Full of beauty and interest and featuring mostly excellent surfaces, the Fremantle Coastal Trail is a must-do ride for any cyclist visiting or living in Perth.
Fremantle Station
I rode up to Fremantle Station to start my coast ride. The station building, which was completed in 1907, is a lovely example of Federation style and listed by the National Trust.
As you can see from the photo below, the station is well used by bicycle commuters.
The Roundhouse
From Fremantle Station, it’s less than a two kilometre ride south along the Fremantle Coastal Trail to the Roundhouse. Built in 1831, this interesting former jail is the oldest public building in Western Australia.
From the steps of the Roundhouse and looking down High Street, you can see yellow lines painted on the pavement and buildings, creating an interesting optical illusion.
Whalers Tunnel
Another historical feature in the area, and almost directly below the Roundhouse, is the Whalers Tunnel. Originally almost 64 metres long, the tunnel was built by convicts in 1837 to transport goods easily from the original port at Bathers Beach to Fremantle town.
Just a little further on at Bathers Beach, you can stop for food or coffee at Bathers Beach House, with a view to the beach and the water.
Fremantle Coastal Trail to South Beach
However, having spent quite a bit of time at the Roundhouse, I was keen to get moving on the bike path.
Soon I was at South Beach. With plenty of bike racks provided and somewhat inconvenient access by car, it’s no wonder so many people go to South Beach by bicycle.
The trail south of South Beach is particularly excellent, with a good surface
and beautiful views of the ocean and beach vegetation.
South Fremantle Power Station
About two kilometres south of South Beach, the Fremantle Coastal Trail diverts away from the coast around the now abandoned South Fremantle Power Station. This is what it looks like as the bike path rejoins the coast at Port Coogee.
Port Coogee
At Port Coogee I rode out along the breakwater, before stopping for coffee at the Dome cafe. There were bike racks and plenty of comfortable seating, both inside and out.
Omeo Wreck
One kilometre south of the marina, lie the remains of the Omeo. Built in 1858 as an iron steamship, it now rests in shallow water only 25 metres from the shore.
Sadly I am not very confident in the water, but the Coogee Maritime Trail, which starts with this staircase into the water, looks very exciting.
The dive and snorkel trail includes an artificial reef, underwater sculptures and educational signage.
Coogee Beach
Another kilometre further south, you can see beautiful Coogee Beach.
I wondered whether it had taken its name from Sydney’s iconic beach. Apparently, however, the word comes from the local aboriginal word for a large lake in the area.
Woodman Point
Continuing south on the Fremantle Coastal Trail for another kilometre, I came to the beach at Woodman Point Recreation Reserve. I rode out along Ammunition Jetty and looked back towards the beach. The water looked very inviting.
Not far to go now. From Ammunition Jetty, I took the inland path through Woodman Point Regional Park. After three kilometres, I arrived at Woodman Point, which looks out towards the south.
On the southern beach of Woodman Point, a few parasailers were enjoying the windy conditions.
Taking my time, I made my way north again, stopping to take photos as I went.
Fremantle Coastal Trail: Summary
All together I had cycled 34 kilometres and climbed 339 metres. This includes the ride from our caravan park to the beach and back (one kilometre each way).
You mustn’t miss the Fremantle Coastal Trail if you are in the area. It’s considerably flatter and easier than the Perth Coastal Ride north.
If you don’t have your own bike with you, the Fremantle Visitor Centre, less than 500 metres from the railway station, offers free bike hire with a refundable deposit. For greater flexibiity with times, use the Spinway Bike Hire system or hire from Port City Cycles.
You can get an excellent printable map of this route from the WA Department of Transport website.
Other great rides in Perth are the Swan River Cycling Loop and the Perth Coastal Ride. Further afield, it is wonderful to cycle around Rottnest Island.
