The new Fremantle Traffic Bridge will be officially named Walyalup Bridge, the Western Australian Government has announced. The name reflects the traditional Whadjuk Noongar name for Fremantle, which derives from walyo, the Noongar word for the woylie, a small native marsupial. The bridge opens to the public on Sunday 1 November, ahead of schedule, with a free community celebration from 9am to 1pm. Visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport, as no parking will be available at the site.
A cake competition called Cakemantle, held during Fremantle Design Week, invited people to bake dessert creations inspired by the port city. Sixteen entrants took part, ranging from professional designers to locals. Erin Coates won first place with a cake based on the former limestone rock bar at the river mouth, which judges praised for its taste. Scolaro Terrazzo came second for its design, and the Fremantle Doctor took third. Organisers hope to hold the event again next year after tickets sold out quickly.
A weekly guide to arts events in Fremantle has listed upcoming exhibitions, films, music and storytelling performances. Highlights include Dual Nature, an art exhibition at Palette Fremantle running from 13 October to 8 November 2026. Fremantle Design Week runs from 16 to 25 October 2026 with more than 60 events. Piazza Walls, a street art festival at South Terrace Piazza, runs from 28 November to 13 December 2026, with 15 murals planned across the precinct.
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Shipping correspondent Jean Hudson watched the cruise ship Crown Princess leave Fremantle harbour, recording its manoeuvres in a photographic essay. The vessel had arrived in Freo at about 6 am and departed around 4 pm the same day. Hudson's account highlights the turning and pivoting the large liner performed within the harbour before heading out. The piece is a visual record of the departure, compiled by a correspondent who regularly reports on shipping movements in the port. Readers can find her other feature stories and photography on the Fremantle Shipping News site.
Fremantle Shipping News has published readers' suggestions for a name for the new Fremantle bridge, following its naming contest launched on Sunday 18 October. Submissions have come by email and through the publication's Facebook page. Suggested names range from the Fremantle Community Connector to the Waugal Koorliny Bridge, the Leeuwin Bridge and simpler options such as Harbour Bridge. Some submissions draw on Noongar language and local history. The publication says it will keep updating the list and invites readers to send further nominations to its editor.
Fremantle's Planning Services Committee unanimously approved a partial change of use to a small bar for Hightide Tabletop Gaming on Josephson Street. The business is a tabletop gaming and hobby shop, with alcohol sales ancillary to its main activity. Some nearby residents raised concerns about noise from patrons leaving at closing, and a proposed staggered exit amendment was not supported. Councillors also deferred a short-term rental policy review and approved a convenience stores policy.
A crash on the Stirling Bridge in North Fremantle has closed a lane in both directions, with traffic backing up to High Street. Main Roads WA says police are at the scene. Separately, a crash in Rockingham has blocked several lanes, and a truck breakdown in North Perth has blocked the left lane. Two breakdowns on Tonkin Highway are also slowing drivers, who are urged to merge carefully.
The Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Shaunak hosted a reception at the Port of Fremantle during its visit to Western Australia. Guests included government representatives, diplomats, maritime officials and members of the Indian community. Western Australian Premier Roger Cook was represented at the event by Yaz Mubarakai MLA. During its visit, the ship conducted training activities and professional exchanges with the Australian Border Force in Fremantle Harbour. The activities aim to support closer cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard and Australian maritime agencies.
Megara's Serai development in North Fremantle is now selling its final release of newly completed homes. The project includes 87 apartments and 11 townhouses, with two-bedroom residences starting from $1.495 million. Megara director Jamie Clarke says buyers can now inspect finished homes and amenities in person. Realestate.com.au data shows North Fremantle's median unit price reached $1.375 million over the 12 months to August 2026, up 18.6 per cent.
Claire Woodman and Michael O'Hara married on September 25 at The Ritz Carlton Perth. The couple, who met through Claire's brother, have been together for 19 years and got engaged 14 years ago. Highlights included a ride on the merry-go-round at Elizabeth Quay, where the reception was held at The Oyster Bar. The bride's gown came from Grace Loves Lace in North Fremantle. The newlyweds have not yet decided on their honeymoon.
Fremantle's Planning Services Committee unanimously approved a partial change of use to a small bar for Hightide Tabletop Gaming on Josephson Street. The business is a tabletop gaming and hobby shop, with alcohol sales ancillary to its main activity. Some nearby residents raised concerns about noise from patrons leaving at closing, and a proposed staggered exit amendment was not supported. Councillors also deferred a short-term rental policy review and approved a convenience stores policy.
