An insider guide from a happy local. Read on for tried and tested things to do, see and eat in Fremantle, the awesome port side town in Perth, Western Australia.
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The Fremantle Esplanade isn't huge, but it's most definitely got it going on! Rarely does a weekend pass when the joint isn't jumping. If the ferris wheel with views over the town, port and Indian ocean doesn't cut it for you, then stop and take a closer look around. The newly opened Esplanade Youth Plaza was positively pumping throughout the school holidays and this continues every weekend. Designed to attract skateboarders, BMX, scooter fans and stunt riders, the Plaza brings together youngsters of every age, something that we don't see often enough. The opening was dubbed as "one of the most monumental moments that Australian skateboarding has ever seen" bySkateboarding Australia.
Here's a little video of theirs from the opening:
The Esplanade also has a viewing platform, where friends and family can sit and watch the action. It's a fantastic way to bring the community together. And when you've had enough, Baskin & Robbin's is just on the other side of the fence.. :)
So, tomorrow is the 11th May and Mother's Day. Wondering what to do in Fremantle? Here's a few options: 1. Urban Walkabout | Click on the link for a whole heap of suggestions or just follow the suggested plan, starting at The Attic and finishing up at Bib & Tucker. You can also download the App to help you out on the fly! 2. Lunch on the River |The Tradewinds Hotel are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and promise a free flower if you turn up with mum. Diners also receive a chance to win a complementary facial at Bliss in East Fremantle. 3. Perth Zoo | Ok, not quite in Fremantle but all mum's get free entry on Mother's Day so this was worth a mention. :) 4. High Tea at The Esplanade| Sandwiches, scones, live music and pots of tea. A glass of Moet is optional. Oh go on then.
I've been asked to spread the word about a fabulous little event that's kicking off in our beloved Fremantle tomorrow, 9th May.Fairly Fashionable is a fashion show (darling) to promote the awareness of Fair Trade, encouraging the shopaholics amongst us (Hello, My name is Sarah..) to consider the conditions under which our beloved threads are made. Even if you can't make it tomorrow you can show your support by liking theFairly Fashionable Facebook Page. For those than can attend, here's the skinny. Consider yourself invited:
Fair Trade Freo and the WA Fair Trade Collective invite you to celebrate with us an exciting collaboration between Australian designers and Fair Trade textile producers and suppliers - Fairly Fashionable? 2014!
The Fairly Fashionable? event is the culmination of a challenge for Australian designers to come up with a fashion piece that incorporates Fair Trade fabric in just 14 days. This challenge was launched on Fashion Revolution day which marked the first anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory disaster in Bangladesh. We invite you to a public event on the eve of World Fair Trade Day:
When? Friday May 9th, 6:30-8:30pm
Where? MANY 6160, Fremantle's exciting fashion precinct in the former MYER building.
What? Join us for a talk on Ethical Fashion by Jessica Priemus, founder of Bahlo followed by our headline fashion parade of the Fairly Fashionable? challenge. Door prize, raffle, fair trade tastings and more! Tickets: Click here to buy for $10 or pay $15 on the door.
1. Walk out to the green lighthouse, sit on a rock and watch the world go by. (Ok, I know that's technically 3 things but..) 2. Stroll along George Street in the afternoon, stopping for brunch and a 'Isn't life Awesome' moment. 3. Go to France, as in the Whisper Wine Bar for some cheese and vino. 4. Visit the Fremantle Arts Centre and enjoy a brew in the garden whilst deciding which short and arty course you should sign up for. 5. Head to Port Beach and watch the sun go down.
Think it's time you got to know Fremantle a little better? Well here's the festival for you! The Fremantle Heritage Festival is set to be a whirlwind of walking treks, bicycle tours, art, music and dancing. There will be antique treasure shows, exhibitions and a chance to learn the jitterbug. (Yup). Check out the full version of events here: http://issuu.com/fremantle-festivals/docs/2014fremantleheritagefestival
May the Fourth (Insert Dodgy Star Wars Slogan Here) - Actually, just a regular Sunday in and around Fremantle...
