The Best Hotels to Book in Fremantle, Western Australia

Initially, this iconic 1850s landmark was accommodation for convicts while they built a prison. Placed on the state’s Heritage Register in 1997, it’s now the most chic accommodation Fremantle has to offer. Bounteous rooms overlook the Esplanade, Sky Ride Ferris Wheel, Fremantle Markets or the tropical resort pool. Luxuriate in a spa suite, choose your own wine from the cellar or sip a chilled cocktail while watching the sun set before dinner.

Snuggling up to the picturesque Swan River, this alluring Fremantle establishment oozes heritage charm and sophistication. Scale the dizzy heights at the Rooftop Terrace, pair your luscious cocktail or beer with snacks made using fresh local produce, then absorb 360-degree river and city views along with dazzling hot-pink and orange sunsets. It’s an unrivalled venue for business functions, weddings and special events.

Smack-bang on the cappuccino strip, this boat-themed boutique hotel, named after Fremantle’s final convict ship, also has a microbrewery. Intimately fusing the former 1901 Duke of York hotel with upscale, shipping-container-style staterooms and cabins, it’s decked out with personalised minibars, Nespresso machines, tea by Western Australia coffee brand Rubra, business centre iMacs and onboard parking. On weekday evenings it’s all hands on deck: socialise with staff and other guests over complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres.

This 100-percent non-smoking hotel is across the road from the Hougoumont and owned by the same people (the Bannister’s reception is there). A boutique four-storey property, it’s encompassed by compelling nightlife, restaurants, cafes and West End heritage sites. Still, you’ll find its superior rooms and apartment-style one-bedroom suites to be a sanctuary.

In Fremantle’s beating heart, this 1868 shop, 1880 bank and 1886 hotel was a celebrated watering hole until a fire in 2007. Today, the boutique property is renowned for its daily happy hours, live music, award-winning cooking and high teas. Choose a quaint Parisian-style eaved room, or an indulgent veranda number with French doors. Hang out in the irresistible rooftop garden, taking in views of Rottnest Island, the port and sensational sunsets.

The original, stone-based 1887 Oddfellows Hotel was renamed in 1985 and substantially renovated before the 1987 America’s Cup races. Dive into the low-lit Aardvark basement bar and soak up Fremantle’s effervescent live music scene, slung cocktails and craft beers. Tuck into Freo’s best pub grub in the leafy al fresco beer garden. In 2013 it took Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto 24 hours to jackhammer a portrait sculpture of Australia’s first female senator, Dorothy Tangney, on the old pub’s wall – Instagram catnip.

Chillaxing in a B&B creates the ultimate holiday vibe. The pinnacle is staying in a converted 1862 flour mill that’s more like a Tuscan villa or provincial French manor. Hidden inside a historic fountained courtyard, this exquisite bed and breakfast has guests basking in their mini-suites and private balcony suites that look out over Fremantle’s harbour and ocean marina. You’ve got seclusion, privacy and everything at your fingertips. But don’t let that stop you from stepping outside, where you’ll find every worldly offering.

Be the king of the castle at this romantic, heritage-listed building. Bask in history as you lounge on one of the elegant wrought iron beds. Strut a few paces and you’ll be feasting your eyes on the bejewelled Indian Ocean. Head for a splash-around at Bathers Beach, or laze under shady Norfolk pines. Fremantle’s sailing club and Fishing Boat Harbour are mere seconds away, as are endless shops, bars and places to eat. Want to linger longer at the mansion? Ask about early checkins, late checkouts and extended stay specials.