Interstate and international visitors returning to Freo

Tourists are finding their way back to Freo, with the number of international visitors to the Fremantle Visitor Centre more than tripling in a month.

Following the reopening of WA’s borders on 3 March, the number of interstate tourists calling in to the new Fremantle Visitor Centre at Walyalup Koort went from just 20 in February to 249 in March and 517 in April.

International patrons at the Visitor Centre rose from just four in February, to 139 in March and 483 in April.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said while there was still a way to go to get back to pre-pandemic levels, the increase in interstate and international tourists during April was very encouraging.

“We know that pre-COVID our unique mix of amazing heritage, beautiful beaches, friendly hospitality and our laid-back vibe put Freo on the top of the list of places to go for interstate and international visitors to WA,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

“It’s great to see that the Fremantle Visitor Centre welcomed more than double the number of interstate visitors in April compared to March, and more than triple the number of international visitors.

“We expect these numbers to continue to grow as word spreads that WA is back open for business and more people get comfortable with the idea of travelling again, especially when cruise ships return to Fremantle in October.

“Freo is really buzzing at the moment, with so many new things to see and do. The return of interstate and international tourists will take that to another level and provide a further boost for local businesses.”

The City of Fremantle’s new Visitor Centre in the heart of Fremantle at Walyalup Koort opened earlier this year.

It’s open seven days a week, with friendly and experienced staff on hand to assist with free brochures and maps, general tourism information and advice, accessibility information and guides to events and what’s on in Fremantle.

The Visitor Centre also offers free Wi-Fi and bike hire, and provides information for corporate and conference enquiries.

The City of Fremantle also has a small army of volunteer tourism ambassadors to provide a friendly face and general knowledge to ensure visitors experience the best Fremantle has to offer.

Our Fremantle Ambassadors are either based at the Visitor Centre, roving the streets at key tourist sites or welcoming cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal.

When cruise ships return in October the City will also offer a free shuttle service to ferry passengers from Victoria Quay to Walyalup Koort.

The City of Fremantle recently launched a new marketing campaign designed to draw tourists back to Fremantle now the borders have reopened and international and interstate visitors are arriving in Western Australia to visit family and friends.

The new campaign, by Fremantle-based creative agency &Partners and media agency Match & Wood, builds on the This Is Fremantle brand by showcasing the diversity of the city and highlighting the many new attractions that have opened over the past few years.

For more information about everything there is to see and do in Fremantle go to visitfremantle.com.au.