Walyalup Koort
Fremantle’s beating heart where 50,000 years of country, culture, and community meets modern day hawker markets, retro arcade games, and beautifully restored heritage pubs. THIS IS WALYALUP KOORT.
Visit Walyalup Koort for:
- Fremantle Visitor Centre
- Fremantle Town Hall
- FOMO FREO
- Walyalup Koort Playspace
Getting here:
- 5-minute walk from Fremantle Bus & Train Station
- 15-minute walk from Victoria Quay waterfront
- Nearest car parks: William Street and FOMO on Henderson Street
“In the traditional language of the Whadjuk people of the larger Nyoongar nation, Koort translates to “heart” while Walyalup is the traditional place name for Fremantle. Together they mean “heart of Fremantle.”
WHAT'S ON
EAT & DRINK
SEE & DO
SHOP
STAY
ITINERARIES
Community celebrations, festivals, and important civic events take place in Fremantle’s town square, originally imagined in 1833 by John Septimus Roe, where Jacaranda trees line the avenues and towering plane trees and Moreton Bay figs create a cooling canopy.
It’s seen local businessman Arthur Grady return home in 1925 after completing the first lap of the Australian continent on a motorcycle and immortalised legendary local personalities in bronze like artist Pietro Porcelli who stands ready to capture your likeness, Air Commodore Sir Hughie Edwards hands on hips as a knight of the realm, and ex-Prime Minister John Curtin brandishing the latest news.
In the middle stands Fremantle Town Hall, a heritage-listed concert hall with all the grandeur of classic 19th century architecture. Look out for its signature roofscape of Victorian-era turrets and 32-metre clock tower.
City workers emerge from the neighbouring Walyalup Civic Centre and Library but you won’t find a skyscraper in sight. Even the city’s trademark cranes have been made to human scale in the square’s Walyalup Koort play space. Inspired by Fremantle’s industrial and maritime heritage, the playground also features bridges, railways, shipping containers, water, and trees.
Pull up a stool for a counter meal and a cold beer at ‘The Fed’, aka The Federal Hotel, a traditional Aussie pub that has been lovingly restored in a stunning heritage site. Nearby FOMO (Fremantle On Your Own) offers up street eats from all corners of the globe and hours of competitive entertainment with downstairs Funlab’s one stop fun shop. Try your hand at Strike Ten Pin Bowling, Holey Moley Mini Golf, B Lucky & Sons Cocktail Arcade, and MANIAX Axe Throwing.
Some of the city’s favourite independent retail gems also call this neighbourhood home, including local artist Anya Brock’s gallery, skate wear pros Mi-Life, and vintage champions Wear2.
Not sure where to start? Make Fremantle Visitor Centre at Walyalup Civic Centre your point zero. The friendly staff inside can help you with info, maps, free bike hire, luggage storage, and a guide to what’s on in the city.
