Fremantle blooms as summer approaches

The West Australian port city of Fremantle is coming alive as summer approaches. 

First, Rottnest Fast Ferries has launched a whale-watching experience from Fremantle: Whale Watching Perth, a selection of new whale-watching experiences. 

The two-hour cruises set off from Sardine Jetty at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour. 

The new tours feature live commentary and education by marine scientists from The Aquarium of Western Australia on a state-of-the-art Voyager vessel fitted with air-conditioning, expansive viewing platforms, hydrophones and licensed bar facilities. 

The Whale Watching Perth experience offers visitors prime viewing of the annual southern migration of Humpback, Southern Right and rare Pygmy Blue whales. Tours operate until December. For more information about the tour visit the website.

Also new in Fremantle is Varsity Burgers is the first venue to open its doors at the new FOMO precinct, the heart of the Kings Square redevelopment. 

The 600-person capacity sports bar and restaurant shines a light on local skate culture, with the space featuring murals, a mini skate ramp, and painted skate decks by a range of artists. 

The burger chain also spotlights local brews, with over 40 locally supplied beers on tap. Additional vegan and gluten-free menu items are available, alongside the traditional Varsity favourites.

The Fremantle Biennale, meanwhile, is a unique and contemporary visual arts event featuring installations across the city. 

A celebration of Fremantle's rich cultural heritage and history, the third edition of the event -  CROSSING 21 - will run for three weeks from November 2-21. 

The program will feature contemporary works by both established and emerging local artists. The headline event Moombaki (where the river meets the sky) is a unique Noongar storytelling project with a choreographed drone light show, consisting of a fleet of 150 drones equipped with LED lights programmed to reveal and highlight the Swan River as a living and significant place deeply connected to the Whadjuk Noongar people. 

Presented as a series of connected stories or chapters, these brief shows will take place at three different sites along the Swan River. The full program of events is available to view online.