The historic city of Fremantle, Western Australia has many walking tours and trails. A variety of books and pamphlets describe these trails. The walking through or around Fremantle is celebrated in at least one song, and also had involved competitions in 1893. The City of Fremantle has had "heritage events" which have included special tours and walks, as well as explorations of the city heritage. Fremantle heritage is not without its controversies and regular public debates have occurred over demolition of historic buildings and sites, as well as overall policy in relation to heritage of Fremantle. The debates and controversies have usually involved the Fremantle Society, politicians, members of the city council and other public groups. Some issues over the decades have seen significant loss of heritage in the City area, but despite the losses, sufficient streetscapes and evidence of cultural heritage remain, and there is a good facility for the heritage to be recorded and written up.
Books
Earlier books such as Birch's are both "a handbook and official guide". Some books have more or less been guides, without suggestion of a specific trail or route. David Hutchison's Fremantle Walks and his earlier book from 1986 provide a well based set of information about the features of Fremantle. The Education Department of WA published a guide in 1980. Specific sections of Fremantle such as the "West End" and other parts have been isolated in specific books such Seddon's 2000 publication Looking at an old suburb.
The city has provided over time maps and guides as to walking around Fremantle. The City of Fremantle has engaged consultants to review the objects and subjects of tours and events, such as the 1995 report.
Fremantle Trails
The City of Fremantle has a set of Fremantle Trails ranging through a range of subjects:
At various stages in Fremantle history, there have been events and special tours that have been isolated single events. Also tourism promotion guides that do not identify specific trails have been published over decades as "what's on" and are basically advertising for businesses prepared to be included.
Walking tours
More recently organised tours are provided by providers such as Two Feet and a Heartbeat and other groups.