With the state’s largest collection of heritage‑listed buildings as its backdrop, Fremantle is a vibrant port town packed with great food, excellent drinks and some of WA’s best shopping.
Ready to explore? Here’s how to spend a day shopping in Fremantle.
10 am: Coffee and a treat
Start your day with freshly ground coffee and a cheeky treat from Kokomo’s Livid Skate Café. Think toasties, wraps, and bagels — often served with a side of live, local music playing on the in-house stage. If you need a recommendation for something sweet, we’re big fans of the Fatboi brownies.
10.30 am: Art & Fashion at FOMO Walyalup Koort
Fremantle is home to a huge range of vintage, retro, and antiques, and with so much to explore, it’s difficult to know where to start. Kick off the shopping escapades at FOMO Freo — a one-stop shop for all the senses under one roof. Nestled in the heart of Fremantle’s Walyalup Koort, FOMO is a blend of art, architecture, culture, retail, and dining.
Visit the boutique, Wear 2, for an eclectic mix of vintage, surf, skate, and streetwear. For something more creative, peruse the work of Fremantle artist, Anya Brock, in her brand-new gallery. The space showcases a plethora of bright originals, framed canvas pieces, budget-friendly paper prints, and colourful homewares; art enthusiasts will be right at home. Or if sneakers are your thing, head to Mi-Life for a browse.
11.30 pm: Fremantle Markets
Credit: Fremantle Markets
Immerse yourself in more than one hundred years of vibrant culture and heritage with a wander through the iconic Fremantle Markets. The 1897 Victorian-style establishment is a favourite attraction for passers-by and locals alike. It’s also one of only two surviving market buildings in WA, and one of few throughout Australia that continues to be used for its original purpose.
Stroll through the stalls packed with all things handcrafted, vintage, health and wellness, fashion, jewellery, and homewares. While you’re at it, check out the fresh local produce, street food, and truly delectable international flavours.
12.30 pm: Relax into lunch at Emily Taylor
Credit: Emily Taylor
When it comes to Fremantle dining, the vibrant, Asian-fusion courtyard bar and restaurant, Emily Taylor should be at the top of your foodie bucket list. Relax into a day well spent with lunch and laid-back vibes, right next door to the Fremantle Markets.
They also have a bottomless Yum Cha offering which runs from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. We’re talking a mix of specialty dumplings and bottomless drinks for only $89.00 per person. Yes, please!
2 pm: Shop WA’s home of vintage
If you have a penchant for yesteryear, shop WA’s home of vintage in and around the Piazza. It’s been transformed into an impressive fashion, homewares, and art hub well worth a gander. Check out the highly curated Freo de Janeiro, bohemian-inspired Vintage Lily, or wander over to High St to the aptly named Vintage on High where you will find collections by The Upcycling Mutz and Ginger Pudding.
3 pm: Explore the range on Market Street
If you’re down for some more shopping, explore the range on Market Street. From recognisable brands like Dangerfield and Gorman to Fremantle staple Bob’s Shoe Store — a shopping experience inspired by Californian pop culture, music, and fashion. Three Stories, on the adjacent High Street. The popular Fremantle establishment nods to 70s surf culture and life by the sea, with everything from clothing and swimwear to surfboards, art, books, homewares, and jewellery.
4 pm: Gelato time
Swing into Chicho for a palate-cleansing sorbet or devilishly good gelato. The gelateria and espresso bar boasts a moreish list of homemade gelato including the likes of dark chocolate nougat, lavender honeycomb, Sicilian pistachio, strawberry milk, and salted caramel crack.
4.30 pm: A little more shopping
Round out the day with sustainable homewares at Remedy and at New Edition Bookstore, where carefully chosen books reward a lingering browse.
5.30 pm: Relax by the sea with a cocktail in hand
Credit: Bathers Beach House
Settle in for the evening at Perth’s only absolute beachfront restaurant and bar, Bathers Beach House. Enjoy the fresh ocean air with your toes in the sand while watching the sunset from Australia’s first licenced al fresco beach. Here, you can relax and recline on a waterfront lounge chair and sip on a post-shopping champagne cocktail. While you’re at it, settle into the evening with a seafood or grazing board, or pick a couple of plates from the share-style menu.
8.00 pm: Stay the night
Credit: Esplanade Hotel
If you want to turn your day trip into an overnighter, the heritage-listed Esplanade Hotel is just the place. It’s quite possibly one of the most photographed buildings in Fremantle and for good reason. The beautiful hotel was once a prison used for housing convicts transported from Great Britain in 1850 and is now one of Fremantle’s favourite holiday destinations. Set opposite Esplanade Park and its resident Ferris wheel, this Victorian statement features 300 spacious refurbished rooms designed with private balconies, multiple bars, resort pools, and a gym — everything you need for a dreamy staycation.
There are many options available to stay in Fremantle — read about some more of Fremantle’s unique and boutique accommodation.
