Your Complete Guide To Discovering The New-Look Fremantle This Winter
If you haven’t been to Freo in a while, now is the time to strap on your shiny shoes and set sail for our sister city to the south! While the bohemian, laidback vibes are still there, it has come alive in 2022 with a fresh new attitude – a renaissance, if we do say so ourselves. Filled with bold style and even bigger flavours, it’s ripe for some serious exploration this winter, and with the help of Visit Fremantle we’re here to get you started:
FOMO Freo
This ambitious new project is truly levelling up Freo’s offerings, with a gigantic selection of eateries taking pride of place in the heart of the city: serving up everything from SUKU’s incredible Indonesian fare, sushi from Tokaido, laksa from Yin Yang, Chicago-inspired smashburgers, or legendary Freo ramen-slingers Dosukoi. Top it all off with a refreshing bubble tea from T4, or tempt yourself with a golden, crispy ball of fried ice cream from Fry’d – the Insta-worthy dessert has been taking Perth by storm since their humble beginnings as a pop up and market stall.
It’s the perfect spot to work up an appetite before a visit to one of FOMO’s Funlab – home to Strike bowling, B. Lucky & Sons arcade bar and a round or two at Holey Moley.
Walyalup Koort
Adjacent to the new FOMO Freo district is Walyalup Koort – the huge, vibrant development has reignited Fremantle’s centre with its bright, modern take on the traditional town square. Walyalup is the Nyoongar name for an area including Fremantle and Koort means heart, and this fantastic new open area features an epic playground for the little ones along with the revamped Walyalup Civic Centre, which just won a bevy of prestigious architecture awards. A landmark to be enjoyed by all, you’ll find a modern library, exhibition spaces and more – make sure to pop into the new visitor centre as well, staffed by Freo fanatics that know all the ins and outs of the city and all the new and exciting spots to check out!
Jetty Bar & Eats
We awaited the opening of the aptly-named Jetty with baited breath, and we definitely weren’t alone. The sun-drenched bar is dishing up a refreshing roster of drinks, highly snackable eats and even better vibes – all in a gorgeous waterside location.
Wild in the Street
The crew behind South Freo fave La Cabaña have extended down the road to a pumping new bar, Wild In The Street. Dishing up the same good vibes that make their taqueria (and their OG food truck, Eat No Evil) such a reliable spot, you can expect delicious wood-fired snacks and plenty of cocktails.
The Old Courthouse
Fremantle’s full of unique bars, but the Old Courthouse has to be at the top of the list. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail in the lovingly restored 122 year old courthouse, or soak up the winter sun with a bevvy in hand in their beautiful beer garden.
Sana
If you’re looking for big flavour, look no further than Sana. Boasting street food and cocktails, the Middle Eastern eatery is one of Market Street’s newest additions. Dive into a smokey bowl of baba ganoush, or that slow braised lamb – perfect for a chilly winter’s night.
Good Things
Good Things was already a firm favourite for the Mossie Park massive, so news they were venturing south was welcomed with gusto. Having taken over the former Attic site on Bannister Street, you can expect some of the café’s most popular menu items (like their signature chicken and hotcakes or chilli scramble), now in that iconic Brian Klopper building.
Chicho
Ok, this one might be a little premature, but such is our excitement we can’t wait to tell you all about another new Freo addition. Following a summer-long Bicton pop-up, Northbridge’s cult new-wave gelateria Chicho Gelato is permanently taking up residence in Freo. Their second store is due to open next week, perched proudly at number 1 Cantonment Street – temptingly close to Peggy’s for a post-sammie scoop. (A dip under that decadent, tantalising chocolate fountain is an absolute must – especially when you’re indulging in a winter scoop!)
Little French Nest
Get a petit taste of Paris at Little French Nest. The charming café only opened at the start of the year, but has earned legions of fans already with its decadent crêpes, croque monsieurs, home baked pastries and other French treats that will have you saying “ooh la la!” in no time.
Wear + Wares
Sister store to former Wray Ave stalwart Pekho, Wear + Wares is a wonderfully curated treasure trove of goodies – from an easy breezy wardrobe overhaul to hand made body products or a gift for the person who has everything, they’ve got you covered.
Ocean Remedy
Just because the weather is cooler doesn’t mean you can’t go for a dip – and you deserve some nifty new swimmers to do it in! Ocean Remedy make stylish swimwear, utilising regenerated nylon fibre and working in collaboration with STOP! Microwaste Pollution – so you can feel as groovy as you’ll look.
Harbour Plants
As if the South Freo strip needed any more charm, Harbour Plants arrived! Squished between Madalena’s and La Cabaña, the locally owned garden centre will have your thumb looking green in no time. Specialising in native and waterwise plants, make sure you pick up a delicious La Paleta icey pole on the way out.
Underdog Store
If you’re into streetwear, Underdog is a must-visit. Channel your inner Michael Jordan with some ‘90s NBA threads – or check out their hard-to-find vintage NFL, NHL, MLB and College sportswear.
Gage Roads Freo
The long-awaited Gage Roads brewpub is breathing life into Freo’s A Shed. As well as the brewery’s signature frothies, you can feast on vibrant coastal flavours, perfectly matched to the refreshing sea breeze. Bring the whole family – there’s plenty of grommet-sized snacks for little ones, plus a playground that features a retired crayboat and a ’60s Land Cruiser for kids to scramble over.
Neighbourhood Sauna at South Beach
There’s nothing more appealing in the cooler weather than getting into a hot sauna – but what about if you can appreciate the wild winter ocean at the same time? South Terrace’s Neighbourhood Sauna has expanded their steamy offerings with a pop up at South Beach, utilising a state of the art traditional Finnish sauna which will have you feeling rejuvenated in no time.
Kidogo Arthouse Soiree
Enjoy a magical winter feast at the stunning Kidogo Arthouse’s returning Winter Candlelit Soirées. The 19th century limestone gallery is perched right on the unique Bathers Beach foreshore, and between July and September will be host to a series of intimate dinners and musical performances by local artists.
Fremantle Winter Music Festival
Lovers of local independent music RTRFM are taking over North Freo this coming weekend (June 25) with its annual Winter Music Festival. The festival will take place across four venues, each featuring its own distinct musical stylings from some of WA’s best musicians – from acoustic sets at the Swan Lounge, indie pop fun at Port Beach Brewery, hip hop and soul at historic venue Mojos, plus heavy indie soundscapes at the Swan Basement.
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Fremantle Tours
If you prefer to have a guiding hand, let Fremantle Tours show you the ropes. The Freo locals know every nook and cranny of the city, from finding the coolest street art, exploring Freo’s diverse history plus the best spots for a snack along the way.
Start planning your next Fremantle adventure via the Visit Fremantle Website.
Header Image Credit: Tashi Hall
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This article is sponsored by City Of Fremantle and very happily endorsed by us. Please see our Editorial Policy for more info.