A new hotel has arrived in Fremantle, giving travellers the perfect excuse to linger longer in this port city.
There are plenty of reasons to visit Fremantle. This port city just outside of Perth offers maritime history, Victorian architecture and the UNESCO Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison, famed for its underground tunnels and torchlight tours. Then there’s the delicious food and a bustling seaside brewery. Accommodation options, however, have been limited. Until the Owston Hotel , that is.
About the Owston Hotel
Owston Hotel is the new kid on a historic block. (Credit: Jenna French)
Just 11 rooms, each one unique, can be found at this boutique hotel tucked into the restored Owston’s Buildings at 17 High Street. This is one of the most historic corners in Fremantle (for decades it was home to a local institution, Roma Restaurant).
It’s a place that wants to fit in with its surroundings, founded on a philosophy driven by “providing genuine neighbourhood hospitality". But also to stand out, with beautifully designed interiors, tied to 1950s Italy and hospitality that goes beyond the norm – think pre-arrival planning, local itinerary creation and neighbourhood walk recommendations to make guests feel like locals.
“Owston is our take on a contemporary locanda. We want guests to feel like they’ve been welcomed into the hospitality of the West End, not just checked into a room," said project lead Nina Trimboli.
In Italy, a locanda was traditionally a small, family-run guesthouse that combines homely accommodation with authentic, local dining. And Owston successfully channels the original concept’s charm. It’s a taste of Italian hospitality in Fremantle.
The design
Unique design details can be found throughout. (Credit: Jenna French)
Pastel-coloured rainbow curtains frame the entry to the hotel. (Credit: Jenna French)
The hotel expertly balances blank space with smaller design details. (Credit: Jenna French)
The reception to the Owston Hotel. (Credit: Jenna French)
A warm and clean colour palette is used throughout the hotel. (Credit: Jenna French)
Owston Hotel’s design was inspired by the history of the building, which started life in the 1950s as a Federation shop house during a wave of Italian immigration that shaped so much of Fremantle’s modern character.
Restoration was a careful process, with many original characteristics and heritage details preserved. Modern comforts have been integrated, but with a subtle touch.
“The design honours the building’s layered history. Warm finishes, soft tones and playful moments give it a really nostalgic, personal feel," explained Zenifa Bowring of Rezen Studio which designed the hotel.
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The rooms
Each room has its own personal touch. (Credit: Jenna French)
Every room may have its very own flair, but some things remain the same. Like soft linens, locally crafted amenities and small details that nod to the building’s history.
Rooms facing the south will enjoy a view over the Fremantle cityscape, with an accessible option. Rooms facing High Street are generous in size, with a king bed and open views over Fremantle’s historic West End.
While The Corner Room is the largest at Owston Hotel, with a king bed, bathtub, double vanity and western-facing windows that catch the glorious sunset.
The details
Check in for local insights and hospitality. (Credit: Jenna French)
Address: 17 High Street, Fremantle Opening: Monday 16 March, 2026 Dining: Fresh breakfast at Common Bakery and priority reservations at Vin Populi Bookings: Visit the Owston Hotel website .
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
Blend the addictive energy of dance, creative cinematic movies, captivating theatre, and energising music during Perth Festival.
Perth Festival has extraordinary roots. Born as a summer community experiment back in 1953, the brainchild of Professor Fred Alexander, it’s now Australia’s longest-running international art-based festival. From its first event at University of Western Australia, it now spans across Noongar Boodjar country (Perth City) bringing worldclass performances into the hearts of ardent festivalgoers. Hundreds of curtain calls, including numerous free events, are set to linger and leave a lasting impression on those who seek thrills that fill life’s in-between spaces. Featuring unmissable highlights from 6th February to 1st March, we’ve done the legwork for you – here’s what’s on, and where:
1. East Perth Power Station
See East Perth Power Station come alive. (Image: Jessica Wyld Photography)
Abandoned, run-down and shutdown in 1981, East Perth Power Station , located on the banks of the stunning Swan River, was reinvented in 2025 as an entertainment venue for the Perth Festival. Pack a picnic, bring the family and kick back under paperbark trees at Casa Musica – a free event featuring a melting pot of world-class musicians from Australian shores and around the globe. The diversity will have you bopping until the final encore.
