Fishing Boat Harbour
Classic fish and chips, ice cream, and all the activity of a real working harbour. The world-renowned boardwalk here is one of the best places in the city to enjoy a beer and a feed—and the much-loved Freo Doctor. THIS IS FISHING BOAT HARBOUR.
Visit Fishing Boat Harbour for:
- The Boardwalk
- Bon Scott statue
- Little Creatures Brewery
- Seafood restaurants
Getting here:
- 10-minute walk from Fremantle Bus & Train Station
- 10-minute walk from Victoria Quay waterfront
- Nearest car park: Fishing Boat Harbour, Marine Terrace, Mews Road, and Little High Street
“Fishing Boat Harbour has been a firm family favourite ever since the Australia II put Fremantle on the map with its landmark 1983 America’s Cup win. Stroll along the boardwalk today and you’ll still find plenty of fine-looking yachts and charters among the blue fishing boats and fish and chip restaurants.”
WHAT'S ON
EAT & DRINK
SEE & DO
SHOP
STAY
ITINERARIES
The transformation of Fishing Boat Harbour into one of Australia’s top marinas was triggered by a yacht race in September 1983, when off the coast of Rhode Island, the Australia II crossed the finish line to win the America’s Cup for the Royal Perth Yacht Club and ended a 132-year tenure by the New York Yacht Club.
What followed was an international spotlight on Fremantle as yachting syndicates the world over arrived to prepare for the America’s Cup defence just off the coast in a stretch of water known as Gage Roads, just as the Australia II had done.
But the harbour’s history dates all the way back to 1919, when it was built to house the city’s burgeoning commercial and recreational fishing industry. The Blessing of the Fleet to ensure a safe and bountiful season continues today, where every year since 1948, a religious procession makes its way from St Patrick’s Basilica to the harbour carrying two statues—the Madonna dei Martiri and the Madonna di Capo d’Orlando—a tradition born from the Italian heritage of many of the city’s early fishing families.
The work of Fremantle’s early fishermen to create an internationally recognised and respected industry is commemorated in ‘The Jetty’, an artwork created by Jon Tarry and Greg James near the site of the original south jetty. It features two life size bronze fishermen, a map of the coastline’s traditional fishing grounds, and a short history on the industry’s colourful past.
You’ll also find a monument to revered AC/DC frontman and Fremantle legend Bon Scott, who can be seen strutting his stuff on a Marshall amplifier right in front of the harbour, the internationally acclaimed Little Creatures Brewery, the Love Freo sign, live music, fresh seafood, and of course, fish and chips on every side. Try Cicerello's, Kailis Fish Market, or Twin Fin.
