The Best Small Town In Australia For A 3-Day Weekend
Australia is one of those destinations you have to visit at least once in a lifetime, even if it’s just for a weekend. With an area that ranks as the sixth-largest in the world, this country is massive and diverse beyond words, featuring everything from expansive coastlines and forests crawling with cute and dangerous creatures to bustling city centers brimming with commerce and entertainment. A vacation to this country in the Southern Hemisphere, where summer begins in December, is sure to be the experience of a lifetime. But while the list of must-visit places in Australia is inexhaustible, one town stands as a worthy destination worth flying or driving thousands of miles to explore.
Fremantle is something out of a coastal fairy tale, squeezed between being one of Australia’s largest ports and a vibrant tourist town with UNESCO-listed attractions and beaches that feel like little slices of paradise. It is easy to get enchanted by this small Australian town, and never want to leave like Odysseus in Ogygia, especially due to the area’s abundant business and job opportunities. Learn more about this small town and why it is the best place for a three-day weekend in Australia.
Fremantle, Australia’s Best Town For A Weekend Vacation
Located in Western Australia, just a few minutes from Perth, Fremantle is in a coastal world of its own. The town sits right on the Indian Ocean where it meets the Swan River, and has been the maritime gateway to Western Australia at least since the 1890s, a few decades after it was first established as a settlement in 1829. Throughout its history, the town served as Australia’s primary destination for convicts starting from 1850, and became a trade hub and gateway for gold seekers to Western Australia during the 1890s gold rushes. By 1901, Fremantle became the major port in the region, after which it exploded into a major shipbuilding center and served as home to the largest Allied submarine base in the Southern Hemisphere during the Second World War.
Today, Fremantle remains a trade center with the largest and busiest cargo port in Western Australia. But beyond that, this charming town, with a bustling harbour, now sits among the most beloved travel destinations in all of Australia. On September 3, 2025, Fremantle was awarded the gold prize by the Australian Tourism Industry Council as Australia’s top tourism town for 2025. More than an award, it is an endorsement, further reinforcing Fremantle as the best town for a three-day weekend in Australia.
What To Know On A Three-Day Weekend in Australia’s Famous Town
Staying at a great hotel is the first step to an unforgettable vacation, including a three-day weekend in Fremantle. Thankfully, this coastal paradise boasts a long list of excellent hotels, one of which is the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges. This hotel is highly rated in the area and is a worthy place to spend the weekend. Located on Marine Terrace, a road on the waterfront, this hotel promises a pleasant stay, with its impressive architecture, swimming pool, multiple restaurants and bars, and 300 rooms with modern amenities and balconies. Beyond all of that, this hotel’s true appeal is its location at the heart of Fremantle, minutes from attractions that promise to make the three-day weekend an absolute blast.
For starters, the hotel is opposite Esplanade Park, an exciting place where one can spend quality time picnicking under mature pine trees and watching kids play. Just adjacent to this park sits the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, where travelers can stroll with the views or sample delicious seafood at one of the several local restaurants in the area. The Char Char Restaurant & Bar, in particular, is a wonderful spot on the harbour featuring stunning views, sumptuous seafood, steaks, local wine, and some unique dishes that can only be found in Australia, like Kangaroo.
In the meantime, Bathers Beach forms part of the harbour and is worth visiting when in the area, for a fun beach experience. Additionally, this beach hosts the Bathers Beach House, another great spot to enjoy delicious seafood and drinks, or catch a waterfront event, as it is also a venue for weddings and parties.
Fremont Is A History Lover’s Paradise
Outside the harbour, Fremantle boasts an overwhelming list of things to see and do, but it is always worthwhile to explore some of its historic attractions, starting from the Fremantle Prison. A true icon in Australia’s largest state, this prison is soaked in history, being the primary site of incarceration in the region for over 130 years until its decommissioning in 1991. First built by convicts in the 1850s, this prison became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, less than two decades after its closure. Today, it remains intact and invites visitors to learn more about prison life, escape attempts, and tour its interior, including spooky parts, like tunnels, and the gallows where the worst criminals were executed.
After the prison, weekend vacationers here are strongly urged to check out the WA Maritime Museum for a more wholesome look at the town’s history. This museum is dedicated to preserving and educating the public about the maritime heritage of Western Australia. Located on Victoria Quay, this museum’s exhibits cover the region’s fishing, trade, naval defense, and sports history. Notably, it is home to the Australia II, a racing yacht that won the 1983 America’s Cup. And just a short walk from this museum, the Gage Roads Freo Brewery is always open to offer great craft beer and local food.
Rottnest Island
For nature and outdoor lovers, taking a ferry to Rottnest Island is one of the best things to do on a three-day weekend in Fremantle. Located around 18 km off the coast of Fremantle, this island is like a slice of paradise, featuring beautiful beaches, lots of birds, rich marine and plant life, and an interesting military and Aboriginal history. Travelers can explore the 19-square-kilometer island by biking, hiking, or taking buses. Meanwhile, Rottnest Island’s beaches are too exciting to miss, especially The Basin, a picturesque shoreline with soft sand and crystal clear water. In addition to being a magnificent place to swim, it is an excellent place to snorkel and discover the island’s underwater treasures, including an abundance of fish and colorful coral.
While a great deal of Rottnest Island can be seen in a few hours or a day, the island boasts a few accommodations for those seeking a longer and more relaxing experience. Samphire Rottnest is one of the top options, located right on the beachfront and featuring large pools, poolside cabanas, a bar, and spacious rooms with bay views.
A Worthy Place For A Weekend in Australia and More
With world-class hotels, famous historic attractions, a bustling harbor, and picturesque beaches, Fremantle cements its reputation as Australia’s best town for a three-day weekend. It promises to be a blast for weekend travelers to this town, including those who love shopping, as the Fremantle Markets have been one of Australia’s best shopping destinations since 1897, with over 150 shops. Open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, this market complex has something to delight everyone, from seekers of artisan goods and clothing to food lovers looking to try different flavors. More than a worthy place to spend a three-day weekend in Australia, Fremantle is a great place to live, work, and retire, with Perth, the country’s fourth-most-populous city and capital of Western Australia, located less than 30 minutes away.