A decade after David Bowie’s passing, his powerful music lives on in the electrifying show, Rebel Rebel . Powerhouse vocalists join Perth Symphony Orchestra for one incredible night showcasing the singer-songwriter’s iconic hits. Illuminate your world through the eyes of First Nation Noongar artist, Lance Chadd Tjyllyungoo in a free event. His distinctive paintings and Dreamtime stories decorate the Power Station’s walls depicting spiritual beliefs. Or settle in to watch British indie pop singer-songwriter, Nilüfer Yanya .
2. St Mary’s Cathedral
Take in Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth. (Image: Anja Schutz)
Step into the lofty ceilings of Perth’s grandest cathedral, St Mary’s, and soak up choral harmonies. Dating back to 1865, the stained-glass reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper are a talking point, add talented maestros, and the stage is set to enthral.
The international line-up is impressive. Master Irish fiddler, Martin Hayes takes to the stage with exquisite lyrical compositions from his native land. Åkervinda , an award winning Swedish quartet, weave stories of love, loss, and resilience into harmonious Nordic folk songs. The USA Grammy Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth , break all the rules. Hear their voices echo through the arched vaulted ceilings.
3. Lotterywest Films
Discover the Lotterywest Films program. (Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy)
One of the festivals longest-running favourites, Lotterywest Films run a rich tapestry of cinematic features showing until 29th of March. Pack a picnic, cushions, popcorn and pop a cork under a Somerville Pine Tree as the sun sets and screenings begin. Cinema lovers, choose your poison from thrillers, deep-dive documentaries, tearjerkers, raunchy rom-coms and side-splitting comedies. The program is fantastically full, the filmmakers the best in the business, and the outdoor setting, unequalled.
4. The Embassy
Step into the old world glitz of The Embassy. (Image: Franz Bato)
Modelled on Perth’s historic Embassy Ballroom, a devilish dance venue that operated in the 1900s, The Embassy in Perth Town Hall , serves sophistication in its A-list shows. Set your sequins a’sparkle at the, What’s TINA Got to Do With It extravaganza where guest artists play tribute as they belt out the glitzy star’s hits. The returning act, Ali Bodycoat & The Embassy Big Band, will have you jiving as you take to the dance floor reimagining a bygone era. Who doesn’t like chocolate? Black-bearded drag sensation, La Gateau Chocolat puts the raw in cacao. World-renowned for his feisty range of storied songs, he reveals the inner-man come artist through his deliciously sweet and intimate act.
5. Unusual locations
Watch a star-studded cast in The Trial. (Image: Cole Baxter)
We’ve all heard of the hit show, The Office, but a spinetingling operatic thriller acted out in disused office space? Philip Glass’ nail-biter, The Trial , has a star-studded line-up. Together they deliver a dramatic ordeal showcasing Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton’s libretto; the suspense lingers after the final bow.
Sit back under starry skies and soak up dynamic dance at Ballet at the Quarry: Incandescence . Four exclusive classical and contemporary acts illuminate the amphitheatre’s stage as Perth City twinkles at nightfall. Mystery excites the mind. West Australian Opera returns again with another ‘secret opera’. Be led from an undisclosed meeting point and let the music lead to the secret.
6. A View From A Bridge
Share your innermost thoughts at A View From A Bridge.
Free, connecting strangers, and inclusive to everyone, artist, Joe Bloom’s collaborative project, A View From A Bridge has one prop – an old red telephone. Talk into the receiver , share thoughts, innermost feelings, memories, hopes and dreams as Bloom captures you from afar. The freedom to speak through the telephone movement has a worldwide following. A range of clips will be shown online.
What else to do in Perth
Taste the best of Perth at eateries like Shadow Wine Bar.
Endless blue skies crown Perth during February, making it the perfect time to explore Australia’s most western capital city. The city might be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to what’s on. Perth Cultural Centre houses the city’s art-scene venues: Western Australian Art Gallery, WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).
After exploring the city’s alleyways, hidden corners, and main hub, savour worldclass food in Perth’s vibrant eateries. Award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes can be found throughout; the leisurely eat-and-drink scene is literally mouthwatering, so book extra nights.
