Perched on a series of limestone hills at the mouth of the Swan River, Fremantle — or Freo as it’s fondly known — is Perth’s Old Town and the world’s best-preserved example of a 19th-century port streetscape. Perth’s vibrant maritime city is home to WA’s largest collection of heritage-listed buildings, hundred-year-old markets, and a thriving food and drink scene.
That combination also makes Fremantle the perfect destination for a convenient weekend getaway or extended staycation, brimming with unique, boutique, and out-of-the-ordinary accommodation options to choose from. Here’s the inside scoop on what’s worth checking out.
Fremantle
Warders Hotel
Tucked away in the vibrant heart of the city, right at the doorstep of bustling markets, stands Warders Hotel — a charming boutique stay nestled within historic limestone cottages that once housed the guardians of Fremantle. Each room is a tapestry of history and elegance, where the original timbers and stonework are artfully blended with sophisticated, handcrafted finishes. Artwork by Tessa MacKay hangs in each room, bringing to life Fremantle’s past through vivid scenes and portraits. Everything from the furniture to the cushions and throws, inspires a calmness in a space designed for rest and rejuvenation.
Step beyond your room to be welcomed into quaint corner gin bar, Gimlet, and the vibrant atmosphere of Emily Taylor’s courtyard bar and restaurant — an invitation to indulge in one of the best Asian-fusion restaurants in all of WA.
Port Mill Bed & Breakfast
Port Mill is where history and luxury intertwine — a bed and breakfast that whispers tales of its past life as a limestone flour mill in the 1860s. Now transformed, it boasts four exquisite suites, each a haven of tranquillity. Arranged around a lush garden courtyard. Port Mill is just a minute’s stroll from the famous Fremantle Markets and a leisurely five-minute walk to the sun-kissed shores of Bathers Beach.
Esplanade Hotel by Rydges
The heritage-listed, pristine white Esplanade Hotel has long been recognised as an iconic Western Australian landmark. It’s quite possibly one of the most photographed buildings in Fremantle and for good reason. The beautiful hotel was once a prison used for housing convicts transported from Great Britain in 1850 and is now one of Fremantle’s favourite holiday destinations. Set opposite Esplanade Park and its resident Ferris wheel, this Victorian statement features 300 spacious refurbished rooms designed with private balconies, multiple bars, resort pools, and a gym — everything you need for a dreamy staycation.
Hougoumont Hotel
Nodding to Fremantle’s port history, the Hougoumont Hotel was built using old sea containers, making a stay here one that is guaranteed to be the starting point of stories for years to come. The rooms are beautifully decorated, with all the creature comforts needed for a relaxing stay. Neighbouring the hotel is Calamity’s Rod, the shipping container-brewery courtyard concept, where beers are brewed onsite and pizzas are slung on the regular. The best thing is that from the moment you step outside, you’ll be greeted with cafés, art galleries, restaurants, museums, record stores, and bookshops — what more could you want?
Be.Fremantle
Uniquely positioned on the tranquil edges of Challenger Harbour, Be.Fremantle is one of Freo’s best kept secrets. It offers self-contained apartments that come in one, two, or three-bedroom configurations, each framing breathtaking views of the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour. Envision a retreat where the gentle rhythm of waves against the harbour wall lulls you to sleep, and you wake to the beauty of colourful dawn horizons.
The National Hotel
Set in Fremantle’s very core, the National Hotel’s crown jewel is its magnificent rooftop bar, which offers panoramic 360-degree views that stretch from Rottnest Island to the lively scenes of Fremantle’s port city life below. The award-winning and exquisitely restored hotel is home to 12 luxury ensuite rooms, each one an embodiment of style and comfort.
This iconic beacon of Fremantle is steeped in history, with roots tracing back to 1868 as a humble shop and later housing the National Bank in the early 1880s, it blossomed into the National Hotel in 1886 and has been a part of Fremantle’s soul ever since. Spot the huge mural of the boxing kangaroo on the side of this heritage-listed hotel — a relic from Australia II’s legendary America’s Cup win.
South Fremantle
Silver Street Studio
Perched on the doorstep of South Fremantle’s foodie hub, Silver Street Studio is where old-world charm, local history, and contemporary art collide.
The Local Hotel
Bustling and laid back with locals catching up over a couple of cold ones and some top-notch pub grub, the large Victorian-era Local Hotel sits pretty on South Terrace — idyllically sandwiched between central Fremantle and South Fremantle. Make yourself at home in the beautifully curated rooms, fitted with original hardwood timber floors, floor-to-ceiling windows welcoming plenty of natural light, and luxe bohemian decor.
North Fremantle
Pier 21
At Pier 21, you can awaken each morning just moments from the winding Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) and boat-filled marina. Choose between the luxury of a serviced apartment or an opulent suite, where floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive balconies offer sweeping views of lush tropical gardens or the serene Swan River. The choice is yours, with options ranging from full kitchens to convenient kitchenettes, and dining spaces that invite the outdoors in. Even your four-legged friends are welcomed with open arms.
East Fremantle
Tradewinds Hotel
Overlooking the picturesque Swan River and just a short distance from the eclectic streets of Fremantle, the Tradewinds Hotel is all things stylish and sophisticated. The 1909 establishment was recently refurbished and word on the street is that the river view suites are home to the comfiest of beds and elegant standalone bathtubs. If you’re peckish or keen for a tipple, simply head downstairs to the onsite restaurant and bar for everything from breakfast to dinner.
Nautica Residences by Seashells
Stay in one of the gorgeously furnished and full-service one and two-bedroom studio apartments in the Richmond Quarter building, and you’ll find yourself directly below the famed cocktail and dumpling haunt, Sweetwater Rooftop Bar (a must visit if you’re staying anywhere in Fremantle). You can expect 19th-century heritage and eclectic touches on every corner — all in the centre of East Fremantle. What’s more, you’re within bike riding distance from some of Perth’s best beaches, like Leighton Beach and South Beach.
