12 Best Bars In Fremantle | Australian Traveller

If you’ve got a West Coast holiday on your bucket list, be sure to carve out time for a Fremantle bar crawl (or two).

This historic port town dances to its own free-spirited rhythm, with a diverse, captivating and creative community. So it’s little surprise that it’s home to a treasure trove of interesting bars. From intimate gin lounges creating custom G&T’s for each customer, to Chilean-inspired cocktail bars tucked down alleyways, Fremantle has something for every taste. Here are 12 of our favourite bars in Fremantle.

1. Gimlet

Best for: An intimate date.

Situated within the historical Warders Hotel , Gimlet’s square meterage is tiny (about 10 people max) but its gin selection certainly is not.

There’s no menu, simply tell the friendly mixologist behind the bar what sort of botanicals and flavours you like in your gin, sample a few on the nose, and they’ll expertly craft you your own custom G&T.

Address: 19 Henderson Street, Fremantle

Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 7am – 10pm; Fri & Sat 7am – 11pm

2. H&C Urban Winery

Best for: Drinks and snacks with friends.

The only fully operational winery in the metro area, H&C has partnered with top WA winemakers to create an impressive wine list that it serves in its verdant and lively venue. And in true winery style, you can perch yourself at the bar and try a few before you make your choice.

the bar interior of H&C Urban Winery filled with plants — Settle into the lush and relaxed atmosphere at H&C Urban Winery.

Wine novice? Never fear. The menu has categories to help you decipher what you might enjoy e.g. ‘Bright & Clean’, ‘Juicy & Pulpy’, or ‘Bold & Wild’.

the crowded bar of H&C Urban Winery in Fremantle — H&C Urban Winery is a go-to spot for wine lovers.

Address: 181 High St, Fremantle

Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 12pm – 10pm; Fri & Sat 12pm – 12am

3. Wild in the Street

Best for: Cocktails and snacks with friends.

This almost-hidden, blink-and-you-might-miss-it cocktail bar is tucked between a pizzeria and a hotdog shop. Accessed through an alleyway, it opens out into a groovy Chilean-Mediterranean-inspired space serving share plates from the woodfire and seasonal cocktails inspired by the produce in Fremantle.

bottles of spirits on display at Wild in the Street bar in Fremantle — Pick your poison.

Order the Pepperberry Pisco, a local take on the traditional pisco sour with native WA pepperberries.

the bar interior of Wild in the Street — Hit pause on everyday hustle and order a drink or two at Wild in the Street.

Address: 2/388 South Terrace, Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed & Thurs 5pm – 11pm; Fri-Sun 4pm – 11pm

4. Mr Chapple

Best for: Intimate wine dates.

This crafty little bar has a rustic and warm inside bar featuring exposed brick and rich wooden decor as well as a rooftop terrace overlooking the cappuccino strip.

people lining up at the well-lit bar counter of Mr Chapple, Fremantle — Make a beeline for the rustic and warm inside bar at Mr Chapple.

Our favourite part is the rotating wine list, curated monthly by the experts at nearby Old Bridge Cellars – one of Perth’s most-esteemed wine stores.

brunch favourites and coffee on the table at Mr Chapple, Fremantle — Take a bite out of this crafty little bar.

Each month, the Old Bridge aficionados pick a dozen of their top drops to be served at Mr Chapple for the month ahead.

the rustic and wooden dining interior of Mr Chapple — Head to Mr Chapple for brunch and pull up one of the wooden chairs.

Address: 92 South Terrace, Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 8am – 11pm; Fri-Sun 8am – 1am

5. The Flaming Galah

Best for: Quirky cocktails in an inclusive setting.

Fremantle’s first queer bar brings welcoming vibes and a lot of sparkle to Freo.

people dining outside Flaming Galah bar in Fremantle — Pop by The Flaming Galah for a sundowner.

With bright green and white tiling, pink walls adorned with photos of same-sex couples and a bar made entirely out of glitter, it’s worth a trip purely for the decor itself.

a look inside The Flaming Galah bar in Fremantle full of people — Fremantle’s first queer bar is often full house.

But the cocktails happen to be outstanding (and fun) as well. We recommend the Splice Splice Baby, which is coconut rum, spiced rum, watermelon, and pineapple juice.

a glass of cocktail at The Flaming Galah — The Flaming Galah is the perfect spot for the right drink.

Address: 19B Essex Street, Walyalup / Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon, Wed & Thurs 4pm – 11pm; Fri 2pm – 12am; Sat 12pm – 12am; Sun 12pm – 10pm

6. Whisper Wine Bar

Best for: Oenophiles and Francophiles

Perhaps the best-kept secret in Fremantle. Whisper Wine Bar was started by a former Parisian who wanted to bring a little taste of France to Freo. The bar is decidedly French, from the rose-cladded balconies on the bar’s second story, to the food menu that consists of baguette, soft cheese and cured meats.

