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The Ultimate Sunday Afternoon Drive

22 October 2021

Welcome to your Sunday afternoon drive itinerary of Fremantle. A self-guided bog lap if you like, with plenty of Insta-worthy photo ops.

The bog lap is a uniquely Western Australia pastime that dates back to the 70’s and 80’s and a long held Fremantle tradition. In those days it involved taking your lovingly restored vintage or souped up car (think Monaro, Torana or Holden) out of the garage and doing a few repetitive laps along the main street of Fremantle for the benefit of al fresco patrons sitting along the Cappuccino Strip.

Here's a Fremantle bog lap with a difference. You'll take in all the best views around the city, a drive down ‘the strip’, and some historical stuff too. Plug these places into your GPS and get going. Feel free to stop for photo ops, explore and wander. You’ll end up with a range of Insta worthy snaps for your feed or your stories.

1. Pedestrian bridges at Leighton and Fremantle Train Station

  • Perfect viewing platforms for trainspotting, shipspotting (it’s a thing) and a look out over the ocean and harbour.

     

2. North Mole, Rous Head, North Fremantle

  • It’s a 3km drive along the breakwater from the Tydeman Road turnoff to the red lighthouse with views back to Fremantle Harbour.

     

3. Old Traffic Bridge (underneath)

  • Well known as a secret fishing spot access to this place from the northern side of the Swan River is not for the fainthearted but worth the view. Check the shallows for the latest message from our local rock artist.

     

4. Cantonment Hill

  • Whadju, Dwerda Weeardinup or Walyarup are Nyoongar names for the area known as Cantonment Hill. It holds a commanding position overlooking Fremantle Harbour and the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan).

     

5. Monument Hill

  • On the corner of High and Swanbourne Streets, Monument Hill has been used as a public reserve and viewing spot since the early 19th century. You’ll see why when you take the turn off High Street to reveal 360 degree views over Fremantle.

     

6. Victoria Quay, Peter Hughes Drive

  • Stroll along Victoria Quay and watch the harbour activity or check out the welcome walls at WA Maritime Museum. It’s a perfect Sunday afternoon thing to do. Look for dolphins!

     

7. Round House, 15 Captains Lane

  • The address of WA’s oldest public building harks back to the days when the Harbour Master was in residence along this street. Explore the area for views over Bathers Bay, Fishing Boat Harbour and the length of High Street, West End.

     

8. South Mole (and the green lighthouse), Fleet Street

  • One of two cast iron lighthouses which were constructed and shipped out to Fremantle in 1903. Stunning and nostalgic views back to Fremantle, it’s a lovely way to gain a different perspective on things we know well. The place has national significance as the first landfall and entry point for tens of thousands of migrants to Australia.

     

9. Mews Road

  • Drive the length of this road to the roundabout for stunning views back to Fishing Boat Harbour and west to Garden and Carnac Island.

     

10. Capo D’Orlando Drive

  • Named in recognition of the large number of Capo D’Orlando residents that immigrated to Fremantle in the 20th century, this drive leads you around the southern side of Success Boat Harbour past yachts and commercial fishing trawlers and views back to Fishing Boat Harbour.

11. Any of these great places to eat and drink while taking in the view!

Adventure awaits in Fremantle!