Fishing Boat Harbour

The  Heritage Council acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this place is located, their enduring and continuing connection to the land, and its  great significance for Aboriginal people. We pay our respects to the Ancestors and Elders, both past and present, and acknowledge those who continue to share knowledge and journey toward reconciliation. Information on the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation can be found at: https://whadjuknoongar.org.au/. Information on Whadjuk Noongar history and culture can be found at: https://www.noongarculture.org.au/.

Noongar connection

For thousands of years, Walyalup (Fremantle) has been a meeting place and area of cultural and ceremonial significance for the Whadjuk people. A rocky bar at the river mouth historically sheltered the Swan River estuary from the sea, creating rich fishing grounds and a natural river crossing. The area on the south bank of the river, known as Manjaree, became an important place for meeting, trading and cultural exchange.

The first jetty

The Swan River Colony was proclaimed by the British in 1829, with Fremantle designated as the colony’s port. In 1831, the first stone jetty was built at South Bay, the area now known as Fishing Boat Harbour. The jetty soon deteriorated and was replaced in the mid-1850s by the 484 foot-long South Jetty. Fishermen moored their boats in the natural harbour of South Bay and sold their catch at South Jetty, despite limited facilities for storing and preserving their produce.

Fishing boats at South Jetty, Fremantle c1890s. 
Image credit: Photograph courtesy of the State Library of Western Australia (230453PD).   

Migration and markets 

During the 1870s and 1880s, the timber trade brought foreign ships crewed by Europeans to ports south of Fremantle. Drawn by familiar coastal conditions, fishermen from southern Europe, particularly from the Italian fishing villages of Sicily and Molfetta, began to settle in Fremantle. By 1901, nearly half of the licensed fishermen were Italian.

In 1908, a breakwater was constructed off South Jetty and timber fish markets were built on the jetty, which became known as Fishermen’s Jetty. Fishermen were required to auction their catch at the market, which quickly became a thriving hub of industry and community.

Post-WWII expansion

Further development of Western Australia’s fishing industry was slow until the rapid expansion of the rock lobster industry following World War II. This growth was spurred on by new migrants from southern Europe, particularly from Italy, and an increase in the number of operational fishing fleets.

Blessing of the Fleet

Since 1948, the Italian tradition of the Blessing of the Fleet has been held annually in Fremantle, with the procession concluding at Fishing Boat Harbour. Believed to date back to the 12th century, the ceremony blesses the fishing fleet before the opening of the season and prays for a safe and prosperous year. In Fremantle, the event is traditionally held before the opening of the rock lobster season in October-November and is organised by local communities, particularly the Molfettese and Sicilian communities.

Blessing of the Fleet progression at Fishing Boat Harbour c1990. 
Image credit: Photograph courtesy of the State Library of Western Australia (147393PD).   

America’s Cup

In preparation for Australia’s defence of the America’s Cup, major upgrades were undertaken at Fishing Boat Harbour. Following the historic 1983 win, Fremantle became the global focus of sailing in January and February of 1987 as the host of the 26th America’s Cup.

On 4 February 1987, the San Diego Yacht Club vessel Stars & Stripes defeated the Royal Perth Yacht Club’s Kookaburra III. Tens of thousands of spectators lined the harbour to witness the defence, marking a defining moment in Fremantle’s modern history.

Kookaburra III re-entering Fishing Boat Harbour surrounded by spectator boats during the America’s Cup defence,1987. 
Image credit: Photograph courtesy of the City of Fremantle History Centre (E000081-41).   

Memorials 

In 2004, the contribution of Western Australian's pioneering and modern-day fishermen was recognised with the construction of ‘The Jetty’ memorial. Inscribed ‘To the Fisherman’, the memorial features two life-size bronze sculptures of fishermen, a map of traditional fishing areas and a brief history of the industry. Twelve timber columns display the names of the 608 fishermen who pioneered Fremantle’s fishing industry.

In 2008, a bronze sculpture of Bon Scott, former front man of Australian rock band AC/DC, was unveiled at Fishing Boat Harbour. Created by artist Greg James, the sculpture acknowledges Scott’s musical legacy and his childhood connection to Fremantle.

The Harbour today 

Following the America’s Cup event, Fishing Boat Harbour underwent rapid development that has transformed it from a predominantly industrial fishing port into a major tourism and recreational destination. Today, the harbour remains a working maritime precinct while also standing as a powerful testament to Western Australia’s maritime heritage, migrant communities and enduring connection to the sea. 

Place 24491 – Fishing Boat Harbour Assessment Documentation

Themes relevant to this place, as identified in the Heritage Council’s Thematic History of Western Australia, include:

• Peopling WA – Demographic Development 
• Economy – Natural resources
• Economy – Religion 
• Cultural Life – Recreation & Organised Leisure

State Register of Heritage Places, Heritage Council of Western Australia, P24491 Fishing Boat Harbour, Fremantle, Assessment Documentation