When we first arrived in Australia, one of my biggest priorities was for the kids to not only settle in but to understand the place we had moved to – its culture, its people, and the stories hidden in its streets. That goal has led us on countless family explorations. Although this is primarily a running blog, I thought I’d also use this space to share various aspects of relocation and the places we’re discovering along the way. One place we’ve explored extensively is Fremantle. Affectionately called “Freo” by the locals, it’s a vibrant port city, about 25 minutes from Perth. Freo is full of character, somehow striking a good balance between laid-back and bustling: heritage buildings, cobbled streets, and maritime landmarks sit alongside colourful street art, quirky cafés, and a thriving multicultural food scene. Every visit reveals something new, and this keeps us coming for more.

What We Love About Fremantle

Cafés and Coffee: Many of Fremantle’s streets are lined with charming little cafés, each with its own personality. Some are tucked down awkward laneways, while others spill onto busy streets, squeezed between tattoo parlours and souvenir shops. In our early days here, my son had a school trip to Rottnest Island, leaving from Fremantle Harbour. After seeing him off, I wandered the streets and stumbled into a vintage-inspired café where I sat with a flat white and simply soaked in the creative vibe. We have since discovered that many of the cafés are family-friendly, offering everything from healthy meals to indulgent treats, plus options for gluten free, vegan, and other dietary needs. Our favourite is definitely Kailis, a well-known place for fish and chips, overlooking the boats on the harbour.

Fremantle Markets: Established in 1897, the Fremantle Markets are a blend of history, culture, and creativity under one roof. On weekends, the place is alive with stalls overflowing with fresh produce, handmade crafts, vintage clothing, and international street food. I love how much the kids learn simply by exploring, tasting something new, watching artisans at work, or chatting with stallholders.

Being gluten-intolerant, I’m always on the hunt for safe treats, and I’ve developed a bit of an obsession with the Gluten Free Doughnuts stall. If I’m not careful, I might just turn into a doughnut myself!

Street Art and Performances: Fremantle is so full of creativity, and its street art is a big part of that. Around every corner, there’s a mural splashed across a wall or graffiti-style art that makes you pause. For me, spotting new pieces has been amazing. The kids, however, are far more interested in the performers outside the Fremantle Markets. Whether it’s a magician pulling in the crowd or a man making whistles with a truckload of stories, Fremantle always has something happening. It gives the city a festival-feel, even on an ordinary Saturday morning.

Fremantle Eye: We still feel like tourists, so of course we do the “touristy” (read: cheesy) things! The Fremantle Tourist Wheel (sometimes called the Fremantle Eye) towers above the Esplanade, offering panoramic views of the harbour, ocean, and city. When we tried it out, the kids loved the wheel spinning around and spotting landmarks from above, while I simply enjoyed how happy the kids were.

Museums and Monuments: You can feel Fremantle’s rich history everywhere you go, but nowhere more vividly than in its museums and monuments. On our visits, we’ve ticked off several. My personal favourite and I think I speak for the kids as well is Fremantle Prison. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most powerful places in the city. Walking through the cellblocks, hearing stories of convicts and escape attempts, and imagining life inside is both sobering and fascinating. For my son, the visit connected directly with his Year 5 syllabus, giving him a firsthand understanding of what many of his classmates would probably have learnt growing up here. So, it kind of brought him up to speed. It was a proud moment to see these excursions having the impact I hoped for.

Coming from a landlocked country, the WA Shipwreck Museum and WA Maritime Museum were both intriguing, especially for the kids, as they got to learn about life by the coast. The Shipwreck Museum has dramatic displays of shipwreck relics recovered from Western Australia’s treacherous coastline as well as the stories associated with them. It’s haunting and educational in equal measure. The WA Maritime Museum, on the other hand, offers a broader perspective on life at sea, with interactive exhibits, historic vessels, and insights into Western Australia’s maritime history, making it a hands-on and engaging experience for all ages.

Built in 1831, the Round House is WA’s oldest public building. It’s a small site but worth a stop, both for its historic significance and the sweeping views over Bather’s Beach. We timed our visit to see the cannon fire, a huge hit with the kids (and deafening!).

The Army Museum of WA was a treasure trove of military history. It showcases tanks, uniforms, medals, and detailed exhibitions that trace Australia’s military past. The kids were enthralled by the vehicles, and the sheer size of the museum makes it worth multiple visits. I’d recommend focusing on one section at a time, say World War I on one visit, World War II the next. Standing tall on Monument Hill, the Fremantle War Memorial is a place of reflection and remembrance. It’s peaceful, offers stunning views across the city and ocean, and sparked meaningful conversations with the kids about the importance of remembering.

I know there’s still so much more to do in Fremantle. I could easily write an entire post just on its cafés, or another on its street art to be honest! I haven’t even run here yet – that’s high on my list, and I’m hoping to run a Half Marathon here in November, which I think will be an incredible experience. Fremantle has truly captured our hearts because it’s full of character, and in many ways reminds us of home. Whether you go for the food, the art, the history, or just the sea breeze, Fremantle has a way of drawing you in and leaving you richer for the experience.

Your Turn

• Have you been to Fremantle? Is there a hidden gem in Fremantle you’d recommend for families?
• When you visit a new place, what’s the first thing you like to explore: food, history, or art?
• Would you be interested in more “relocation ramblings”?

Love from The Gaborone Runner – one street, one story, one run at a time

I am joining My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida for Fit Five Friday.