18 Best Things To Do In Fremantle With Kids

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Are you looking for the best things to do in Fremantle with kids? Fremantle is a fun and vibrant city, and there is always something fun to do with the family! Discover what to do in Fremantle with kids, including free things to do in Fremantle, Western Australia. You will find something great to do no matter the time of year!

It’s a great stop as part of a Western Australia road trip, or a day trip from Perth city.

Need Freo accommodation? Check out this family-friendly hotel

Fremantle With Kids – Quick Guide

• Location: 30 minutes from Perth
• Time needed: 1-2 days
• Family-friendly? Yes
• Highlights: Markets, beaches, Fremantle Prison, Rottnest Island

Top Things To Do in Fremantle With Kids

If you’re short on time, don’t miss:

• Fremantle Markets
• Fremantle Prison
• Esplanade Park playground
• Beaches (Bathers Beach / South Beach)
• Rottnest Island

Is Fremantle Worth Visiting?

Yes — Fremantle is one of the best places to visit near Perth.

With a mix of history, beaches, markets, and family-friendly attractions, it’s an easy and enjoyable destination for all ages.

Best Things To Do In Fremantle With Kids

If you’re looking to experience the best attractions in Fremantle, you’ve got plenty of options to suit all interests and age groups, from historic sites to wildlife experiences and more. Here are some fun things to do in Fremantle:

Fremantle Markets

The Fremantle Markets are one of the most popular things to do in Fremantle and a fun place to spend a couple of hours.

There’s a mix of food, local produce, handmade goods, and plenty of snacks to keep the kids happy. It can get busy, but that’s part of the atmosphere. We always end up staying longer than planned here.

Rottnest Island

Just off the coast of Fremantle is Rottnest Island, a true hidden gem. Best known for its adorable quokkas and relaxed vibe, this island offers great beaches to swim with endless beaches and bays.

While it’s technically a day trip from Fremantle, it’s an absolute must-do and one of our all-time favourite things to do when in the Perth region!

To get around the island, hire a bike or ride the Explorer Bus. There are also day tours that will guarantee you experience the highlights and best attractions during a Rottnest Island day trip.

The ferry ride from Fremantle to Rottnest Island is just 30 minutes, departing daily from B-Shed and Northport terminals in Fremantle. Check the ferry timetable and book your tickets here.

Fremantle Tourist Wheel

Located in Esplanade Park, the Fremantle Wheel is an easy way to get a different view over the city.

It’s not a must-do, but kids tend to love it, and it’s a quick activity you can add while you’re nearby.

Good option if you’re already exploring the park.

Cappuccino Strip

The Cappuccino Strip is the heart of Fremantle and a great place to wander between activities.

There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and street performers, so it’s an easy spot to stop for a break or grab something to eat.

Good for people watching and soaking up the atmosphere.

Enjoy Fresh Seafood

Being right on the harbour, Fremantle is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood.

There are plenty of casual spots where you can grab fish and chips or sit down for a meal with a view. Some places even have aquariums, which helps keep the kids entertained while you eat.

Here are some great places to eat in Fremantle:

• Kailis Fishmarket Cafe – Harbourside dining and home to WA’s largest seafood platter (you need to preorder this one)
• Joe’s Fish Shack – WA crayfish, prawns, salmon and more.
• Cicerello’s – Both gourmet and traditional style fish and chips

Insiders Tip: Cicerello’s in Fremantle is also home to Western Australia’s largest Private Aquarium, with 11 world-class aquariums holding over 80,000 litres of water and housing many local marine animals in conditions as near to their natural environments as possible. This is a cool way to keep the kids entertained during dinner!

Enjoy A Drink At Bathers Beach House

Along the Esplanade, you’ll find Bathers Beach House. They serve great food and have terraces with spectacular views of Fremantle Harbour and the beach.

Bathers Beach House beach lounge area became Australia’s first licensed beach in 2016.

Best of all, they have beach lounges and chairs set up right on the sand facing Bathers Beach. A beach lounge chair can be booked between 11 am and 7 pm for 3-hour blocks.

If you’re looking to entertain the kids but also want to enjoy a little something for mum and dad, grab yourself a cocktail (or mocktail) while the kids enjoy building sandcastles.

WA Maritime Museum

If you are looking for a fun and educational activity to keep the kids busy, head on over to WA Maritime Museum. The museum has hands-on activities that allow your little ones to interact with some of the exhibits and plenty of interesting tours to suit all ages.

