Fremantle's Secret Spaces

Tucked away bars, attic cafes and southern-American honky tonk hidden in heritage buildings — these places don’t shout, but give a warm welcome when you stumble upon them.

Fremantle has its share of iconic cafes and famous pubs, but there’s another thing it has in spades – cosy venues you never knew were there.

Here are some of our favourite spots from Freo's less-travelled side streets.

L'Chaim

92 South Terrace, Fremantle

L'Chaim's Bar Manager Guillaume Bossuet mixes his award-winning Père Julio.

Toast to life at The Old Synagogue's intimate cocktail bar, L'Chaim – it's home to WA's best cocktail! Hidden deep below the Fremantle synagogue, take a step back in time and immerse yourself in a world of fine cocktails and good times.

Darling Darling

1/36 Henry St, Fremantle

A dimly-lit gem on Henry Street, Darling Darling has a salty seafarer’s vibe that hits as soon as you’re through the unassuming doorway into the moody space, where maritime paraphernalia lines every surface and peanut shells crunch underfoot. You’ll definitely want to drink rum here. Especially on Sundays when the fiddler drops in.

Honky Tonk

81 High St, Fremantle

The Honky Tonk Blues Bar is Freo's honky tonk haven! Two-step into a world of authentic country vibes, live music and good ol' southern hospitality. Honky Tonk's new home was built in 1903 and this heritage West End building is the perfect spot to kick back. 

Good Things

16 Bannister St, Fremantle

Keeping with the exposed brick theme, but with more of an attic feel, Good Things is a daytime option keeping its delicious little secret down Bannister Street. The brunch is excellent, and the stairs will help you walk it off.

Little French Nest

15 Point St, Fremantle

Another brunch worth exploring off-strip for? Little French Nest is light and bright in Point Street. Plus, it has excellent pastries and a French-inspired menu you’ll want to come back for.

Gimlet

19 Henderson St, Fremantle

Speaking of pastry, do you know Gimlet? It’s the quiet but classy little sister to Emily Taylor at the Warders Hotel. Tucked away with enough seating for just a few people, it’s a gin bar by night, but by day it’s one of Freo’s most secluded coffee stops.

Calamity’s Rod

15 Bannister St, Fremantle

Back in the West End, Calamity's Rod keeps an unassuming profile in sea container surrounds next to the Hougoumont Hotel. Enjoy beer from its eponymous label, plus some funky street art and a chilled vibe.

Ode to Sirens

25 High St, Fremantle

Nestled in on High Street, at home in the P&O Hotel building, Ode to Sirens is a vinyl record bar is serving fresh wines, craft beers, classic cocktails and Greek-centric bar food.

Nieuw Ruin

12 Norfolk St, Fremantle

Masquerading as a cute cottage in Norfolk Street, Nieuw Ruin is a bar whose dark timber and lamp light are a beacon on winter nights (there are braziers on the terrace, too). A short dash from the Luna on SX, its wine list is inspiring and the food is a treat.

Madalena’s

406 South Terrace, South Fremantle

Been to South Fremantle lately? Madalena’s Bar has gone up in the world. Its new upstairs bar is a comfortable eyrie with warm timber overlooking the south end of South Terrace. Enjoy cocktails overlooking the sea.

Wild in the Street

2/388 South Terrace, Fremantle

A block down, Wild in the Street honours the essence of South Fremantle life. It champions verdant greens, vibrant colours and a fondness for food and drink. Look twice for the signage. Like all good secrets, this and other cool, tucked-away premises in Freo can take some sleuthing out.

 

Hero image: Madalena's (new upstairs bar). Credit: Duncan Wright