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.

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’.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.