Celebrating Freo's colourful past

The colourful history of Fremantle will come to life over 10 days at this year’s Fremantle Heritage Festival.

Now in its 25th year, the festival marks an important milestone as it celebrates the 30th anniversary of Australia’s America’s Cup defence.

"Fremantle underwent a major transformation in the lead-up to the cup in anticipation of the world’s media attention and influx of spectators," said City of Fremantle mayor Brad Pettitt.

"The regatta remains one of the most iconic events in Australian sporting history and the Fremantle Heritage Festival is the perfect way to celebrate an event that put our city on the world map."

A night of tall tales, dinner and dancing will pay homage to the legendary race, with an anniversary dinner from the National Hotel and the WA Maritime Museum. 

Celebrating another milestone, Fremantle’s West End was last year included in the State Register of Heritage Places. It will be a focal point for the festival, with a chance to tour of some of the beautifully restored buildings.

More history is on offer at the Whalers’ Tunnel below the Roundhouse, with a performance of barrel-thumping traditional sea shanties and songs of quiet longing (pictured at top).

For the thirsty, Fremantle’s iconic Little Creatures Brewery has historical tours finishing with a tasting.

The brewery tour is just one of a long list of events highlighting quintessential Freo spots including the National Hotel, Fremantle Prison, Notre Dame University and Fremantle Cemetery.

The festival runs from May 26 to June 5. 

Fact File

• The full program is at fremantlestory.com.au/heritagefestival.