Fremantle in Western Australia has been named a “must see” destination for 2016 by one of the world's most respected international travel publishers, Lonely Planet.

Tourism Minister Kim Hames welcomed the port city's selection on Lonely Planet's Top 10 Cities list for 2016 and said the honour was timely as the city was undergoing its biggest transformation since the America's Cup defence in 1987.

“With more than $1.3 billion of private and public investment in the development pipeline, Fremantle is in the midst of a period of great revitalisation,” Dr Hames said.

“New hotels, bars and restaurants have opened across the city further adding to its appeal to visitors and locals. When you consider all the city has to offer, it's no wonder the experts at Lonely Planet think Fremantle should be on everyone's travel list for 2016.”

Established in 1829 as a port for the fledgling Swan River Colony, Fremantle has a fascinating maritime and convict history. Boasting the best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape in the world -  over 150 buildings in the port city are classified by the National Trust, including The Round House, and the World-Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison.

Where to stay

In keeping with its historic character, the latest hotel openings in Fremantle have drawn on its rich past. The newly opened Fremantle Prison YHA allows guests the rare opportunity to sleep in World Heritage-listed building. This one-of-a-kind hostel was originally the women's division of the Fremantle Prison built by convicts themselves in 1850s. (Prices from $29 pp pn in a shared room yha.com.au) Close by, the Hougoumont Hotel cleverly combines shipping containers with the colonial frontage of a 19th Century Hotel to provide affordable luxury that is as quirky as it is stylish. Rooms start from $199. hougoumonthotel.com  

Coming soon…..

Opening early 2016, Seashells Fremantle will offer 24 luxury self-contained apartments with a rooftop cocktail bar and tapas restaurant with views over Fremantle's brightly coloured heritage streets. Located in East Fremantle, the hotel is part of the new Richmond Quarter development which will also include shops and an outdoor cinema. seashells.com.au

What to do

• Soak up Fremantle's salty history with a new walking tour, 'The Sailors Guide to Fremantle', which combines tales of the city's convicts, pioneers, and '£10 Poms' with stops in local pubs. $50 pp. twofeet.com.au
• Get a taste for the area on a new food tour which starts from 7th November 2015. Over 3 hours you'll be guided through some of the city's hidden gems, local culinary institutions and new dining hot spots as you soak in the seaside surroundings, learn about its history as the first settlement in Western Australia and experience the impact of the Italian immigrant community. $39 pp foodloosetours.com.au
• Take a 30 minute ferry from Fremantle to Rottnest Island – a car-free paradise with 62 white sand beaches which you can see on a new bike tour.  The tour explores the island's history and unique nature, including the cute quokkas, a mini marsupial endemic to Western Australia, with a local guide over a morning. $144 pp including ferry rottnestexpress.com.au
• Spot dolphins, humpback whales (September to November) and sea lions on a luxury catamaran trip to Carnac Island, a nature reserve a short sail from Fremantle. Explore the clear, calm, shallow waters by kayak, stand up paddle boards or with a snorkel and flippers. Prices from $79 pp charter1.com.au
• One of the windiest cities in the world, it's no surprise that Fremantle hosts the kite surfing event of the year. On 5th December amateur and professional kiters alike compete against one another in the Redbull Lighthouse to Leighton - racing from Rottnest Island to Leighton Beach in Fremantle for prize money and pride. Last year's winner 18-year old Brit, Olly Bridge from Devon, will be returning to defend his title. Olly is currently the three-time European Champion.

Where to eat and drink

• Sample boutique beer in the birthplace of Australian craft beer. Back in 1984, the Matilda Bay Brewing Company launched as Australia's first craft brewery in the Sail & Anchor pub in Fremantle, but it was Little Creatures' American-style Pale Ale brewed in a former crocodile farm which has cemented Freo's reputation for great craft beers. Don't miss the Monk, a brewpub with a focus on preservative-free beers and beer and food matching. themonk.com.au . Watch this video guide of the ultimate Freo craft crawl led by local Brendan Varis, head brewer and owner of Feral Brewing Co in Perth (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tryW7TFnJAY&list=PL7642E165ADFCC4BB&index=8)
• The redeveloped Fishing Boat Harbour is still the best place to sample fresh local seafood. Try new addition the Bathers Beach House for warm pickled Fremantle octopus with water melon and feta or the crispy skinned barramundi just a few steps from the sand. bathersbeachhouse.com.au
• Recently opened overlooking Leighton Beach is the Shipping Lane, the perfect place for a post-swim breakfast, which are served from 8am till 3pm while the raw kitchen serves up sushi and sashimi in the evenings. theshippinglane.com.au
• Head to The Mantle in Fremantle's east end – a new buzzy design space in a beautiful restored warehouse, where a speakeasy bar, sits next to restaurants and workspaces used by artists and designers. The venue is open Wednesday to Friday, 5:30pm to 11pm; and Saturday to Sunday, 10:30am to 11pm. themantle.com.au

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.

Lonely Planet's 'Top 10 Cities' list is part of its annual Best in Travel 2016 publication which identifies the best trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the upcoming year.

Notes to editors

For more information, images or to discuss feature ideas contact Elen Thomas, UK PR Manager, Tourism Western Australia on ethomas@twa.australia.com or 0207 438 4606