Cheese board at Whisper Wine Bar in Fremantle, WA — Go for the drinks, stay for the charcuterie.

Address: 1/15 Essex St, Fremantle

Opening hours: Thurs 3.30 – 10pm; Fri & Sat 12 – 10pm; Sun 12 – 9.30pm

7. Jetty Bar & Eats

Best for: A sunny afternoon aperitivo (with your dog)

This riverside venue might look like just a shed from the outside, but inside you’ll find a sharply-designed Mediterranean-inspired space with a uniquely European-flavoured wine list.

the riverside Jetty Bar & Eats perched on the water in Fremantle — Dine by the serene river at Jetty Bar & Eats.

Order the Jetty Aperol Spritz and enjoy the view of the Swan River.

the entrance of Jetty Bar & Eats in Fremantle — Wine in the sun on the charming riverside dining of Jetty Bar & Eats.

Address: 136 Beach Street, Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed, Thurs, Sun 11.30am – 9pm; Fri & Sat 11.20am – 11pm

8. Republic of Fremantle

Best for: Gin lovers.

Republic of Fremantle is an urban distillery in the heart of Fremantle’s west end. Not only do they craft their aromatic gin onsite, they also serve it at their distillery bar and kitchen. Take a seat in the cosy ambience of the Distillery Bar or take in the sunshine Parklet.

Address: 3 Pakenham St, Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon & Tues 11am – 6pm; Wed-Sun 11am – 12am

9. Strange Company

Best for: Wine lovers and small-bar enthusiasts.

One of the best small bars in Perth, Strange Company is a sharp and sophisticated spot for an evening drink – if the mood lighting doesn’t lure you in, the remarkably extensive wine list certainly will.

Address: 5 Nairn St, Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 2pm – 12am; Fri-Sun 12pm – 12am

10. Ronnie Nights

Best for: A late-night drink and dance.

This small bar has nailed effortless cool with its retro decor (including vintage TV sets), dim mood lighting and a revolving door of live music acts. The cocktail specials are music-themed, too – try the Sgt. Pepper, ginger-infused vodka with agave and grapefruit.

people sitting inside a dimly bar at Ronnie Nights — Sit inside the dimly lit bar with a cold pint in hand.

Address: 75/77 Market St, Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 4pm – 12am

11. Honky Tonk Blues

Best for: Country vibes and live music.

Honky Tonk serves up good old-fashioned Southern hospitality in its American-themed bar.

a girl wearing a Mexican hat at the bar counter of Honky Tonk — Honky Tonk is a funky and quirky saloon-style bar in Fremantle.

Sip on whiskey, order 50-cent wings and boot-scoot with friends to the sounds of their house band, The Honky Tonk Heroes.

a hand holding a green drink against a Texas sign at Honky Tonk — Kick it off with a drink of your choice.

Address: 81 High St, Fremantle

Opening hours: Sun & Mon 6pm – 12am; Wed-Sat 6pm – 1am

12. Mrs Brown Bar

Best for: Wine and cheese with a date.

This North Freo institution is an ode to Queen Victoria, and feels very regal indeed with its vintage bell lampshades, retro floral wallpaper and comfy Sheffield couches. In winter you cosy up by the fire with a wine and cheese platter, and in summer head out the back to the leafy courtyard.

Address: 241 Queen Victoria St, North Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 4.30pm – 10pm; Fri & Sat 12pm – 12am; Sun 12pm – 10pm

Looking for somewhere to stay? Check out our guide to the best Fremantle airbnbs.

This remote corner of Australia is one of the world’s last frontiers. This is how to see it properly.

Vast, rugged and deeply spiritual, the Kimberley coast in Australia’s North West feels a world away from everyday Australia – and there are countless ways to explore it. But if you want to reach ancient rock art, hidden gorges and lonely waterfalls, it has to be by boat. Whether you’re aboard a nimble expedition vessel or a luxury yacht with all the trimmings, exploring by the water brings exclusive experiences, shows unique views and makes travel easier than any other mode. And that’s just the beginning of Australia’s North West cruises.

The True North Adventure Cruise in between sandstone cliffs. — Adventure starts where the road ends.

1. Discover Broome, and beyond

Explore your launchpad before you set sail: Broome. Here camels and their riders stride along the 22 kilometres of powdery Cable Beach at sunset. That’s just the start.

At Gantheaume Point, red pindan cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea, whose low tide uncovers fossilised dinosaur footprints. Broome’s pearling history runs deep. Japanese, Chinese, Malay and Aboriginal divers once worked these waters, and their legacy lives on in boutiques where South Sea pearls still shine.

