THINGS TO DO THIS SEPTEMBER LONG WEEKEND (QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY)

Celebrate the Queen's Birthday long weekend in royal style in Fremantle!

Here is your insider's guide to this long weekend in Freo.

Joanna’s Candlelit Soiree at Kidogo Arthouse | Friday 23 September

Show us a better way to start your long weekend than this intimate candlelit music and dining experience! Joanna’s homemade sour dough will be warming on Friday evening as she invites you to settle into the rustic arthouse for an Italian Dinner Party Special with Kavisha Mazzella. Melt into your long weekend, surrounded by candlelight, great local music, good vibes, art and a little pinch of Irish charm.

Explore Fishing Boat Harbour

Spring is here! And that’s our invitation to head outdoors. Most eateries in Fremantle offer al fresco dining, but a trip to Fishing Boat Harbour, including Kailis and Cicerello’s, gives your seafood that straight-from-the-water feel. Experience the walking trails to explore the many beautiful natural attractions and the public art, including the Bon Scott, Fishermen and Bella statues. You'll find WA's largest FREE private aquarium at Cicerello's, and for adventure seekers, Cicerello's Jet Adventures and the Tourist Wheel will offer an awesome experience for the family.

Block Party at Paddy Troy Mall | Sunday 25 September

Returning to its southern home for a long weekend special, Block Party promises five stages and a silent disco spread across The Fed, Benny’s, Hugo’s and Paddy Troy Mall. Expect all you know and love from Block Party with extra surprises and hidden pockets of space to explore across all the venues.

Eat out

If you haven't been to Freo for a while, you'll find we've got heaps of new restaurants and small-bars. And they're attracting plenty of attention – so make your booking early to avoid disappointment and come find out what all the fuss is about!

Head to The Old Synagogue and find four unique venues, all in a stunning heritage-listed site, originally built in 1902, which will be open all long weekend including the Public Holiday Monday*.

• Mr Chapple: open 8 am–11 am for breakfast, then open for lunch and dinner until late
• The Arbor: open 11.30 am–12 am every day
• Tonic + Ginger: 11:45 am–9 pm for seatings (reservations recommended)
• L’Chaim: open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 5 pm–12 am (closed Monday)

*Monday Public Holiday has 15% surcharge

Want a green buffer? Try the Old Courthouse for vast stretches of fenced grass, bringing a spacious feel and a place for kids to safely roam while the grownups enjoy some fresh air with the sound of clinking glass. And have we mentioned the views and vibes at Gage Roads? 

Day trip to Rottnest | Quokka Birthday Month

Fremantle is the gateway to Wadjemup / Rottnest and September is Quokka Birthday month – can you think of a better time to head to over for a daytrip?

Catch a live gig

There’s never a shortage of live music in Freo and the September long weekend is no exception. See Seth Sentry or The Chats at Metropolis Fremantle, catch Leon Bridges at Fremantle Arts Centre (if you nabbed tickets for this sold out show) or check out what’s happening at these live music venues.

Fremantle Arts Centre exhibitions

It’s easy to get swept up admiring the gothic heritage building and lush green gardens of one of Australia's leading arts organisations... but don’t forget to check out the art while you’re at Fremantle Arts Centre! Its galleries will be open all weekend, including public holiday Monday, from 10 am-5 pm, so you can catch three great exhibitions:

• A Gentle Misinterpretation: Australian Artists & Chinoiserie
• Jila Kujarra: Two Snakes Dreaming
• Tania Ferrier: Pop Porn

Workshop and dinner with artist Sammy Wyborn | Saturday 24 September

Join award winning artist Sammy Wyborn at the Fibonacci Centre for a night of culture, art and food. Learn about First Nation history and the story of Sammy’s family's journey. She’ll share a delicious meal with you and invite you to paint your own story using symbols. Sammy hand painted the dress her daughter is wearing in the image above - it's on display in the WA Museum Boola Bardip.

Learn creative skills with friends | Sunday 25 September

Grab a buddy and spend time being creative at a workshop in Stackwood’s lush warehouse. Be guided by Maggie Johnson’s bold signature style as you discover the joy of screen printing. Or take home a Ceramic Mugs Kit and a Woven Fruit Basket Kit from Stackwood’s collaborations with Sally from Deep Earth Ceramics and Anna Macoboy to continue the creativity in your PJs. Full details on their website.

Spot some whales!

September kicks off whale watching season in WA. Book your place on Whale Watching Western Australia’s purpose built luxury catamaran and keep your eyes peeled for a chance to see humpbacks, southern right or maybe even a blue whale. With 5 viewing decks over 3 levels, this 25 meter stable vessel is also a great platform to spot seals, dolphins and migratory bird life from all over the world as you enjoy uninterrupted views from water level to the huge open bow and upper grandstand deck. Tours are available September to December and they’ll be running over the long weekend, including the public holiday.

Have fun at FOMO

Feel like playing? The ‘retro motel’ at FOMO Freo has tenpin bowling and mini golf among its vintage-neon offerings, along with a bar and games arcade. Blink out of there to find new Vietnamese and Japanese street eats, or wander through Walyalup Koort – the beautiful heart of Fremantle.

Explore Fremantle’s Maritime History

The WA Maritime Museum and WA Shipwrecks Museum will both be open usual over the long weekend and public holiday (9.30 am–5 pm). Take a free Maritime Museum Highlights Tour to see some the WA Maritime Museum galleries’ most iconic objects – tours run daily at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm.

If you’ve ever wondered what life was like aboard a Cold War-era submarine, a guided tour of Submarine HMAS Ovens will reveal intimate details about living and serving aboard the 89 metre long Oberon class vessel, as you immerse yourself in Fremantle's secret wartime history on the historic World War Two submarine slipway. These are hosted by expert volunteers and are subject to session time availability, so call the WA Maritime Museum on (08) 9431 8334 to check up-to-date session times.

Tour the Street Gallery

Unoccupied shopfronts in Fremantle's downtown have been converted into a beautiful Street Gallery for a unique, ongoing exhibition series showcasing Fremantle's local creatives. Locations, artists and art works change regularly, so check details and be prepared to see Freo from a new perspective.

Experience the Fremantle Prison

Fremantle Prison is one of Western Australia’s most fascinating and significant cultural attractions – and it will be open as usual throughout the long weekend. Gather your family and be entertained by tours and tales which bring the rich folklore and stories of the Prison to life.

Visit the historic Fremantle Markets

Step inside the Fremantle Markets and you'll enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of over a hundred years of vibrant culture and heritage. Established in 1897, the building is one of only two surviving municipal market buildings in Western Australia. It's open over the September long weekend, including public holiday Monday (9 am-6 pm / Yard from 8 am), so put a trip on your list!