The Swan River Colony: A Self-Guided Tour of Fremantle
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Dutch explorers once marvelled at black swans near the mouth of the Swan River, in the area that later became Fremantle. On self-guided audio tour, you’ll explore the historic port town that became Western Australia’s gateway to the world. You’ll also find out how Fremantle went from a struggling colonial outpost to a bustling gold rush hub.
This tour starts as soon as you exit the train at the Fremantle Railway Station, once the beginning of WA’s first urban train line. You’ll walk through the heart of the colony, following Market Street and the High Street mall with its stunning examples of Australian colonial architecture. You’ll hear tales of bushrangers who escaped the notorious Fremantle Prison, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that was built by the very convicts who would be imprisoned within its walls. The tour ends at Arthur Head, where Captain Charles Fremantle first planted the Union Jack in 1829.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Walk from the historic Fremantle Railway Station, once the beginning of Western Australia's first urban train line connecting the port to Perth. Discover how this transportation hub marked the start of Fremantle's transformation from isolated colonial outpost to thriving commercial center.
Pass the National Hotel, standing at the heart of the newly-formed Swan River Colony since the early days of settlement. Explore this historic gathering place where colonists, sailors, and gold prospectors once shared stories of fortune and hardship.
Options
The Swan River Colony: A Self-Guided Tour of Fremantle
What‘s Included
Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
App for Android and iOS
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
3 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not user friendly
Marlene J,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00I seemed to go round and around with the log in and never got to do the walk. The app is general including walks overseas. Could not locate the Fremantle walk.
Loved this relaxed stroll through Fremantle
jennyhD9284CA,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took this self-guided audio walking tour a few days ago and it turned out to be the perfect way to spend a sunny day in Freo. It kicks off right as you step out of the Fremantle Railway Station, which made it super easy, no hunting around for the starting point. The tour guides you at your own pace along Market Street, through the High Street mall, to all the town's highlights, including the buzzing weekend Fremantle Markets (I couldn't resist pausing for food and a bit of shopping). The narrator is fun, friendly and clear, with spot-on directions. I never felt lost, even when I detoured for photos. I loved popping into the WA Shipwrecks Museum, Fremantle Prison and The Round House for a quick look - and learning about the history of the Swan River Colony. I stretched the tour into a full half-day because I stopped to go inside many of the attractions... and again for a coffee. The Round House at the end is a nice finale too – such a cool old building, Fremantle's first.
Informative and Fun Walking Tour
K8776LUjohnh,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did this walking tour last weekend, and it totally changed how I see the place. It walks you through the town to all the best spots, and fills in some details as you walk. Loved the mix: funny bits, serious moments, history, and sightseeing, all tied together well. It was recommended for a weekend, and I'm glad I took the advice. The town was busy, the markets were open, and it had a nice vibe. It was also great to hear about the indigenous people who lived there first, and how colonization affected them.
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Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours