No visit to historic port city, Fremantle, is complete without a feast of fish and chips on the waterfront. Although an operational marina for both private and commercial boats, Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is most popular for the seafood restaurants, bars, and ice-creameries that line its boardwalk.
Over 250 recreational and 120 fishing boats are housed within the harbor's pens. Opposite the rows of vessels are restaurants run by well-known Western Australian fishing families like Cicerello's and Kailis. Visitors looking for activities after lunch can book jet ski tours and boat rides from vendors along the boardwalk, or cross the road to ride the Ferris Wheel at Esplanade Park and visit the WA Shipwrecks Museum. Venture further to visit the WA Maritime Museum or shop at the Fremantle or E Shed Markets.
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Who Will Like Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour
Food Connoisseur
Toss a coin to decide which local seafood restaurant will serve your fish and chips, then enjoy a pint of beer at craft brewery, Little Creatures.
Culture Buff
See remnants of historic ships wrecked off Western Australia’s coastline at the WA Shipwrecks Museum. Artefacts include original timbers from Dutch ship Batavia, wrecked in 1629.
Photography Whiz
Walk along Mews Road to the end of the marina to capture a soft sunset against the limestone breakwater walls. You may even spot fishermen bringing in their daily catch.
Fun Expert
Enjoy classic fish and chips with your family and enlist your kids to valiantly defend the meal from sneaky seagulls.
Insider Tips For Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour
- Parking is difficult to find on public holidays, school holidays, and special events. Use public transport if visiting during these periods.
- Parking inspectors regularly check vehicles, so don't overstay your metered parking ticket.
Video
How To Get There
Car
$2.30/hr (USD$1.56 / hr) • Limited metered parking available opposite Little Creatures on Mews Road. A handful of other small parking lots are located along Mews Road. Most parking lots at the Fishing Boat Harbour have a 3-hour limit.
Train (FremantleFremantle)
Walk 11 minutes south from train station.
BusCliff St Fishing Boat Harbour
103, 111, 501, 530, 999
Walk 2 minutes south from bus station.
BusMarine Tce Esplanade Hotel
502, 513, 531, 548, 998
Walk 5 minutes southwest from bus station through Esplanade Park.
Tech & Photography
Wifi
Public wifi access: None
Photography
Photography allowed: Yes
Tripod allowed: Yes
Selfie sticks allowed: Yes
Best time to shoot: Golden Hour
Drones
Drones allowed: Not encouraged
Bags
Backpacks allowed: Yes
Secured bag lockers available: No
Food & Drink
Several seafood restaurants, cafes, bars, and ice-creameries are located within the harbor. The most popular are:
- Cicerello's Fremantle - located in a 100-year-old wharf building.
- Kailis Fish Market Cafe - a fixture in Fremantle since 1928.
- Joe's Fish Shack - has built a reputation from avid fans of their fish & chips.
- Little Creatures - a home-grown brewery that also sells food like woodfired pizza.
Backstory
The Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is a man-made harbor. In 1919 the first limestone rock breakwater was constructed to protect the fishing fleet from the Indian Ocean. Until 1929, the breakwater doubled as a fresh fish market. Since then the area has rapidly grown. 2 additional breakwaters were constructed to create 120 new pens. The land around the breakwaters has become Western Australia's premier boat servicing and refit site. Buildings to house companies associated with the fishing industry now crowd the foreshore.
Fremantle gained international recognition following the 1984/85 America's Cup, held between Fremantle and Rottnest Island. The increased visitors benefited the fishing industry, causing it to expand even further.
The names of 608 pioneers of Fremantle's fishing industry have been inscribed on twelve timber columns along the jetty in recognition of their contribution. Some of these pioneers' decedents still operate commercial fishing businesses in Fremantle.
At the beginning of each fishing season a procession walks through the streets of Fremantle down to the harbor for the "Blessing of the Fleet". This ancient tradition originated in the Italian and Greek towns from which many of Fremantle's fishing pioneers hailed.
Etiquette
- Swimming is permitted on the northern side of the main breakwater at Bathers Beach.
- Swim off the jetties.
- Throw anything in the water.
- Feed the seagulls.
Scorecard
- Seafood restaurants serving fish and chips on the boardwalk.
- Variety of dining options on the boardwalk. There's even a craft brewery.
- Proximity of tourist attractions like the WA Maritime Museum and Fremantle Markets.
- Parking is difficult to find on busy days.
- Cheeky seagulls steal food from tables on the boardwalk.
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