If you're planning a trip to Perth you might have heard of the popular Fremantle Markets. But just what is it, and is it really worth a day trip out of Perth? ?
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From Muslim-friendly eateries to what are 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!)
What is the Fremantle Markets
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Fremantle Markets is one of the most popular attractions for any visitor to Perth or Western Australia. The historic market has been around since 1897 and 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 fresh produce and food, and the Hall, where you'll find just about anything else including apparel, woodwork, and assorted knick-knacks that make the perfect souvenirs.
How do I get to Fremantle Markets
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Fremantle is a 30 minutes 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 a direct train service that runs from Perth to Fremantle. From Perth Station, take the Fremantle line (15 stops, 30 minutes) to Fremantle Station. Walk to Fremantle Markets 7 minutes away from the station.
What is the best time to visit Fremantle Markets
Fremantle Markets is a weekend market, and they 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 as there might be 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 that's been set out, or much later in the day (4pm or later) to try and avoid the crowds. ?
P.S. If you're not a huge fan of crowds, try to arrive on either a Friday or Saturday mornings. Sundays are usually pretty packed throughout the day! The market is a popular weekend destination for visitors and locals so make sure to keep an eye on your bag and belongings if you have to squeeze through the crowd.
Delicious Muslim-friendly eateries to try
1. Fluffy Lamb
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What better way to start your Fremantle exploration than with the Market's only halal-certified eatery? ? Fluffy Lamb is an Indonesian-run restaurant specializing in (you guessed it) lamb! Their menu includes Grilled Lamb with Rice/Chips, Grilled Bone Marrow Rice with Grilled Lamb, and Chicken Sate with Rice/Chips.
Halal Status: Halal-certified
Address: Shop Y122, Fremantle Market, Corner Parry Street and William Street, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia (The Yard)
2. Kailis Fish Market Cafe
While not actually located within the Market itself, Kailis 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 Platter and Fish and Chips platter to try out the variety of dishes they have to 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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3. 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 out 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
4. San Churro Chocolateria
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Once you're done with your day at the Market, head over to San Churro nearby for churros, hot chocolate, milkshakes, and more! Their churros are all made from a vegan-friendly recipe, and there are vegan options available for most of their products too. Make sure to dip your churro into the thick Spanish chocolate dip, or share the Churro 'snack packs' that come loaded with lots of toppings. ?
Halal Status: All churros are made with a vegan-friendly recipe, and there are also many vegan options available. As the eatery is not halal-certified, we advise you to dine at your own discretion.
Address: 91 Market Street, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm (Sun - Thurs), 10am - 11pm (Fri - Sat)
Contact: +61 08 9336 7557
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Unique souvenirs to bring home
1. Honey cake @ The Honeycake
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The honey cake 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 back 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 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 0413 941 340
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2. Locally-roasted single-origin coffee @ Black Cherries Espresso
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Black Cherries Espresso prides itself on bringing you local, independent Australian coffee brands - truly a taste you won't get anywhere else! Their cold brew coffee is a refreshing relief from the hot sun, and you can enjoy a chat with the friendly shopkeeper Tim as you sip up your day's worth of caffeine.
P.S. They also have the cutest coffee cups!
Address: Shop Y8, 74 South Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia (The Yard)
Opening Hours: 8am - 8pm (Fri), 8am - 6pm (Sat, Sun)
Contact: +61 0413 735 196
3. Tea made from Australian plants @ Roogenic
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Roogenic is an all-natural company specializing 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 Pepperberries for a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect. ? They even give out free samples at the booth, so make sure to try some before picking up your favourite blends to bring back home! ?
Address: Shop Y118, South Terrace & Henderson Street, Fremantle, Western Australia6160 (The Yard)
Opening Hours: 8am - 8pm (Fri), 8am - 6pm (Sat, Sun)
Contact: +61 1300 133 480
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4. 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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5. Natural soaps @ 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 Goats 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
6. Timber crafts @ Tricky Timber
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One of the best parts of travelling is getting to bring back unique souvenirs that will remind you of how amazing the trip was. If you're looking for something to decorate your walls back home with, look no further than Tricky Timbers which uses local Australian timber to carve everything from placemats to chopping boards to 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 to Fremantle Markets. ?
Address: Stall 22, Fremantle Markets (The Hall)
Contact: +61 0418 479 365
Things to do near Fremantle Market
1. 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. ?
2. 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 Markets (24-minute walk, or an 11-minute bus ride) - but they're still worth a visit for how IG-worthy they are! ? If you've got enough time, bring your snacks and purchases along to have a relaxing picnic on the grassy green surrounding them.
Address: 1 Canning Hwy, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
3. End your day with a ride on the Tourist Wheel
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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 quaint little town 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
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 shopowners showcase the best of their wares. Make sure to fit it into your itinerary - or check out our 4D3N Perth itinerary to see how you can slot it in even for a short trip!
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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