Fremantle

WA 6160 • Greater Perth

9,251
Population (2021)
$94,744
Median Household Income
5.53 km²
Area
$380/wk
Median Rent
HistoricBohemianPort CityArts & CultureHeritage

About Fremantle

Fremantle is a historic port city located 19 kilometres southwest of Perth CBD at the mouth of the Swan River. Known affectionately as 'Freo', this vibrant city has a population of around 9,250 and serves as Perth's main harbour. The area holds deep significance for the Whadjuk Noongar people (Walyalup) and features convict-era architecture including the World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison, built by convicts transported from 1850.

Life in Fremantle centres on its bohemian arts scene, thriving café culture, and famous weekend markets. The city boasts beautifully preserved Victorian and Edwardian streetscapes, the WA Maritime Museum, and a lively pub and restaurant precinct. Post-war Italian immigration shaped its character, and hosting the 1987 America's Cup accelerated gentrification. Fremantle attracts creative professionals, students, and those seeking an alternative urban lifestyle with heritage charm and coastal access.

Fremantle falls under postcode 6160 and is governed by Fremantle Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Fremantle electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Western Australia Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

Postcode
6160
Urban Area
Fremantle
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-32.05°, 115.76°
Statistical Area
Greater Perth
Area
5.53 km²
Elevation
38m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$380
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,167
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
41 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
8%

272 state housing + 53 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Fremantle Station
0.3 km
4 min
North Fremantle Station
2 km
25 min

Bus Services

  • CAT (Free) — Fremantle Town Centre loop Circuit route
  • 103, 106, 107 — Perth City via various routes 40-55 min
  • 998, 999 — Cottesloe / Mosman Park 10-15 min

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
19 km
By Train
28-30 min from Fremantle Station
By Bus
45-55 min (various routes)
By Car (Peak)
30-45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-25 min

🛣️ Fremantle Station is terminus of Fremantle Line with very frequent services. Free CAT bus serves town centre. Ferry to Rottnest Island departs from harbour.

Walkability Very Walkable

Highly walkable town centre with heritage streetscapes, markets, cafes, and train station all within easy walking distance. Free CAT bus supplements walking.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
8,211
Census 2021
9,251
12.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$42,484
Personal Income 2021
$53,092
25.0% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$53,092 / yr
$1021/wk
Household
$94,744 / yr
$1822/wk
Family
$141,076 / yr
$2713/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

⚖️ Compare Fremantle With

🏘️Cottesloe
View comparison →
🏘️Subiaco
View comparison →
🏘️Scarborough
View comparison →

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 5,720
Born Overseas 2,803

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 814
  • 2. New Zealand 204
  • 3. Italy 176
  • 4. United States 123
  • 5. Ireland 114
  • 6. Scotland 111
  • 7. France 94
  • 8. Germany 87
  • 9. South Africa 75
  • 10. Canada 63

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 3,895
Australian 2,442
Irish 1,385
Scottish 1,151
Italian 772
German 418
Dutch 188
Croatian 167
Welsh 161
French 157

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,561
Both parents born in Australia
3,345
Both parents born overseas
1,571
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
57.2%
Christianity
29.8%
Buddhism
1.4%
Islam
0.6%
Judaism
0.5%
Hinduism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
349 (3.8%)
5-14 years
637 (6.9%)
15-19 years
367 (4.0%)
20-24 years
633 (6.8%)
25-34 years
1,690 (18.3%)
35-44 years
1,293 (14.0%)
45-54 years
1,293 (14.0%)
55-64 years
1,278 (13.8%)
65-74 years
1,040 (11.2%)
75-84 years
499 (5.4%)
85+ years
166 (1.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fremantle known for? +

Fremantle is famous for the Victorian-era Fremantle Markets, the cappuccino strip on South Terrace, the Fremantle Prison World Heritage Site, Fishing Boat Harbour, the Round House (WA's oldest building), and a vibrant arts and music scene. It has a unique bohemian character unlike anywhere else in Perth.

How far is Fremantle from Perth CBD? +

Fremantle is approximately 20 kilometres south-west of Perth CBD. From Fremantle station, the journey to Perth takes approximately 30-35 minutes on the Fremantle Line.

Does Fremantle have public transport? +

Fremantle is the terminus of the Fremantle Line from Perth, with very frequent train services to Perth CBD. A free CAT bus also serves the town centre, and bus routes connect surrounding suburbs.

What is the population of Fremantle? +

According to the 2021 Census, Fremantle (central suburb) has a population of approximately 9,251 residents, with the broader Fremantle area much larger.

Is Fremantle a good place to live? +

Fremantle is one of Australia's most distinctive urban communities, offering heritage architecture, the arts, markets, dining, the Indian Ocean, and direct Fremantle Line rail to Perth. It consistently attracts creative professionals, artists, and those who value a uniquely characterful lifestyle.

What is the postcode for Fremantle? +

The postcode for Fremantle is 6160.

What is the average income in Fremantle? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Fremantle is about $1,021 per week (around $53,100 per year). The median household income is $1,822 per week and the median family income is $2,713 per week.

What is the age profile of Fremantle? +

The median age in Fremantle is 41. The largest age group is 25–34 (1,690 residents, around 18%). Around 15% of residents are under 20 and about 18% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Fremantle? +

In Fremantle, the median weekly rent is $380, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,167 (2021 Census).