Escape to Fremantle: A Staycation Adventure Awaits
Fremantle often feels like a world apart from the rest of the Perth metropolitan area, and this sense of separation is set to intensify with the upcoming closure of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge. Starting February 1, this key gateway between north and south will be shut for up to 12 months, diverting an estimated 24,000 daily vehicles to the nearby Stirling Bridge and likely worsening rush hour gridlock.
While this may sound chaotic, it presents a unique opportunity to reframe a visit to Fremantle as an exciting adventure worth extending. The port city boasts a rich tapestry of heritage buildings and artistic influences, making it prime territory for a weekend staycation. We have curated a list of five distinctive short-stay properties in and around Fremantle, inviting you to simply pack a bag, hop on a train, and immerse yourself in local life for a few days.
Traveller’s Return
This charming 1901 Federation bungalow is perfectly situated between central and South Fremantle, offering easy walking access to cafes, beaches, and galleries. Lovingly restored to accommodate up to six guests, the cottage serves as a comforting, light-filled sanctuary. It features soft linen textiles, aromatic heartwood products, and an outdoor barbecue deck ideal for balmy evenings. For more details, visit travellersreturn.com.
Kawa Heart Studio
Located nearby in Palmyra, this A-frame cabin was once a glass studio and now welcomes aesthetically minded visitors. The open-plan studio boasts huge cathedral windows overlooking gardens and is furnished with carefully curated items, including chrome cantilever chairs, handmade ceramics, upcycled cabinetry, and a clawfoot bathtub. The owners' sustainable ethos is evident in every detail. Learn more at kawaheartstudio.com.
Poet’s Harbour
Recently shortlisted for best design stay at the 2025 Airbnb Host Awards, Poet’s Harbour was renovated by renowned Fremantle architect Brian Klopper. This loft sleeps two under exposed wooden beams, making it perfect for romantic getaways. Couples can enjoy vinyl records before stepping out into the area's vibrant bars. Follow @poetsharbour for updates.
Orcades & Karoa
Nestled up a spiral staircase in the historic West End district, this loft offers a luxury retreat above Fremantle's bustling heart. With reclaimed decor, thoughtful neighbourhood references, and soaring ceilings, it provides a cosy escape or a base for exploring the streets below. The hardest decision will be whether to stay in or venture out. Check out @orcades_and_karoa for more.
Fisherman’s Cottage
A little further south in South Fremantle, this limestone cottage once housed a local fisherman. Restored with French farmhouse character, the two-bedroom abode accommodates up to four people and includes a full kitchen and a quaint pebbled courtyard adorned with jasmine and grapevines. As it doubles as a family home, it offers a special lived-in warmth. Book via Airbnb.
Additional Tips for Your Stay
- Prices vary seasonally and by length of stay; check individual properties for specifics.
- If these options are unavailable, consider alternatives like Garde Hotel (including Warders Cottages), Tradewinds Hotel, or Hougoumont Hotel.
- Top dining spots in Fremantle include Vin Populi, Lions and Tigers, Suku, and Capri, while great bars feature Strange Company, Republic of Fremantle, Madalena’s, and Whisper Wine Bar.
- Explore current exhibitions at Fremantle Arts Centre, the Moores Building, and PS Art Space, or browse the colourful shops on High and Market streets.
- Visit the Fremantle Markets open Friday to Sunday, or the Freo Farmers Market on Sundays from 8am to noon at Bruce Lee Oval in Beaconsfield.
