Arty, eclectic Fremantle is known for its superb café culture, microbreweries and laid-back beach lifestyle.

Come to Fremantle to shop at the colorful markets, eat tasty food from all over the world and browse the cutting-edge work on display in the town’s many art galleries. Discover the town’s convict past and admire stunning Victorian and Edwardian architecture that is like nothing else in Australia.

Warm in the winter and even warmer in the summer, Fremantle is popular with surfers and beach lovers alike, who come to enjoy the clear blue waters at Cottesloe Beach. Look out to sea and you can just make out the shape of Rottnest Island. Take a daytrip here to see World War II relics, pink salt lakes and thousands of quokkas, small native marsupials.

Take a tram tour or wander the streets to appreciate Fremantle’s unique architectural heritage. Stunning Victorian and Edwardian buildings make up much of the city center. Explore the network of tunnels beneath Fremantle Prison and listen to ghost stories about former inmates. Above ground, the prison is now an informative museum and art gallery. Make sure you visit the Western Australian Maritime Museum, which has an impressive array of vessels including the America’s Cup winning yacht, Australia II.

Enjoy a coffee on Cappuccino Strip and mingle with the locals, who refer to their city as “Freo.” On the weekends, explore the lively Fremantle Market. Shop for fresh produce and listen to talented buskers plying their trade. Fremantle is a foodie’s paradise, so you can choose between a number of fine restaurants for your evening meal.

The flat, wide streets in Fremantle are easily explored on foot but the CAT bus is a good option for getting around too. It is free and runs every 10 minutes throughout the town. Look for the stop signs with the paw print.

Fremantle is located 14 miles (22 kilometers) from Perth. Take the 40-minute train ride from Perth or rent a car and take the scenic route along the Swan River.