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Fremantle is one of Perth’s most popular day-trip destinations for Curtin students. Between the markets, vintage stores, food spots and waterfront views, it’s easy to spend an entire day there.
The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it.
In a recent episode of I’m at Curtin, Now What?, Musa and Kristel spent the day exploring Fremantle and picked up a few budget-friendly tips along the way.
Start at Fremantle Markets
One of the best things about Fremantle Markets is that you don’t need to buy anything to enjoy it.
You can spend hours browsing local stalls, watching performers, discovering unique products and soaking up the atmosphere. As Musa put it:
“There’s basically everything for anyone.”
The markets are also a great place to grab smaller snacks instead of committing to a full meal straight away. Musa and Kristel stopped for coffee, sampled produce and picked up a Filipino ensaymada before continuing their adventure.
Buy fresh produce instead of expensive snacks
If you’re planning to spend the whole day in Fremantle, consider grabbing some fresh fruit from the markets.
After spotting the fruit stalls, Kristel decided to pick up some pineapple, calling it a “healthier start to the day” before heading off to explore the rest of Freo.
Not only is it often cheaper than buying snacks throughout the day, but it can help keep you full while you’re wandering around.
Try your luck with thrifting
Vintage shopping and thrift markets can be a great way to refresh your wardrobe without paying retail prices.
Musa and Kristel visited the FOMO Thrift Market, where students could browse everything from vintage jerseys to second-hand fashion and accessories.
One of Musa’s biggest tips?
Don’t be afraid to negotiate.
After spotting a jersey priced at $30, he decided to make an offer.
“If you really are on a tight budget, you can try barter.”
After asking if the seller would accept $20, the deal was done.
“I got this for $20 instead of $30.”
While not every seller will negotiate, many independent market stalls are open to reasonable offers, especially later in the day.
Keep an eye out for hidden bargains
The thrift market wasn’t the only place where bargains appeared.
At one stall, Kristel found a pair of heels for just $1.
That’s the beauty of markets and second-hand shopping. Sometimes the best finds aren’t the ones you planned for.
Consider smaller meal options
When lunchtime rolled around, Musa and Kristel headed to Fremantle’s famous seafood spot, Cicerello’s.
Rather than ordering one of the larger meals, Kristel opted for a kids’ fish and chips meal.
“It’s quite enough to suffice in my opinion.”
It’s a simple reminder that portion sizes at many restaurants can be larger than expected. Ordering a smaller meal, sharing dishes with friends, or choosing lunch specials can help keep costs down while still letting you experience iconic Fremantle food.
Enjoy the free things
Some of the best parts of Fremantle don’t cost anything at all.
Walking through the historic streets, admiring the architecture, exploring the waterfront and people-watching around the harbour can easily fill an afternoon.
As Kristel described it, Fremantle feels:
“Very old, very cosy, very classic.”
And fortunately, enjoying that atmosphere is completely free.
A budget-friendly day out
Whether you’re browsing the markets, hunting for vintage bargains, splitting meals with friends or simply exploring the waterfront, Fremantle is one of the easiest places in Perth to have a great day without spending a lot.
A little planning, a willingness to thrift and perhaps some confidence to negotiate might leave you with enough money left over for your next adventure.
Want more student-friendly places to explore around Perth? Watch the latest episode of I’m at Curtin, Now What? featuring Musa and Kristel’s Fremantle adventure.
