Fremantle/North Fremantle Stations

The original train stations at Fremantle and North Fremantle opened way back in 1881. Yet the history of the area, and its name, goes back even further – to the very first days of the Swan River Colony.

In May 1829, the HMS Challenger arrived in what is now Arthur Head. Its captain, Charles Howe Fremantle, declared the west coast of Australia for Britain.

But in a settlement that was reliant on convict labour for 20-odd years, Captain Fremantle allegedly had a bit of a sordid past himself.

According to a former director of the WA Maritime Museum, Fremantle had been charged with assaulting a 15-year-old in 1826 and, to avoid a scandal, his family allegedly paid off witnesses.

In another twist, Fremantle was also indirectly involved in the naming of Cottesloe (but that’s another story).

FUN FACT:

Charles Fremantle started working in the British Royal Navy when he was just 12 years old. The journey to WA was his first command as captain.