We delve into the top pubs and breweries in the port city of Fremantle.

As the home of the iconic Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle means business when it comes to beer brewing. So, as you would expect, the town has plenty of great breweries and pubs to choose from. Whether you’re a craft connoisseur after a classic tasting experience or simply want to enjoy a drink in an ambient venue at the end of the day, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Here are eight of the best breweries and pubs to try in Fremantle.

1. Little Creatures

An iconic venue for WA, Little Creatures Fremantle is where it all started for this legendary brewery. The Fremantle location welcomes visitors from far and wide every day. Grab a pale ale and a pizza and soak in the brewery ambience, or wander into the oceanfront backyard to enjoy your beer and nosh in the sunshine. The beer comes direct from serving tanks pumped straight from the brewery, so it doesn’t get any fresher.

Address: 40 Mews Road, Fremantle.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am – 11pm; Sun 11am – 10pm.

2. Calamity’s Rod

In the heart of Fremantle, the people behind the Hougoumont Hotel (one of Fremantle’s best hotels) took a bit of their car park and built a dedicated craft nano-brewery out of shipping containers. But don’t worry, it’s not restricted to hotel guests only – Calamity’s is open to the public.

They produce a small range of high-quality beers from classics to new-wave brews and have a constantly evolving extra list of ‘experimental’ beers.

On Fridays, guests can meet the owners-slash-brewers – twin brother duo Dan and Geoff – to tour the brewery and go deep into the chemistry of their boutique beer operation. And on Saturdays, they pop a DJ into their courtyard to provide jukebox jams while you enjoy your ice-cold drink.

Address: 15 Bannister Street, Fremantle.
Opening hours: Wed, Thurs and Sun 4pm – 9pm; Fri and Sat 4pm – 11pm.

3. Union Brewery and Distillery

Union Brewery and Distillery is located within the uber-hip Sunshine Harvester Works food hall. Enjoy a drink from their rotating roster of handcrafted beers – they have 12 taps in total – or a spirit like their Bellwether Whisky, Beacon Gin and Union Limoncello. Pair it with some of the local vendors’ burgers, dumplings, pizza, gelato or Asian street food.

Address: 7 Phillimore Street, Fremantle.
Opening hours: Wed and Thurs 5pm – 10pm; Fri and Sat 5pm – 10.30pm; Sun 5pm – 8pm.

4. The National

The beautifully restored National Hotel is a pub and one of the best hotels set in the heart of Fremantle. Its ground floor is a beautifully restored heritage venue with live music, a wide selection of drinks and a relaxed alfresco area that spills onto the historic cafe strip.

Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers sprawling 360 views to Rottnest and over the port – a great spot for an evening sunset drink.

Address: 98 High St, Fremantle.
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 11am – 11.45pm; Thurs-Sat 11am – 1am; Sun 7.30am – 11.45am.

5. The Local

Located a short walk from South Beach, The Local is quite literally a pub for everyone, boasting three different ‘mini bars’ with different atmospheres. Grab a pint in the front bar or alfresco tables, a Yamazaki on ice in the Whiskey Bar or a glass of wine in the Garage Bar (which has a kid’s corner to keep the little ones entertained).

Address: 282 South Terrace, Fremantle.
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11am – 10.30pm; Fri 11am – 12am; Sat 9am – 12am; Sun 9am – 10pm.

6. The Old Courthouse

Kids and dogs will have as much fun as the grown-ups (and humans) at this welcoming pub.

The Old Courthouse has sprawling grass to run around on, toys and a sandpit, and little family members will be entertained while adults enjoy a local beer or wine listening to live music.

Hot tip: their happy hour runs from 5 – 6pm Monday to Friday and features $6 pints and wines.

Address: 45 Henderson Street, Fremantle.
Opening hours: Tues and Wed 12pm – 10pm; Thurs – Sun 12pm – 12am.

7. Beerpourium

If you’re serious about beer, you have to visit Fremantle’s Beerpourium. Located in the heart of Fremantle on the famous cappuccino strip, this pub showcases the ever-evolving variety and quality of Australian craft beer.

It has a constantly rotating roster of beer taps to bring visitors the latest and freshest beers on the market. Plus, they have a woodfired food menu featuring classics like pizzas and parmis, as well as less-common things like lamb gozleme and woodfire-baked Brie with chilli jam.

Address: 13 South Terrace, Fremantle.
Opening hours: Thurs 4pm – 12am; Fri and Sat 11am – 12am; Sun 11am – 9pm.

8. The Left Bank

The Left Bank – or The Lefty, as it is affectionately referred to by locals – is a Fremantle institution. The riverside location, the open courtyard overlooking the water and the laid-back vibes make it the perfect place to unwind with a beer, wine or cocktail.

It’s especially enjoyable come 4pm when the courtyard becomes drenched in the afternoon setting sun. They often have live music in the garden, and parts of the venue are also dog-friendly.

Address: 15 Riverside Road, East Fremantle.
Opening hours: Mon – Thurs and Sun 11am – 11pm; Fri and Sat 11am – 11.30pm.