Fremantle, city, southwestern Australia, in Western Australia State, on the Indian Ocean, at the mouth of the Swan River, part of the Perth metropolitan area. Fremantle is the chief seaport of Western Australia, and its extensive harbor facilities make it an important port of call on the European and South African trade routes. The principal industrial establishments are shipyards, iron foundries, furniture factories, flour mills, sawmills, soap factories, tanneries, and breweries. The leading items of export are timber, wheat, wool, and fruit. Founded in 1829, Fremantle is one of the oldest settlements in Australia and has many well-preserved examples of colonial architecture. In 1987 the America's Cup yacht race was held off Fremantle. Population (1991) 23,834.
