The Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour

Where else can you view the tortured skeletal remains of shipwrecked mutiny victims, and then retire to a tasty meal of fish and chips? At the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour of course.

Partially restored stern section of the Batavia.

Partially restored Batavia
Stern Section.

The Fish and Chip Boardwalk: Fortunately the human skeletons are restricted to the Shipwreck Museum. However should one drift by during your lunch, please report it to the appropriate authorities.

The Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour was established in 1919, when a breakwater was constructed to provide a safe anchorage for the local fishing vessels. It is still a very busy working port, and is now the home to many fine "Fish and Chip" purveyors. There is always something happening on the wharf. Indulge in one of the many seafood restaurants overlooking the water, or stroll around the fish markets looking at frozen crustaceans. Watch people moor big boats, and then order seafood dishes more expensive than your house. Perhaps you might just relax on Bathers Beach, and soak up some rays.

A statue honouring the guys who bring home the "Fish and Chips".

Bathers Beach

Swimming is still possible at this beach, though being located near a busy port, expect the odd piece of ship (flotsam) to float by. You won't be the first person to have waded through these historic waters. The first settlers struggled ashore in 1829. During the mid 1800's whale carcasses were dragged across the beach for processing. Don't feel like swimming? Take a short walk up the beach, and visit the old Round House. This strange structure was the first gaol in the colony, and is the oldest building in Western Australia. The big building that looks like an upturned boat is the Western Australian Maritime Museum. Don't confuse it with the Shipwreck Galleries located behind the beach. Having such a rich maritime history, we have a museum devoted entirely to the ships that sunk. Most of them were Dutch trading vessels from the Dutch East India Company.

The Shipwreck Galleries.
The Shipwreck Galleries - Located in the old Commissariat Building.

A visit to the Shipwreck Galleries in Fremantle will leave you with an uneasy sinking feeling. Be sure to check out the Dutch ship Batavia, which sunk during 1629. It has been partially reconstructed from recovered timbers, and looks mysterious in the semi darkness of the gallery. The story of the Batavia is a gruesome tale of shipwreck and mutiny. After being shipwrecked on a small treeless island group, the Commander sailed north in a tiny boat to Batavia (Jakarta) for help. Meanwhile, a few nasty types, brutally murdered 125 of the 250 remaining shipwreck survivors. Horrible stuff. The skeletal remains of one of the victims is now on display, to specifically scare young school children.

Batavia Gallery showing the Batavia and a Stone Portico.

The Batavia Gallery.

WARNING! The Shipwreck Galleries have several working exhibits, so please treat them with respect. This unfortunate visitor taunted a restored naval canon, and spent the remainder of her day spread evenly over the other exhibits. The pictured cannon was recovered from the Dutch ship Zuytdorp. Regretfully, the visitor was never recovered.

Visit the Dutch Shipwrecks Page to get the low down, on the Dutch Ships that went down.

Discover a maritime mystery. Read all about the Deadwater Wreck.

Looking down the barrel.

KABOOM!

After a busy morning exploring the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, why not chill out on the grass in Esplanade Park. The park has many tall Norfolk Pine trees, originally planted to provide masts for damaged sailing ships. Today the trees are used to shade people sleeping off a big meal of fish and chips.

LOCATION: The Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is located on the waterfront at Fremantle. Just follow the seagulls. However, should you offer them a chip, they will follow you..... everywhere.

Commercial and recreational boats in the harbour.