Story: Fremantle’s Historic Sites
Episode: 31
Presenter: Will Cochrane
Air Date: 20th September 2026

Will explores Fremantle’s rich history, visiting the top historical destinations in the town to learn more about Fremantle’s background and culture.

• Fremantle is jam packed with history and culture as one of the oldest settlements in WA and there's no better way to learn about this history then to visit the sites and buildings from the 1800s.
• Fremantle is one of more than 300 UNESCO world heritage cities, with more than four thousand listed heritage sites in the town. It is absolutely brimming with history, but a few buildings truly exemplify it.
• The first is The Round House at Arthur Head, the first permanent structure built in the Swan River Colony and Western Australia’s oldest surviving building.
• It opened in 1831 and served as a jail house for 55 years, even housing the renowned Noongar warrior Yagan. It is a beautiful spot overlooking the port and beach and is a must see when visiting Freo.
• The next historic area of Fremantle is its West End, one of the best-preserved examples of 19th century port streetscape and architecture in the world. Many of these stunning buildings date back to WA’s gold boom, making Freo’s west end a great destination for beautiful architecture and history.
• Another building in Fremantle with spectacular architecture is the Fremantle Town Hall opened in 1887. This classical building has a Victorian touch to it making it truly stand out it an already beautiful town. In the present day the town hall is mainly used for musical events and functions celebrating art and culture in Perth.
• The most important historical building in Fremantle however must be the renowned Fremantle Prison, WA’s first world heritage listed site and one of the state’s premiere tourist destinations. Built by convict labour in the 1850’s, it was originally used to house convicts sent off from Britain and remained in use as a prison until 1991.
• There are so many important historical sites throughout Fremantle so be sure to pay a visit soon.