Fremantle Harbour, Commercial port in Fremantle, Australia

Fremantle Harbour is a commercial port at the mouth of the Swan River with two main quays: North Quay and Victoria Quay. The facilities process containers, vehicle imports, livestock exports, and welcome cruise ships and naval vessels daily.

The inner harbour opened in 1897 when the steamer Sultan became the first vessel to enter the newly completed facilities. This opening marked a turning point for the region and enabled trade development along Australia's western coast.

The harbour is not named after O'Connor; it takes its name from the city of Fremantle. O'Connor, the colony's Engineer-in-Chief, chose the Swan River mouth for the inner harbour, and a statue of him stands at Victoria Quay. The green South Mole Lighthouse (1903) and red North Mole Lighthouse (1906) mark the entrance.

The port operates continuously and processes ships of all sizes throughout the day and night. Visitors should know this is an active working harbour where large vehicles move regularly and some areas may have restricted access.

The Inner Harbour is to be phased out, with all shipping operations moved to the Outer Harbour at Kwinana and the current harbour redeveloped under the Future of Fremantle Place and Economic Vision. The Outer Harbour handles bulk cargo such as grain, petroleum, alumina and mineral sands.