Editor Pick
Fremantle Markets
- November 6, 2007
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Red Mezz from Inverness, Scotland
Probably the thing that little city of Fremantle is best known for are its markets. They are certainly not the entire package, but the combination of the relaxed and holiday atmosphere of the place along with it's collection of perpetual street performers all collaborate to make a very interesting setting and an easy way to loose an entire weekend wandering around to see what the place has to offer.
The markets themselves are a historic part of this little community, and continue to bring it together today in a very important way. Having been a part of the area since 1897, there are over 150 stalls enclosed in a National Trust and Heritage Victorian building. Bringing together not only the locals of today - but the culture and history of the area and the influences from the various immigrants to the area - this is more than simply a market.
As a market - however - you could do a whole lot worse. As is the case with most great markets, arrive as early as you can. On most days the market is open from 10am - 5pm and from 9am - 9pm on Saturdays.
The stalls range in everything from hand made products and local wares to fresh fruit and vegetables and imports from areas just beyond the borders. It will be hard to find a better place to get that interesting and different souvenir from Western Australia that you have been looking for.
It does get packed pretty quickly - but even so the stalls are so numerous and the area so vast that there is plenty to see and do for all. Also, being in a covered area - the temperature of the place is very pleasant.
The list of stalls and what they offer is truly astounding - and I wouldn't recommend you really try to tackle it with out at least having a full day in which to do so. If a quick wander is all your after - then you might manage to escape with in a few hours. But to truly appreciate the place indulge in a full day of scavenging through the array of stalls and all the interesting things they offer. Hand carved local woods are an especially nice thing which is abundance here. A somewhat oddly placed, yet still wonderful stall took me by surprise as I wandered into a covered room filled with very beautifully made medieval dresses and costumes. Body Airbrushing, records, local jewelry are all part of the wonders of the Freo markets.
Also, I recommend you try what is a popular 'market' treat of corn on a stick. They enjoy this treat the way Americans might have corn dogs or cottoncandy while spending a day at the market. You will quickly begin to see lots of folk wandering around with delicious looking ears of corn, and the smell of the vendors that sell them will certainly draw you in. Give it a try - it's delightful.
From journal Fremantle - Western Australia's Coolest Town...