Situated on the shore of the Indian Ocean, the Western Australia Maritime Museum brings together Fremantle’s past, present and future.

Insiders Tip: Visit on the second Tuesday of the month and entry is just a gold coin donation.

Lunch At Little Creatures Brewery

Little Creatures is a popular stop in Fremantle, especially if you’re visiting with older kids or dads who like their brews.

There’s plenty of space, a relaxed atmosphere, and a good menu with kids’ options as well. We found it easy to spend a couple of hours here without feeling rushed.

Best to visit earlier in the day if you want to avoid the crowds.

Free Things To Do In Fremantle

If you are looking for a budget-friendly visit to Fremantle, there are plenty of things you can enjoy in the city for free! From main attractions in Fremantle to off-the-beaten-track fun for the whole family. Here are some of our favourites:

Head To The Fremantle Beaches

If the weather is warm, there isn’t much that compares to spending a morning at the beach! There are some beautiful beaches in and around Fremantle.

If the weather is good, heading to the beach is easily one of the best things to do in Fremantle with kids.

Bathers Beach is the most central and perfect for younger kids, with calm water and restaurants right nearby. South Beach is another favourite with families, while Leighton Beach and Port Beach are great if you want a bit more space.

We loved how easy it is to mix beach time with sightseeing here — you’re never far from the water.

👉 If you have time, Cottesloe Beach is also worth a stop on the way to or from Perth.

Insider Tip: Each year in March, Cottesloe Beach holds an annual beach sculpture exhibit with works of art lining the beach.

WA Shipwrecks Museum

The WA Shipwreck Museum is a great free stop if you want to add a bit of history into your day.

Set inside historic buildings near the harbour, it shares stories of shipwrecks and maritime life along the WA coast. It’s not overly long, which makes it an easy visit with kids.

👉 A good option if you need a break from the sun.

Learn The History Of The Roundhouse

The Roundhouse in Fremantle was built by convicts, and it has quite the story to tell! This beautiful 19th-century heritage building is the oldest building in Western Australia.

It sits up on the hill with great views over the ocean, and it’s easy to explore in a short visit. If you time it right, you can even catch the daily cannon firing at 1 pm.

Fremantle Arts Centre

If you’re after something a little different, Fremantle Arts Centre is a nice place to wander.

It’s free to enter, with rotating exhibitions, a cafe, and plenty of open space. We liked that it felt relaxed and not too overwhelming for kids. Worth checking what’s on before you visit.

Esplanade Park & Playground

Esplanade Park is right in the centre of Fremantle and an easy stop with kids.

There’s a playground, open grassy space, and plenty of shade, plus it’s close to cafes and the marina. It’s a good place to let kids run around between sightseeing stops.

👉 A simple but very useful stop when exploring Fremantle.

Find more parks to visit in Fremantle here.

Snap A Selfie With The Rainbow Containers

If you’re looking for a fun and quirky Instagram-worthy spot in Fremantle, search for the rainbow shipping containers near Canning Highway. Don’t forget your selfie stick!

Planning Your Fremantle Visit

Fremantle is a perfect day trip from Perth or a wonderful place to stay for a weekend or longer. Whether you are day-tripping from Perth or planning an extended stay, these resources will help you plan the ultimate Fremantle visit.

How To Get To Fremantle

Fremantle is just 30 minutes drive south of Perth, Western Australia’s capital. You can reach the city by taking a train or bus from Perth to Fremantle and there are many options with TransWA.

Or of course, the easiest way to visit Fremantle is by car. If you are visiting Western Australia, you can hire a car from Perth Airport.

The airport is located approximately 34 minutes from Fremantle, although depending on the time of day, it can take longer with traffic.

Best Time To Visit Fremantle

The best time to visit Fremantle is during the shoulder seasons in Spring and Autumn when temperatures are milder, yet still mostly warm and the crowds are less than they are during the busy summer months.

If you are looking for warm weather, between November and February are when you can enjoy the longer days of sunshine and make the most of the coastal location.

If you plan your visit during summer, make sure to bring sunscreen and a hat because it can get quite hot, with average temperatures around 28 degrees Celcius during summer.

As for the winter months, the average temperatures are around 18 degrees Celsius and quite chilly. This also tends to be when Fremantle receives its highest rainfall.

Fremantle is a fun and easy destination for families, with a mix of history, beaches, and great food. Whether you visit for a day or stay longer, there’s plenty to enjoy.