halal burgers, Sweetwater Bar Fremantle has vegan menu, and Cicerello's for fish and chips.
Do note that these restaurants serve alcohol so we recommend you to dine at your own discretion.
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Unique souvenirs to bring home from Fremantle Markets
1. Honey cake @ The Honeycake
The Honeycake, sold at Fremantle Markets, is definitely one of our favourite souvenirs! This traditional Czech honey-layered cake is filled with caramel and topped with fresh ground walnuts. It even comes up nicely bundled in a box so you can bring it home to share with your loved ones as a souvenir.
Halal Status: The cakes are vegan-friendly but do note that alcohol-free whole cakes must be pre-ordered as they are only available upon request. It is advisable for you to contact them via their offices directly a minimum 3 days in advance (we recommend a week!) to place your order.
Address: Shop 26b, Henderson St, Fremantle, WA, 6959 (The Hall)
Opening Hours: 9am - 8pm (Fri), 9am - 6pm (Sat, Sun, Public Holidays on a Monday)
Contact: +61 413 941 340
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2. Tea made from Australian plants @ Roogenic
Credit: @roogenic on Instagram
Roogenic is an all-natural company specialising in teas made from native Australian plants. Their teas are formulated for positive health effects - the Anti-Inflammitea blend combines Turmeric with Australian native lemongrass, lemon myrtle, and Tasmanian pepper berries, for a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect. They even give out free samples at the booth, so make sure to try some before picking out your favourite blends to bring back home!
Address: Shop Y118, South Terrace & Henderson Street, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160 (The Yard)
Opening Hours: 8am - 8pm (Fri), 8am - 6pm (Sat, Sun)
Contact: +61 1300 133 480
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3. Nuts and nougat @ Morish Nuts
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Naturally free from gluten, lactose, colourants, preservatives and additives, Morish Nuts handcrafts their confectionery using premium Australian produce, making it one of the best souvenirs you can get! There are savoury flavours such as wasabi, and traditional roasted and salted, as well as sweeter options such as caramel-coated and coffee glazed.
Halal Status: Vegetarian-friendly options available. We advise you to check for further ingredients with the staff before purchasing.
Address: Stall 99, Fremantle Markets, South Terrace & Henderson St, Fremantle, WA 6160 (The Hall)
Opening Hours: 9am - 8pm (Fri), 9am - 6pm (Sat, Sun)
Contact: +61 08 9221 0214 (Corporate number)
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4. Natural soaps @ Bergamotto
Credit: Bergamotto
If you're on the lookout for handmade goods at the Market, why not take a look at small independent supplier Bergamotto's locally-produced and all-natural soaps? Using ingredients such as goat's milk, calendula oil, and shea butter, choose from a rainbow of beautiful bars that will make for a pretty and practical souvenir!
Address: Stall 22, Fremantle Markets (The Hall)
Contact: +61 0418 479 365
5. Timber crafts @ Tricky Timber
Credit: Fremantle Markets on Facebook
If you're looking for something to decorate your walls back home, look no further than Tricky Timber, which uses local Australian timber to carve everything from placemats to chopping boards and napkin holders. Time to bring home that centerpiece that you can show off to your guests when they visit.
P.S. If you're looking for antiques and other souvenirs to bring home, you can also check out E Shed Markets which is another local weekend market near the Fremantle Markets.
Address: Stall 22, Fremantle Markets (The Hall)
Contact: +61 0418 479 365
A visit to Perth and Western Australia truly isn't complete without a day out at the Fremantle Markets! It's the ultimate spot to really get to know the local culture and see local shop owners as they showcase the best of their wares. Make sure you carve out time in your itinerary - or check out our 4D3N Perth itinerary to see how you can slot it in, even on a short trip!
Psst... Have a stress-free trip by booking your trip to Western Australia with Sedunia! Whether you’re looking for an action-packed holiday or a relaxing getaway, Sedunia can arrange it all!
Fremantle Markets
Address: Corner South Terrace & Henderson St, Fremantle WA 6959, Australia
Opening Hours: 9am - 8pm (Fri), 9am - 6pm (Sat, Sun, and Public Holidays on Mondays), Yard area open from 8am
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This article is brought to you by Tourism Western Australia.