Sunday Morning at the Growers Green Farmers Market
Funny old day today in our neck of the woods. The sun sits high in the sky but can barely be seen for the clouds. Its definitely chillier than we've encountered in a while, but still a beautiful day. First port of call was theGrowers Green Farmers Market. Not quite in Freo but literally a stones through over the border into Beaconsfield. We arrived around 9:30am and the joint was already jumpin'. A good mix of stalls selling locally grown organic foods, freshly baked bread, fair trade products, arts and crafts, flowers and face painting and a fabulous array of hot breakfast foods. Check out their website for alist of stallholders.
Fresh baked bread!
There was a tough decision involved regarding breakfast. Taste some of the wonderful international foods on offer at the market or head off to one of our regular Fremantle haunts? The lack of tea on offer sent us off to Freo, more specifically toOoton & Lincoln. Ooton & Lincoln is a quirky, busy cafe in South Fremantle, just a couple of streets back from the Esplanade. Unpretentious and yet oh so trendy, we return time and time again for one of the best weekend breakfasts that Freo has to offer. The hubby ordered Polenta with mushrooms, rocket and poached eggs, predictably delicious, and banana bread with yoghurt, poached pears and praline for myself. Simply devine.
Breakfast @ Ooton & Lincoln
Bellies full, time to cycle home. We were drawn across the park to watch the random Salsa Band and dancers doing their thing. Turns out this was the start of the May DayUnions March! Never a dull moment in Fremantle and always full of surprises...
Perhaps I should rename this blog "What to do FIRST in Fremantle?
Well what's one to do on a chilly Monday night in Freo? I can answer this with confidence after spending last night at Bread in Common in the heart of Fremantle. I've been lucky enough to visit this eatery on many previous occasions and the most recent did not disappoint. The converted warehouse is beautifully utilised to make the most of the almost cavernous space. An interior design which is almost as interesting as the food itself, they really have ticked all the boxes in making this a must-see establishment for locals and tourists alike. The menu can be described as cosmopolitan oversized tapas, which on first glance can look a little daunting. I've discovered the best approach is to just roll with it, order a few dishes and see what happens.
We (obviously) started with chunks of freshly basked bread and oil, with a couple of interesting dips (sweet potato and garlic sausage), all delicious and washed down beautifully with a nice glass of shiraz. I'd like to explain the rest of our choices but there is no way I could tell you the ingredients without looking at the menu again, so I'll just summarise in noting that we enjoyed some minty lamb ribs, succulent chicken, tomato and garlic swordfish, chickpeas and mushrooms, courgettes with mint and feta and a million other flavours. Oh and the most amazing roast potatoes that I have encountered in the Southern Hemisphere. Everything was a taste sensation, food arrived promptly, the staff were attentive, friendly and actually managed to look like they enjoyed their job. Well done Bread in Common.
It's the first time I've visited on a Monday night and I would definitely recommend it. There is no waiting to be seated or served, it's still busy enough to provide a nice atmosphere and the noise levels are just right. I have to give it 9.5 out of 10. Go see!! Bread in Common 43 Pakenham Street Fremantle www.breadincommon.com.au (08) 9336 1032
Did you know you can hire a bike for FREE from the Fremantle Visitor Centre? It is without a doubt one of the best ways to explore the back streets and meander down the esplanade, and far less stressful than trying to find a parking spot. It's worth a mention that the bikes are of the very trendy Papillon variety. Alternatively, if your pedal power isn't up to much you can hire an electric bike and take it easy. Perfect. Simply provide your ID and a returnable bond and it's yours for the day. The Visitor Centre is located in Kings Square.
Hire times as follows: Monday to Friday 9.30 am-4.30 pm Saturday 9.30 am-3.30 pm Sunday 10.30 am-3.30 pm Public holidays 10.30 am-3.30 pm Visit Map My Ride for tips on planning your route. All the hard work is done, you just have to decide where to go!
