Sun, surf and SailGP: An ocean lover's guide to Freo this January
Visiting us for the inaugural Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix at Bathers Beach? Sun-drenched, salty, and plenty of opportunities to get on the water... Freo is the destination for all manner of ocean lovers.
Whether you like to put your feet up and soak in the glittering views, sample the delectable goods found in its depths or experience the thrill of the waves from your vessel of choice, our port city has you sorted.
Fun for beach bums
SUP boarding at South Beach, South Fremantle
If it's beach time you're after, Fremantle has an enviable five of them to choose from, each offering its own unique flavour of beachy charm.
North of the city you'll find a trio of spectacular beaches in Leighton, Port, and Sandtrax. Leighton Beach is known for its proximity to the North Fremantle Train Station (it's a mere 300m away!), accessible beach matting, and family friendly vibe complete with cafes, restaurants, and open lawn space. Just a hop towards port is Port Beach, just as stunning and right in front of popular beach club Coast, while a hop closer again is Sandtrax Beach, preferred by kite surfers for its prime conditions.
Venture down to South Fremantle for a visit to iconic South Beach, where calm turquoise waters, an expansive lawn dotted with towering Norfolk Pines, a court for shooting hoops, and great fish and chips, cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops make it a beloved local favourite. Finally, there's inner-city Bathers Beach, right in the centre of Fremantle and soon to be home to the SailGP itself. It's also home to Bathers Beach House, the first place in Australia to offer cocktails delivered right to your sun lounger.
Watering holes to cool off in
Cocktails at Jungle Bird, West End, Fremantle
All that sun and surf is thirsty work and luckily, there's no shortage of rejuvenating establishments across the city. When you're ready to refresh, check out:
- Jungle Bird: There's something about the sea and rum that just makes sense, isn't there? Jump into Jungle Bird Rum Bar for cocktails, good times, and jungle jam sessions on Sundays.
- Darling Darling: Freo's very own pirate bar, one look inside this cosy hideout and you'll know you've stumbled upon some hidden treasure. And yes, there's plenty of rum here too.
- Republic of Fremantle: Easy summer spritzes and a great line up of gin made from scratch right here in town including a seriously smooth Navy Strength gin. Visit and thank us later.
Hearty seaside sustenance
Upstairs dining at Madalena's, South Fremantle
Freo is renowned for it's catch, with the ocean on one side and the river on the other meaning there's no shortage of fresh seafood on the menu. Look out for Fremantle octopus, Western Rock lobster, and plenty of local fish at dining venues across town.
A classic Aussie fish and chips at Cicerello's or Kailis Fish Market on Fishing Boat Harbour is a must-do, whilst in South Fremantle you can pick up something from Sealanes for a picnic on the South Beach foreshore or head into Madalena's for a meal you won't forget – this award-winning boteco is renowned for its seafood-driven menu.
North of the river you'll find Pearla, a brand new offering from local chef Scott Bridger of Bib & Tucker fame that is already drawing a crowd.
Aesthetically-pleasing panoramas
Craft brews with a view at Gage Roads Brewery, Victoria Quay, Fremantle
After a brew with a seaside view? Enough said. These are just some of the local hotspots that have you covered:
- Gage Roads: This sprawling venue takes over the entirety of Victoria Quay's A Shed, so you can bet there's plenty of vantage points for a port panorama. Check the departure times at the bar, grab a drink, and get ready to soak up the nautical action.
- Little Creatures: This world-renowned brewery kickstarted Australia's craft beer revolution, and it all began right here in Freo. The beloved venue has just had some exciting renos and is set to open a new upstairs bar offering the best view in town of our famous harbour... stay tuned!
- The National: The National Hotel is iconic on every level, but head upstairs to the rooftop bar for 360 views of Fremantle from the red and white cranes of the port to the harbour, the beach, and the heritage-listed buildings of the West End.
Maritime tales of yore
Stepping into maritime history at the WA Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay, Fremantle
Consider yourself a bit of a history buff? You won't be disappointed. From world-dominating America's Cup yachts in the 80s to dramatic shipwrecks in the 1880s, Fremantle's love affair with the sea is a long one.
Fans of Australia's America's Cup win of 1983 and resulting defence will want to head into the WA Maritime Museum on Victoria Quay, where you can see the legendary Australia II. Nearby, the WA Shipwrecks Museum dives into the history of Australia's shipwrecks and is free to enter.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison runs a range of tours behind bars, by torchlight, and underground in a convict punt to explore submerged tunnels only accessible by boat – not for the faint of heart! – while Two Feet and a Heartbeat will keep you above ground on a fascinating convicts, culture, and street art tour.
On water spills and thrills
Kite surfing at Leighton Beach, North Fremantle
If it's not enough to be by the water and you need to be on it – we get it, and we got you.
Fremantle's clear, turquoise waters are the perfect place to try your hand (or test your balance) at stand up paddle boarding, particularly in the calm waters of the South Fremantle lagoon. Or if you're feeling inspired by SailGP's foiling catamarans and are chasing some real adrenaline, the coastline of North Fremantle is the spot for foiling and kitesurfing. You can BYO or hire from the Stand Up Surf Shop, who also run demos and lessons.
Want to drop a line? Rottnest, Garden, and Carnac islands are all within cruising distance so there's plenty of fun to be found offshore too. Hire a boat for the day and if you're lucky you could be coming in with prime fish species like tailor, herring, and King George whiting. Did we mention South Fremantle brewery Running with Thieves run a boat delivery service too?
And if something really special is in order, a ride aboard striking yellow catamaran Charter 1 is sure to fit the bill.
Shopping stops for seafarers
The Chart & Map Shop, West End, Fremantle
Independent, fluorescent-free, and open air with the cooling Freo Doctor at your back - retail therapy takes on a whole new meaning in Fremantle. Get your sea legs moving with a stroll through heritage streets filled with fashion, homewares, and speciality goods you won't find anywhere else, like:
- Chart & Map Shop: Freo's iconic peddler of nautical charts, maps, and books and anything else even vaguely related to travel, boating, and the outdoors. An ocean explorer's dream!
- South Beach Boardies: An independent, beach-loving family business that makes eco-friendly boardies from recycled plastic bottles in a range of limited-edition prints. Practical, fun, and the perfect memento of your time in Freo.
- Yacht Grot: Fremantle's ship chandlers since 1985, this specialist store is your go-to for boating accessories, supplies, parts, and other products.
