Sealink WA Fremantle Explorer: 11:15am - 5pm

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Cruise down the Swan River from Perth to Fremantle in the morning, spend about three hours in the port city on your own, and cruise back to Perth in the late afternoon, with the captain's commentary both ways.

Days

5 hours 45 minutes

Age

All ages

Group size

Shared public cruise

Start / finish

Perth / Fremantle / Perth
Barrack Street Jetty, Perth, about 5pm

Return

Barrack Street Jetty, Perth, about 5pm

Transport

River cruise boat

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Sealink WA Fremantle Explorer: 11:15am - 5pm

View map

Included experiences

Swan River — captain's commentary from Perth to Fremantle
Fremantle — about three hours free in the port city
Fishing Boat Harbour — fish and chips by the boats
Cappuccino Strip — cafes on South Terrace
Fremantle Prison and the Roundhouse — the city's convict history

Sealink WA Fremantle Explorer: 11:15am - 5pm

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

LATE MORNING: PERTH TO FREMANTLE BY RIVER

You board at Barrack Street Jetty beside the Bell Tower, whose twelve bells came from London's St Martin-in-the-Fields in 1988, and cast off at 11:15am. The captain's commentary picks out the sights as the city falls behind: the restored Swan Brewery under the cliffs of Kings Park, 400 hectares of bush and one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, then the blue Crawley Edge Boatshed and the Royal Perth Yacht Club, whose syndicate won the America's Cup in 1983. The bar is open if you'd like a drink with the view.

DOWN THE SWAN RIVER

The Swan River owes its English name to the black swans the Dutch captain Willem de Vlamingh saw in 1697; to the Noongar people it is Derbarl Yerrigan. Downstream it opens into a wide lake, where the sandbar of Point Walter reaches almost a kilometre into the water, then squeezes between the limestone cliffs of Blackwall Reach, where locals jump into the river on summer days. Past the riverside mansions of Peppermint Grove you reach the inner harbour and tie up at Victoria Quay in Fremantle at about 12:30pm.

AFTERNOON: FREE TIME IN FREMANTLE

You have just over three hours in Fremantle, founded in 1829 as the port of the Swan River Colony. Walk up to the Cappuccino Strip on South Terrace for lunch, or take fish and chips down to the Fishing Boat Harbour. The Roundhouse, finished in 1831, is the oldest public building in Western Australia, and the convict-built Fremantle Prison is World Heritage-listed. The Fremantle Markets trade in a Victorian hall built in 1897. The free CAT buses loop the main sights if your feet need a rest.

LATE AFTERNOON: BACK UP THE RIVER TO PERTH

Be back at Victoria Quay for the 3:45pm sailing. The trip upstream takes about an hour and a quarter, with the late sun on the water and the city towers growing ahead of you, and afternoon tea can be added for this leg when you book. You're back at Barrack Street Jetty at about 5pm, a short walk from Elizabeth Quay station.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pier 3, Barrack Street Jetty, Perth, near Elizabeth Quay. Elizabeth Quay train station is about 400 metres away and the free Blue CAT bus stops at the jetty.
Departure time: 11:15am from Perth. The return leaves Victoria Quay, Fremantle at 3:45pm.
Finishes: Barrack Street Jetty, Perth, at about 5pm.
Please note: From November to March it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; from April to October on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Seating is unreserved and first come, first served, so you may share a table with other passengers.
Suits: All ages, and anyone who wants a day in Fremantle without driving. Boarding is by ramp, with a small lip to step over into the main cabin, and the toilets are down a short, steep stair. Standard wheelchairs can often be taken but space is limited, so mention any mobility needs when you book.

What is included

Return Swan River cruise between Perth and Fremantle
Captain's commentary
Free time in Fremantle
Bar on board (drinks at your cost)

Not included

Lunch and spending in Fremantle
Drinks from the bar
Afternoon tea or cheese plate (optional extras)
Entry to Fremantle Prison and museums

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.