In the days of the big passenger ships, Fremantle was known as the gateway to Australia. Along came jet travel and the gate all but closed. Then in 1987 the port city became the centre of world attention during the Australian defense of the America's Cup.

Happily, today it has retained all of its old charm: its situation at the mouth of the Swan River, its picturesque old buildings, its cultural diversity and what its longtime residents still call the Fremantle feeling. This sets it apart from the capital, Perth. The feeling comes upon you when you cross the bridge over the Swan River from the northern suburbs; pass historic Cantonment Hill from the east or (ideally) drift down river from Perth in a pleasure boat.
Learn more about Fremantle.