Spend A Day Shopping in Fremantle

Within WA’s largest collection of heritage-listed buildings, Fremantle is a port town brimming with all things food, drinks, and shopping.

Before the maritime city was settled by Europeans in 1829, it was inhabited by the Whadjuk people. Its traditional name Walyalup, translates to “place of the walyo” — a small kangaroo rat that was once common in the area.

Perth’s Old Town is WA’s largest and busiest port, and home to a bustling culinary and shopping scene. 

Here’s how to spend a day shopping in Fremantle.

Who doesn’t love a little Sunday retail therapy? When it comes to vintage, surf wear, and century-old markets, Fremantle — or Freo as it’s fondly termed — well and truly nails the brief. Here’s your inside scoop on the best spots to check out in this charming, oceanside city.

10 am: Coffee and a treat

Credit: Kokomo’s Livid Skate Café

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: Fashion at FOMO Walyalup Koort

Credit: FOMO Freo

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 (in/around The Piazza)

Credit: Yeah Vintage

If you have a penchant for yesteryear, shop WA’s home of vintage in and around the South Terrace Piazza. It’s been transformed into an impressive fashion, homewares, and furniture hub well worth a gander. Add the highly-curated Freo de Janeiro, technicolour Yeah Vintage, bohemian-inspired Vintage Lily, and 2000-aesthetic Neighbourhood Vintage to your shopping list.

3 pm: Explore the range on Market Street

Credit: Three Stories

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. Jack Stillman is the place for old-school bags and luggage, with a ‘café racer’ motorcycle aesthetic. You’ll also find the boutique surf and lifestyle shop, 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

Credit: Chicho

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

Credit: Kate + Abel

Kick on for a final round of shopping with a visit to Kate + Abel, a store with everything from books and magazines to prints, blankets, ceramics, and kitchenware. Sustainable homewares store, Remedy, is another boutique worth exploring.

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.

This article was written in partnership with So Perth and THIS IS FREMANTLE | City of Fremantle and originally published by So Perth April 2024.

Featured image: Bathers Beach House.