E Shed Markets

OK it’s not the other big Fremantle markets & doesn’t have the huge pull that they have or the pushing & shoving you sometimes experience there & it may not have as many stalls but it does have some great stalls with lots of variety.
Hidden away at the back of the train station over the tracks with a great little food court & bar.
I love just wondering around here & watching the great big tanker boats being directed in by the tiny, in comparison, tug boats directing them with their huge job of parallel parking.

Although the E Shed markets are much more of a souvenir/​token market as opposed to gourmet foods and veggies it still has a lot going for it. The seating area out the front is looking on to the water and is great if you are too early for your Rotto ferry. There is also a small bar serving very cheap beer, a rarity in Fremantle.
There are a few good stalls too, especially the one selling nuts and pulses in all varieties imaginable. It is not as good as the main Freo markets but still holds autonomy when you see how busy it gets.

My experience of E Shed markets is that it’s a somewhat more touristy version of the kind of markets you find at the superior Gosnells Railway Markets, Midland Military Markets or in the (long closed) Stock Road Markets. More a collection of low-​rent shops than it is a market, there’s very little vibe to this place. Tourists will find plenty of interest, as the souvenir stalls seem to stock a few unusual items and there is a didgeridoo specialist shop, but for the latter I would recommend a visit to the more comprehensive Didgeridoo Breath about five hundred metres away. The food court is diverse and inexpensive but the food has never drawn me to cross the train tracks outside of very specific reasons to visit. For a very different market experience, head to the diverse and surprising Fremantle Markets on South Terrace.

When I think of Perth, I think of sunsets, sparkling beaches, endless sunshine and a surfeit of markets to choose from. E Shed is another of Perth’s variety bazaars, and funnily enough, is located within a giant shed! Whereas the majority of Perth’s markets are a confusing maze of local designs, organic produce and guitar strumming buskers with no shoes, E Shed Markets cater more for the tourist market. I spent a good 5 minutes cycling down the path to get to the markets in 35 degree heat and was a little disappointed to find a surplus of stuffed koalas, fridge magnets and Akubra hats.
They did however have quite an impressive lolly shop and selection of roared nuts which helped make up for the sweaty bike ride, but if you ask me (which I assume you are because you’re still reading) you’ll have a much better time at Perth’s other eclectic markets.

E Shed Markets is the second of the markets around Fremantle. While both E Shed and Fremantle Market are both ostensibly markets, that is where the similarity ends. While there is a shambolic and slightly chaotic charm to the Fremantle Markets, E Shed is more organised, far more cleaner and generally friendlier to navigate.
E Shed has a less lively feel than Fremantle Markets. There’s a general sense of civility and sedateness about E Shed, so if you enjoy slow browses through stalls, E Shed lends to that vibe. The food at E Shed is also quite good.
The E Shed Markets are a decent alternative to the Fremantle Markets, although lacking a little in spirit.

The E Shed Markets near the water’s edge in Fremantle has a totally different atmosphere to the Fremantle Markets. Where Fremantle Markets are slightly quirky, I get the feeling that the E Shed is more a touristy market.
I have found it to be a great place to buy souvenirs when you are on your way to visiting family overseas. They really love our souvenirs. There are many outlets to buy from, and they have a great food court — the Asian food is delicious.
Fremantle is always busy and parking can be a bit of a pain. There are a lot of bays around this area, as not far away is the Maritime Museum. Be patient and a bay will be free soon.

Fremantle in my mind, is Perths answer to Byron Bay.
The E shed markets are definitely an experience to be embraced without a watch, nor plans in the near future! While you’ve got the stock standard market paraphernalia with the spruskers and punters– the point of difference at the E shed is the proximatey to the harbour.
Not only can you weave your way in and out of the stalls, but the complete contrast of scenary (and dining) is only a shed wall away.
Whether you choose to embrace the markets for all that they have to offer, (including the aromatic and tasty curry stands, popcorn stalls and asian delights.) Or you’d prefer to take some time out to soak up the sea breeze and ocean views, you simply cruise through to the other side of the shed. (Victoria Café and Restaurant– they specialise in Indonesian cuisine so if that floats your boat, your choice is made.)
A few quick insights, the ocean views are behind the parking bay, so if you’re there in prime times (markets are only on Fri, Sat, Sun and special events like pubic holies) then expect to see some cars obstructing the view.
A fun weekend where the locals get into it as much as the tourists and the sense of community makes it a fun and familiar place to be. Great for families, friends and solo shoppers alike.