Legendary Fremantle

The narrative of Fremantle is dotted with legendary characters, innovative engineers, a bushranger, a prime minister, a recipient of the Victoria Cross, an America’s Cup winner along with national and international icons of literature, music, history, art and sport.

The tale of WA’s bushranger, Moondyne Joe has taken on a mythical status after his multiple escapes from Fremantle Prison in the 1850’s. The story of John Boyle O’Reilly and the Catalpa Rescue is one of the most daring escapes in history, it’s a blockbuster in the making.

There’s an honour roll of people who have lived, worked and been inspired by Fremantle including authors Ben Elton and Tim Winton; politicians John Curtin and Dorothy Tangney; Hughie Edwards the most highly decorated Australian serviceman of World War II; Samantha Kerr soccer player for Australia and Chelsea Football Club,  Luc Longley who played with the Chicago Bulls alongside Michael Jordan, and US Women’s open winner Minjee Lee. The list goes on...

Locals will regale any captive audience with tales of their experience with Freo legends. Early days of The Triffids or The Stems, catching Grammy Award winning musician Lucky Oceans playing pedal steel at one of Fremantle’s live music venues. The time international blues and roots musician John Butler gave a surprise performance in his old pitch outside Fremantle Markets. Memories of Bon Scott playing in and around Fremantle, spotting Kevin Parker (Tame Impala), Kav Temperly (Eskimo Joe) or San Cisco relaxing in their home town.

‘The Mark’ which recognises a magic moment in Australian rules football is a legendary statue attracting fans from all over the country.

Rock and roll fans make the pilgrimage to Fremantle Cemetery to pay their respects at the grave of music icon Bon Scott.

These stories and many more are woven through the city and the community. No one would argue, Fremantle has something special, and you only need to scratch the surface to discover the stuff of legends.