Fishing Boat Harbour in Fremantle has been added to the state’s Register of Heritage Places in recognition of its cultural heritage significance.
First established in 1924, Fishing Boat Harbour has long been at the centre of the State’s fishing industry. It is closely associated with the waves of post-war migration that shaped Fremantle, particularly families from southern Europe who built livelihoods on the water and helped define the harbour’s character.
While it remains a working harbour, it has also become a well-known visitor destination, valued not just for its economic role but for its strong connections to community life and shared history.
“Our heritage places tell the story of who we are as Western Australians, from the world’s oldest continuing culture to the many communities who have shaped our State,” said Heritage Minister, Simone McGurk.
“Fishing Boat Harbour is a place many Western Australians know well, but its deeper history is just as important.
“This listing recognises the generations of people who built the fishing industry here and the migrant communities who helped shape Fremantle.
“Fishing Boat Harbour is a place where Western Australia’s migration story comes to life. For generations, migrant families, particularly from southern Europe, helped build Fremantle’s fishing industry and shaped the harbour into the vibrant working place it remains today.
“It’s fitting to see it added to the State Register as we continue to recognise places that matter to our community.”
The State Register of Heritage Places, which is maintained by the Heritage Council of WA, is the official list of 1,397 places recognised for their cultural heritage significance in Western Australia.
Western Australia’s rich and diverse history is also being celebrated with the unveiling of a new heritage plaque design that recognises both the State’s ancient Aboriginal heritage and its shared stories of settlement, industry and community.
The distinctive blue heritage plaques align with internationally recognised heritage markers used across Australia and around the world.
The new design has been created specifically to acknowledge Aboriginal cultural heritage, including the naming of the traditional lands on which each place is located.
Designed by highly respected Aboriginal artist Richard Walley, the plaque at Fishing Boat Harbour incorporates Aboriginal motifs that reflect connection to Country, culture and enduring history.
Heritage Council of WA Chair, Darren Foster said Fishing Boat Harbour tells an important story about industry, migration and community in Western Australia.
“Its inclusion on the State Register ensures that story is recognised and carried forward,” he said.
“These new plaques represent an important evolution of the heritage plaques program, recognising Aboriginal tradition as fundamental to understanding Western Australia’s places.
“The Heritage Council looks forward to seeing the new design rolled out across the State, enriching the way people experience and value Western Australia’s heritage.”
Each plaque includes a QR code, allowing visitors to access historical information, images and stories about the place, and discover related heritage sites nearby.
Three additional plaques have been installed at Fremantle Prison, the Round House and Fremantle Markets and will be rolled out progressively at other heritage sites across Western Australia.
Visit www.wa.gov.au/fishing-boat-harbour for more information about Fishing Boat Harbour heritage listing and www.wa.gov.au/heritage-plaques for more information about the plague program.
