Perth's 'hipster' city of Fremantle has been catapulted into the spotlight, following the release of Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2016 edition.

Described as “a raffish harbour town with sea-salty soul to burn,” Fremantle was included in the international travel publisher's list of 'Top 10 Cities for 2016' – the only Australian city to be chosen.

Fremantle (or 'Freo', as the locals like to call it) is the port for Western Australia's capital city Perth, located 20 kilometres further upriver or an easy 30 minute drive. In Freo you'll find a city famed for its music and arts scene, cafes and bars, boutique breweries, historic streetscapes and eclectic locals.

The Lonely Planet announcement comes in time for Fremantle's biggest transformation since hosting the America's Cup defence in 1987.

More than $1.3 billion worth of development is in the pipeline, including a number of hotel developments, new restaurants, small bars and retail spaces, which will take the city to new heights in its appeal as a global tourism destination.

Australian Olympic gold medallist and co-owner of Fremantle dining venues, Bib & Tucker and May St Larder, Eamon Sullivan says Lonely Planet's recognition of Fremantle is well-earned.

“It's easy to see why so many people love visiting Fremantle – it's home to world class beaches, heritage architecture and a flourishing food scene attracting thousands of visitors each year,” Mr Sullivan said.

The city's lively culture has bred or is home to a number of well-known artists who have gone on to achieve international superstardom – Bon Scott, Tame Impala, Tim Winton, John Butler and Ben Elton to name a few.

The vibrant city of Fremantle blends the old with the new, creating an enriching cultural experience. Maritime, convict and colonial history can be explored in one of the best preserved examples of a 19th century port streetscape on earth, while buzzing markets, lively bars and casual street cafes give you a taste of 21st century life with the locals.

Infrastructure and development

The City of Fremantle recently released an ambitious new vision for Fremantle in the lead up to its bicentennial in 2029. Reconnecting Victoria Quay to the Fremantle CBD, the expansion of Fishing Boat Harbour and the redevelopment of Kings Square in the heart of the city, are highlights of the vision.

The City's announcement follows private and public investment of nearly $1 billion for the development of new residential, commercial and cultural spaces, including the $220 million Kings Square project.

Similar to Perth city - the change in liquor licensing laws and the strong Western Australian economy has meant that Fremantle has already welcomed new small bars and dining options.

On the hotel front - The Hougoumont and Be. Serviced Apartments – offer visitors fresh new boutique accommodation. DoubleTree by Hilton will open a new 150 room hotel overlooking Princess May Park in Fremantle in 2017.

Fremantle's retail offering has also expanded, with many established and upcoming retailers opening spaces in the port city.

How to get there

Catch a train on the Fremantle line from Perth Station; or take a 25-minute (approximately) drive from Perth CBD. If you're seeking a more leisurely experience, follow the Swan River downstream on a ferry from Barrack Street Jetty. Once in Fremantle, the city is serviced by a convenient and free shuttle-service known as the Central Area Transit (CAT).

Visit one of the city's many new restaurants, cafes or bars, including:

o Strange Company - strangecompany.com.au
o The Local Hotel – thelocalhotel.com.au
o The Odd Fellow – theoddfellow.com.au 
o The Ball and Chain - theballandchain.com.au
o Whisper Wine Bar - whisperwinebar.com.au
o May St Larder - maystreetlarder.com.au
o Bathers Beach House - bathersbeachhouse.com.au
o The Mantle - themantle.com.au
o The Raw Kitchen - therawkitchen.com.au 

Media enquiries:
Jayde Little
Tourism WA Destination and Events PR Executive
jayde.little@westernaustralia.com
08 9292 1769

Emily Andrews
Tourism WA Destination and Events PR Officer
emily.andrews@westernaustralia.com
08 9262 1811