The historic port city of Fremantle is famed throughout the country – you’d have a hard time finding an Aussie who hasn’t heard of the beachside town. Perhaps that’s partly thanks to the great footy team of the Fremantle Dockers, who knows.
It’s no secret that there’s been changes to the locale over time, and the WA Maritime Museum is giving you the opportunity to step back in time with their Fremantle Then & Now exhibition to learn about unique stories and Freo’s transformation from a sandy seaside hamlet to a thriving port city.
Using immersive digital projection technologies, Fremantle Then & Now explores Fremantle/Walyalup’s deep history utilising a visually dramatic way to understand the city and its influences over 155 years of history.
From the 1800s to the present day, explore the changes via seven different vantage points across the port city through sweeping panoramas on huge, curved screens, alongside a guided tour.
Around this central experience, you can explore connected themes including early local photographers and photography studios, pre-colonial history, convict influence, the development and significance of the port, goldrush buildings and legacy, and street life.
While you’re in the general Freo vicinity, you may as well check out the newly opened bar and kitchen, Sailing For Oranges too – a rustic space with a vision to take diners on a nostalgic trip across the Mediterranean coastline.
Expect to feast on skewered anchovy with guindilla and olive, Fremantle octopus with thyme and chorizo, slow-roasted goat in fino with rosmary gremolata, and cauliflower with fenugreek leaf and tahini – to name a few plates.
The WA Maritime Museum’s Fremantle Then & Now Historical Panoramas exhibition is on now until Sunday 19 February – plenty of time to head down and discover 155 years of Freo.
All images supplied.