From The Straits Times    |

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Staying in a centuries-old hotel

What better way to experience the history of Fremantle than to spend a night (or more) at one of the city’s most historical hotels? The Esplanade Hotel Fremantle (46-54 Marine Terrace, tel: +61 8 9432 4000) dates back to the early 18th century (gasp!) and has a colonial vibe to match its exterior – great backdrop for all your #OOTDs! Its interiors, however, are modern and each room comes with complimentary wifi. Bonus point: a complimentary pillow menu! Room rates start at S$185 (AUD$179) for a superior room, per night.

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Experiencing the incredible culture of the city

A city so rich in culture and history wouldn’t be complete without a few iconic festivals to call their own. The City of Fremantle runs four festivals throughout the year, one of which is the Fremantle Street Arts Festival, also one of Australia’s biggest and best street arts festivals. Each year in March, performers from all over the world take over the streets of Freo on makeshift stages to showcase their talents, taking the art of busking to a whole new level. Some of the best acts include street theatre, comedy, circus, cabaret, folk musical and even contemporary dance recitals.

Other than at festivals, you can also get your dose of art appreciation at the Fremantle Arts Centre (1 Finnerty St, tel: +61 8 9432 9555) which offers creative courses for jewellery making, photography and more. While you’re there, chill out at the café and shop for souveniers at their gift shop for some fine Western Australia designed wares.

The 2016 Fremantle Streets Arts Festival will take place from 25 March 2016 – 28 March 2016. Visit http://www.fremantlestory.com.au/your-story/event-festivals/festivals.html for more information.

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Learning about its rich history – in an exciting way

How often can you tell someone that you’ve visited a prison while on vacation, and one of the most notourious one at that? Fremantle Prison (1 The Terrace, tel: +61 8 9336 9200) is the largest convict-built prison used for over a century before it was converted to an attraction in 1991. Visit the gatehouse for access to the Convict Café, gift shop, prison gallery and an interactive visitor centre. If you are adventurous enough, take the night-time prison tour (from AUD$20) and roam the prison with just the help of a torchlight.

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Shopping for all your favourite Aussie high street labels

Find all your favourite Australian highstreet labels – think Shona Joy, I.d.s, Bec and Bridge, Winoa, Jolie & Deen and more – all at Soul Sisters (73 Market St, +61 8 9335 3592). And when you’re done, head over to Megan Salmon (55 Queen Victoria Street, +61 8 9335 8858) for more shopping. The label is all about exotic prints on wearable pieces with a whimsical edge, and we love that they treat their own fabrics in their studio, so you know you’re really taking a piece of Freo back with you.

For something with a little more edge, MANY6160 (2 Newman Ct , +62 761 30135) is a pop-up space for young and local new businesses, housing several fashion retailers, soapmakers, woodcrafters and artists, and so on. This is the perfect place for fashion gifts and quirky knick-knacks for yourself and your friends. Fun fact: One of the retailers counts Kylie Minogue as a fan!

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Tucking into the great food

Check out The Monk (33 South Terrace, tel: +61 8 9336 7666) a craft brewery that serves up a plethora of good food made with local produce and inspired by a global culture. Think: yum cha squid, Spanish chirozo, chicken tandoori and wagyu burger, along with their home-brewed craft beer. For a taste of the iconic Australian beer Little Creatures, chill out at the Little Creatures Brewery (40 Mews Road, tel: +61 8 6215 1000), and treat yourself to the signature Little Creatures Pale Ale while taking in the fantastic views of Fishing Boat Harbour. A brewery tour also takes place daily every hour from 1-3pm. 

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