Cruises to Perth (Fremantle)

Ships dock at the Port of Fremantle, which is only a short walk over a railway line to the compact downtown area and historic district.

The Port of Fremantle is a working port, but the western end, Victoria Quay, has recently been upgraded. The historic B Shed has a ferry terminal, a licensed bar area, outdoor cafe and complimentary Wi-Fi when cruise ships dock. The work that has been done at The Fremantle Passenger Terminal celebrates the Heritage significance of the landmark building, while improving security and visitor amenity.

There is a tourist information centre at the terminal and an impressive Maritime Museum. The two-level Fremantle Passenger Terminal is still the largest cruise terminal in Australia and the only passenger terminal in the country with two-berth capacity.

Fremantle's town centre is so close it is easy to go wandering around there.

Fremantle is great to explore during the day but the bar and music scene really comes alive at night.

On Foot: Fremantle is walkable and very close.

By Bicycle: You can hire a bike from the Fremantle Visitor Centre (8 William St, Fremantle; 08 9431 7878; open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm; Saturday 9 am to 4 pm, Sunday 10 am to 4 pm). There is a refundable deposit, and the bikes can be used throughout the Fremantle area. Electric bikes are available but arrive early to avoid disappointment. Free bike hire is available 9.30 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 3 pm on Saturdays and 10.30 am to 3 pm on Sunday and public holidays.

By Bus: Free Central Area Transit (CAT) shuttle buses pick up and drop off right at the front of the terminal every 10 to 15 minutes until around 6 pm each day. It's a hop-on, hop-off service that covers all the main attractions. The Red CAT covers the area north of Fremantle Station, and the Blue CAT includes major attractions south of Fremantle Station. Most of the major attractions are on the south side.

By Train: The easiest and quickest way to travel between Fremantle and Perth is by train. They depart from Fremantle station every 15 minutes or so, and it's roughly a 30-minute journey. There is a free shuttle bus between Fremantle Train Station and the Fremantle Passenger Terminal on a continuous circuit arriving about every 20 minutes. It operates from an hour after the ship berths to 4 pm. Walking to the train station takes about 20 minutes. You can cross the railway line at an overhead pedestrian bridge with ramps, or through the terminal car park.

By Taxi: There are usually taxis waiting outside the terminal. If you need to phone a taxi, try Swan Taxis (131 330), Black & White Cabs (133 222); or Maxi Taxi Perth (0406 553 313).

By Car: Most of the major car hire companies have offices in Fremantle. They include Budget (08 9335 8722, Thrifty (08 9239 1556), Avis (08 9239 9044), and Europcar (08 9336 4411). A car rental is a good option if you have enough time and fancy taking a drive south to Rockingham, Mandurah, Bunbury or Margaret River.

The local currency is the Australian dollar, and ATMs are easily found in Fremantle and Perth, most of which will take international cards. At the Port of Fremantle, where ships dock, there's a general ATM located at the B Shed Ferry Terminal.

English with an Australian accent and colourful local slang.