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Western Australia Trip. Day 3: Fremantle

Fremantle, a vibrant and historic port city located just 30 minutes from Perth, Australia, is a captivating destination that combines rich heritage with a lively arts scene. It’s a place where time-honored traditions blend beautifully with modern-day charm, making it a must-visit for any traveler.

A visit to the Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was a highlight. The prison’s stone walls hold tantalizing stories of infamous prisoners, and the guided tour provided a glimpse into life behind bars in the 19th century.

We joined a guided tour that took us through the cell blocks, gatehouses, and underground tunnels. The guides were knowledgeable and shared fascinating stories about life inside the prison. We were especially intrigued by tales of famous inmates and daring escapes. The prison complex itself is impressive. We walked through old cells and learned how convicts lived and worked here. There are also beautiful gardens that provide a peaceful contrast to the prison's stark history.


Melawat siapa?


Tools used to build the prison


'Banduan' paling bergaya sepanjang zaman



Once entered through the Wray gate, we took a picture in the massive prison compound.












After exploring the prison for more than 2 hours, we headed over to Fremantle Market. This market has been around since 1897 and offers a mix of local produce, crafts, and food stalls. The market is housed in charming Victorian buildings that were restored in 1975. As we wandered through, we found everything from handmade jewelry to fresh fruits and vegetables.

We loved sampling various snacks while shopping—there are plenty of options! The atmosphere is lively with street performers adding to the fun vibe. It’s an excellent place for families; kids can enjoy treats while adults shop or browse unique items.

I really loved the facade

yummy!




We had a quick snack bought from the Fremantle Market.

Next up was Little High Street, where we visited the WA Shipwreck Museum. Located on Whadjuk Nyoongar land, this museum showcases Western Australia's maritime history. The museum sits inside historic commissariat buildings that were built using convict labor too! We explored exhibits featuring shipwreck artifacts from around Australia’s coastlines.

One highlight was learning about famous shipwrecks like the Batavia and how they shaped maritime laws today. We enjoyed seeing real ship parts displayed throughout the museum as well as interactive exhibits designed for young visitors. Spending time here gave us deeper insight into Fremantle's past as a coastal city—a fantastic way to mix education with fun! 













Then we made our way to the Round House, the oldest public building in Western Australia. It opened in January 1831, just 18 months after settlement. This historic site was built to hold those convicted of crimes in the early settlement days. The Round House is an interesting place to visit. Its unique circular design makes it stand out among other buildings in Fremantle. We climbed up to the top and enjoyed stunning views of the harbor and coastline. 

One highlight of our visit was witnessing the One O’Clock Time Signal. Every day, a cannon is fired at exactly one o'clock. It’s a fun tradition that dates back to when sailors used it to set their watches. However, we missed the timing! Inside, we learned about its history and how it functioned as a prison until 1886. The displays include artifacts from its past, making it both educational and engaging for all ages.










After all that exploring, it was time for lunch at Kailis Fishmarket CafĂ©. This spot is famous for its fresh seafood dishes! Located right at Fishing Boat Harbour, it offers stunning views while you eat. We ordered fish & chips and grilled prawns—all delicious choices! Eating outside was perfect because we could watch boats come in and out of the harbor while enjoying our meal together as a family. It felt like an authentic Fremantle experience! Overall, Kailis Fishmarket CafĂ© provided great food in a relaxed setting—just what we needed before continuing our adventure.






After soaking up all that knowledge, we decided it was time for shopping at E-Shed Market. Located right on Victoria Quay near Fremantle’s harbor, this market offers an array of local goods, crafts, and delicious food options. E-Shed Market has a relaxed vibe compared to Fremantle Market but still provides plenty of fun things for families. We browsed through stalls featuring handmade crafts while enjoying live music from local performers. The atmosphere was lively yet laid-back; perfect for spending time together as a family while soaking up local culture before heading home. 





Fremantle proved itself as an excellent destination for families looking for adventure and education wrapped into one trip. From exploring Fremantle Prison's haunting history to enjoying fresh seafood at Kailis Fishmarket CafĂ©—there’s something here for everyone!

Each stop on our journey offered unique experiences that sparked curiosity among both adults and kids alike. Whether you’re interested in history or simply want good food and shopping options—Fremantle delivers on all fronts!

We highly recommend taking your time exploring this vibrant city full of character! With its rich heritage sites like the Round House & WA Shipwreck Museum combined with lively markets—the experience will surely be memorable for your family! 

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