Only a small number of punters had found their way to the port city on a scorching hot Australia Day after the Fremantle council had canned its fireworks and celebration.
The council caused outrage in August 2016 when it cancelled its traditional Australia Day fireworks and then angered both the Barnett and Turnbull governments when it announced a "culturally-inclusive alternative event" on January 28 instead.
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Fremantle beach goers on Australia Day decision
Australia Day beach goers in Fremantle react to the Council's decision.
Fremantle council's decision also caused a storm on social media, with thousands of people venting their anger at the city on the WAtoday Facebook page.
On Thursday the number of people venturing to the port city were described as "low" by North Fremantle resident Kelly Bell, 27, who was at Bathers Beach.
"I was a little surprised that Fremantle was really quiet today. We questioned if everyone was at the beach."
The people who did find their way to Freo were mostly in defiance of the council's decision to move Australia Day celebrations, and when asked said the decision was "a mistake".
About 50 people associated with right-wing organisation Reclaim Australia had gathered for an unofficial rally, protesting the council's decision to scrap celebrations about 4pm at the Esplanade Park.
"Before the 'rally' started, there were many police in the park," Ms Bell said.
"Walking back to the park at 4:15pm, there were more bemused people than anything else.
"I am all for discussion of changing the date of Australia Day but spewing hatred is no way to push your message."
- with Brendan Foster