Is Fremantle a separate city to Perth?

Perth and Fremantle are technically separate cities, but visitors can happily treat Fremantle as Perth’s port suburb.

For many visitors to Western Australia, there is some confusion over what exactly Fremantle is. It is often talked about as a separate city to Perth, which can lead to some wild misjudgements about how far away it is from Perth city centre.

How long is the train ride from Perth to Fremantle?

In truth, the distance from Perth to Fremantle is only 19km. It’s a half hour train ride or a 22 minute drive.

More to the point, anyone with an eye and a map can see that Fremantle is completely enveloped by Perth. It is very obviously a suburb of Perth, but calls itself the City of Fremantle. But why?

DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅

✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.

Local government areas in the Perth Metropolitan Region

The answer lies in local government areas. The Perth Metropolitan Region, is made up of 30 separate local government areas, most of which are called the City of something or Town of something.

The City of Perth is absolutely tiny, covering 14 square kilometres. It just so happens to cover the 14 square kilometres around what everyone sees as the city centre.

The City of Fremantle isn’t much bigger, at 19 square kilometres.

5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special

Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.

The towns and cities that make up Perth

Historically, Perth has been Western Australia’s centre of administration and government, while Fremantle has been the state’s main port. The gaps between and around, however, have filled with vast swathes of suburbia.

Some of the other local government areas, such as the City of Swan and City of Stirling, have been around since the 19^th century. Others, such as the City of Vincent and City of Joondalup are much more recent additions.

To the outsider, it may seem strange that there is no tier of government covering Greater Perth as a whole. But that’s just the way it is.

Things to book in Fremantle before you arrive

Your Rottnest Island ferry tickets and bike hire.
A best of Fremantle two hour walking tour.
Whale-watching cruise tickets.
A street art and beer tour.
A half day sailing cruise to Carnac Island.
A sunset sailing cruise.
A four venue Fremantle bar tour.

Fremantle: A suburb of Perth

For visitors, there’s no real need to pay attention to these local government boundaries. Treat Fremantle as a suburb of Perth. You don’t need to treat them as separate entities when planning a Western Australian holiday itinerary.

Attractions in Fremantle include the Fremantle Markets, Fremantle Ferris Wheel, the Roundhouse, Fremantle Prison and WA Shipwrecks Museum. The Rottnest Express ferries to Rottnest Island leave from B Shed.