Looking for things to do this Anzac Day? Fremantle has got it going on! Here's a quick run down of the days events, starting early.. ANZAC Day Dawn Service Monument Hill War Memorial, Fremantle 4:50 am Didgeridoo player with wartime footage. 5:35 am Assembly of wreath layers on east side of Monument Hill 5:50 am Welcome bugler and wreath laying ceremony The Ode - Australian Army Last Post - Flags lowered to half mast One Minute Silence - Catafalque party to present arms Flypast Reveille - Flags raised back to full mast Prayer - Father Raymond Clee In Flanders Fields Recital - Royal Australian Airforce ANZAC Day Address - Captain Potter. The ANZAC Day Commemorative Exhibition
Fremantle Town Hall, 8 William Street, Fremantle 8.00 am to 3.00 pm Entry is free. 9:00 am Sing Australia Choir will be performing a repertoire of wartime songs. ANZAC Day Parade Fremantle
9:45 am Parade assembly at Esplanade Reserve 10:15 am Parade Step Off 10:30 am Salute outside Mad Monk on South Terrace 11:00 am Parade returns to Esplanade for closing ceremony Flypast ANZAC Day Address - Mayor Brad Pettit Blessing - Father Colin Tett The Ode - RSL Fremantle Branch Last Post - Flags lowered to half mast One Minute Silence Rouse - Flags are raised to full mast Closing Address - Australian Army, Brigadier Stephen Cain National Anthem No doubt that this will be an amazing day with the air full of patriotism and pride for this beautiful country and those that fought to keep it so. Lest We Forget.
There are 2 markets in Freo, one perfectly situated at the end of the cappuccino strip, opposite the Fremantle Ovel, with the other (B Shed) behind the train station and perched on the edge of the Swan river. Both are open Friday to Sunday, with the former most certainly being the most lively of the two. The main Fremantle Markets are almost always packed to the brim, and even the tourist tat is quite charming, as it sits mingling with the ever random array of ornaments, clothing, jewellery, art, stuffed toys and natural remedies that are only a smidgin of the goods on offer. As you walk further into the Markets you'll likely be hearing someone hammering the ivories of an old upright piano in one ear, whilst listening to the free live entertainment provided by the pub (yes there is a pub in the heart of the market) in the other!
The second half of the market (known as The Yard) is nothing short of a foodie haven, with huge paella pots, freshly brewed coffee, chocolate dipped fruit and freshly baked bread, all up for grabs, not to mention the stalls full of local fresh produce that you can take home for dinner. Crazy and frantic and totally a must-do! Click here to view an interactive map >>
What a wonderful weekend to find yourself in Freo! TheFremantle Street Arts Festival has certainly drawn the crowds and the biggest problem you'll have is what to do first! With the infamous Cappuccino Strip closed to all vehicles, visitors are able to fill the streets and soak up the wonderful festival atmosphere. The Fremantle Story website has a full list of all the events and today is the last day to get in on the action. With everything from an 'Instameet' to Japanese Origami and Circus Acts, there is definitely something for everyone, young and old. An impressive line up of both local and international performers creates a multi-cultural buzz for this meeting of talent from around the globe.
We grabbed our bikes and cycled along the river swan to one of our favourite cafes, Il Cibo. Just 2 mins from
I'm quite sad to report that this Saturday was the last of the Bathers Beach Sunset Markets. I'm happy to report that they'll be back next summer! YAY! If you didn't make it then don't fret.'Like' the Facebook Page so you'll be the first to know when the fun kicks off at the start of next Summer. Always a pleasant evening, Saturday was no different. We grabbed our bikes and enjoyed a steady cycle along the Swan, arriving at Bathers around 4:30. The stall holders were still setting up and the air was full of a hundred beautiful
Today was the first day in approximately 6 months (who's counting?) that I visited one of my most loved Fremantle establishments.
It is here one can find happiness, love and utter contentment. Yes my fellow foodies, I'm talking aboutSan Churros.
Just take a moment to inhale the aroma of fresh donut churros, soft on the inside but crispy on the outside. Imagine the joy when you dip it into a pot of hot milk,
Hello there! Thanks for dropping by. This blog is dedicated to fabulous Fremantle. Here you can find events, news & reviews for both visitors and locals. Take a seat and enjoy the tour. Your opinions are valued here, feel free to comment and have your say, but please be fair and
