Walyalup Koort
Walyalup Koort, previously known as Kings Square, is Fremantle’s central town square in Western Australia. It is bordered by Queen, Newman, William, and Adelaide streets. The site began as an open space in Fremantle’s 1833 town plan. In 1839, residents asked for a church; the foundation stone was laid in 1842 and Saint John’s Church of England opened in 1843 (consecrated in 1848).
In the 1880s a new church was built on the site after the council agreed to exchange land and funds; Fremantle Town Hall was built on part of the square between 1885 and 1887. High Street was extended through the square, but in the 1960s the through road section was closed as part of a traffic plan, turning the area into a central square.
In July 2021, the name Kings Square was changed to Walyalup Koort, meaning “Heart of Fremantle” in the local Whadjuk Nyoongar language. The change followed a community process and was approved by the Minister for Lands, though some people opposed the rename.
Today, Walyalup Koort is a paved, landscaped civic and cultural center. It includes the church and the town hall, a giant chessboard, public artworks, toilets, seating, and a children’s play area. The square hosts events such as movies, music and arts festivals, and community activities like yoga and drum circles.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 14:43 (CET).