If the moon’s right, you may catch the Staircase to the Moon over Roebuck Bay. Or simply kick back with a cold beverage and a film under the stars at Sun Pictures , screening since 1916.

Ride a camel along Cable Beach as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean, casting golden light across the sand and sea. — Ride a camel along Cable Beach. (Image: Nick Dunn)

2. Unmatched access to The Kimberley

Once you’re onboard, expect a backstage pass to some of the most isolated places on Earth. No roads. No ports. No phone reception.

At Horizontal Falls/ Garaanngaddim, 10-metre tides surge through twin gorges like a natural waterpark ride that’ll make your palms sweat. Then there’s Montgomery Reef/ Yowjab: a giant living platform of coral and seagrass, where the sea pulls back to reveal waterfalls, sea turtles and ospreys.

Up north, King George Falls/ Oomari rage 80 metres down red cliffs. Zodiac boats often nudge in closer so you can feel the spray on your sun-warmed cheeks. You might even fly in to reach Mitchell Falls/ Punamii-unpuu, a four-tiered cascade where you can swim in freshwater pools above the drop.

Come spring, some itineraries veer west to Rowley Shoals: an atoll chain of white sand and reef walls. Then it’s up the winding Prince Regent River to King Cascade/ Maamboolbadda, tumbling over rock terraces, and into a Zodiac to view the Gwion Gwion rock art, whose slender, ochre-painted figures are older than the pyramids.

A cruise drifts beneath King George Falls, where sheer sandstone cliffs frame the thunderous plunge into turquoise waters. — Get closer to the Kimberley than ever before.

3. Taste the Kimberley with onboard hospitality

You might spend your days clambering over slippery rocks or charging past waterfalls. But when you’re back on the water, it’s a different story. Meals are chef-prepared and regionally inspired: grilled barramundi, pearl meat sashimi, mango tarts, and bush tomato chutney. One night it’s barefoot beach barbecues with your shipmates; the next, alfresco dining on the ship.

Small expedition ships each have their own personality, but many carry just 12 to 36 guests, making being out on the water a whole other experience. You might sink into a spa on the foredeck or sip coffee in a lounge while watching crocodiles cruise by. It’s choose-your-own-relaxation, Kimberley style.

4. Expert-led excursions through the Kimberley

These voyages are led by people who know the Kimberley like the back of their sunburnt hand. Attenborough-esque naturalists might gently tap your shoulder to point out rare birds or tell the story beneath a slab of rock. Historians can explain exactly how that rusted World War II relic came to rest here.

If your ship has a helipad, you might chopper straight to a waterfall-fed swimming hole. If not, you’ll still be hopping ashore for that wet landing at a secret creek.

Then come the evenings: songlines shared by Traditional Owners under the stars, or astronomy sessions that link what’s overhead with what’s underfoot and what’s within.

A small group glides through Kimberley’s rugged coastline by boat, passing ancient cliffs. — Explore with naturalists and historians by your side.

5. Relax in luxurious lodgings

Just because you’re off-grid doesn’t mean you have to rough it. These Kimberley vessels are small in size, but mighty in luxury. True North’s ships come with their own helicopters and a no-sea-days policy, so you’re always in the thick of it. Try the luxurious offerings from Ocean Dream Charters for exploration in style. Kimberley Quest offers a fast boat for easy, off-ship adventures. On the larger end of the scale, Coral Expeditions has open-deck bars and curated wine cellars. And then there’s Ponant’s luxury yachts – sleek and incredibly stylish French sailing yachts.

A helicopter soars above the sea, with a sleek cruise ship gliding in the distance. — See the Kimberley from sky to shore.

6. The adventure continues with pre- and post-cruise experiences

You’ve already come this far – so, why not go further? Broome makes it easy to ease in before you board, or wind down when your voyage ends, and there is no reason to stop there.

Head an hour and a half south to Eco Beach to stay off-grid and off the clock. Join a Yawuru guide for a mangrove walk or ocean forage. Dive even deeper into Broome’s pearling past at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay, where divers and craftspeople still pull the seawater-slicked gems from the deep.

If you’re still craving adventure, it’s time to go further. Soar over the Buccaneer Archipelago, or detour inland with a 4WD trip along the Gibb River Road. Book a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles. Or – because you never know when you’ll be back – do all three.

aerial of people walking on eco beach in the kimberley western australia — Stay off grid at Eco Beach. (Image: Tourism WA)

Find out more about your trip to Australia’s North West at australiasnorthwest.com .

12 of the best bars in Fremantle you need to visit