I grew up in Perth and have been to Fremantle countless times, though I have never lived there. Although these two population centres are only about half an hour away from each other on the train, they are very different in character.

Fremantle is definitely more evocative of history than Perth. I think this has much to do with the fact that even though it was established at around the same time (1829) it's much smaller and less built up, so its many heritage listed buildings are more noticeable. 

It's also a more sombre place. This is due in major part to the presence of two infamous jails within its borders. These are the Round House, which is the oldest still standing building in Western Australia, and the much larger but equally grim Fremantle Prison. It was also built in the 19th Century but housed inmates until only twenty five years ago. The Fremantle Arts Centre nearby, which was once a lunatic asylum, is another old structure with a somewhat haunted atmosphere. 

Overlooking all of these landmarks, and others, is the Fremantle War Memorial. This impressive reminder of the many local lives lost in defending freedom is in a commanding position on a hill above the port. Even on a sunny day you can sense its solemnity as you walk towards it up the path off High Street. 



It's located near the centre of a manicured park. This is the view from the monument looking east. 



The most prominent structure is the obelisk. 



There are several smaller memorials, including ones specifically for fallen soldiers and sailors. 





This torpedo is a further reminder of Fremantle's naval contribution to the war effort. It is dedicated to the memory of US Navy submariners who died at sea during the Second World War. 



Fremantle was actually the Allies' second most important submarine base after Pearl Harbour. This largely forgotten but nonetheless fascinating aspect of the city's history is described in great and compelling detail here