The best things to do in East Fremantle
We all love Freo, but what about its neighbour to the east? Here are just a few of our favourite spots in the 6158.
EAT & DRINK
Jetty Bar & Eats
We were holding on with bated breath for the long-awaited opening of Jetty, aptly named for its position on Freo’s East Street Jetty – and we haven’t been disappointed in the years since. Sunshine, fine wine, good times, and even better eats.
126 Beach Street
La Lune
East Fremantle has gained a slice of Parisian glamour with the opening of La Lune. One part bright and eclectic, one part sultry and romantic, the all-day bistro is enticing diners with classics like steak frites, salade niçoise, or breakfast-ready tartines. We even dedicated a whole article to their all-time crab vol-au-vents.
71-75 George Street
Young George Bar + Kitchen
A neighbourhood wine bar, kitchen and bottle shop? Any time we hear that combination, you can count us in – and Young George is no different. A globally inspired menu designed to share with mates is pretty tantalising, but add in a cellar of this calibre, plus a low waste approach, and we’re totally sold.
48 George Street
Ethos Deli + Dining Room
As if Young George wasn’t enough, the team has ventured down the road to open up Ethos – a zero-waste, Eastern European-leaning neighbourhood deli and dining room. House made charcuterie and small goods and killer sarnies are just the tip of the iceberg, with the bar’s offerings just as exciting a prospect.
88 George Street
Duke of George
Freo and blues go together like bread and butter – so the Duke of George just makes sense. Nestled in the lower levels of the historic Brush Factory (itself converted into a creative hub), you won’t be able to resist having a boogie – or their New Orleans inspired fare. Doesn’t a whiskey sour sound good right about now?
135 George Street
Lo Presti and Son
First established in 1932, before moving to East Fremantle in 1964, Lo Presti and Son are some OGs when it comes to continental delis. You won’t be able to go past its charming, very Freo shopfront filled with wooden crates and olive oil cans. Not only do these guys do a ripper conti, but you can get it (and their antipasto trays!! We think that warrants an extra exclamation point…) delivered via UberEats.
170 Canning Highway
Eugene’s Pizzeria
We consider it a personal failure that we didn’t make it to Eugene’s Pizzeria sooner. This neighbourhood pizza spot is slinging pies six nights a week that are unpretentious yet high-quality. We’re talking 72-hour fermented dough and local ingredients – and what’s better about a pizza than that?! If you’re there earlier in the day, stop by the takeaway window for a coffee on the go and a loaf of freshly baked bread.
133 George Street
Plympton’s Coffee
While you’re strolling through East Freo, taking in all the heritage buildings and general charm of the neighbourhood, you’ll obviously need to fuel up… Make sure you stroll past Plympton’s for your morning cuppa. This hole-in-the-wall coffee spot is serving up quality brews and even better vibes.
99 Hubble Street
The Left Bank
Pub on the waterfront? There’s no better place to while away an afternoon – and the Left Bank is one of the originals. Set in a historic building that dates back to 1900, the popular pub is a must-visit to soak up the relaxed East Freo vibes and take in the river view.
15 Riverside Road
Tradewinds Hotel
Down the road and up the hill from The Left Bank lies the Tradewinds Hotel, another historic riverside pub that’s undergone a bit of a revamp in recent times to help you enjoy epic views of Freo’s beloved port. Soak up the Freo sun with a pint or two, indulge in their all-day dining or make a weekend of it with a stay in one of their spacious rooms.
1 Sewell Street
8 Knots
A relatively new edition to the list, 8 Knots resides right on the Swan River and offers relaxed riverside dining the whole family can enjoy. Their menu is a little more modern-leaning than some of the other classic pubs around town, but you won’t be complaining after you’ve inhaled some Japanese Popcorn Chicken, Pork Croquettes or a big ole chicken parmi.
110 Riverside Road
May St Larder
One of the OG new school cafes around East Freo, May Street Larder’s all day menu is hard to go past, with a raft of enticing options when it comes to your leisurely weekend brunch – including one of Perth’s first chicken and waffles on offer. The light and airy interior makes it a popular stop in year-round, so make sure you book ahead.
Unit 23/155 Canning Hwy
Salsa Rossa
We can go for an Italian feast any day of the week – and Salsa Rossa is pretty hard to pass up. The modern Italian menu is pared-back, yet full of crowd-pleasers: think Shark Bay scallops and pancetta, beef carpaccio, or oven roasted pork belly with cauliflower puree and kale. Sat next to the open fire, with a glass of wine? Big vibes.
77 George Street
Sweetwater Rooftop Bar
This lusciously green rooftop bar’s Asian-inspired share plates pair well with a tasty cocktail selection and river views. For $65, you can be treated to a smorgasbord of chef’s choices, with menu highlights including lots of moreish dumplings, crispy miso chicken, and smoked and caramelised sticky lamb ribs. Sweetwater also have some dangerously tantalising cocktail specials, plus an eight-course yum cha on Sunday that is for the history books.
Level 6/1 Silas Street
Little Fire
Little Fire is your new home away from home. Tucked inside a charming weatherboard cottage on George Street, it’s a warm and welcoming, unpretentious neighbourhood spot with something for everyone. The menu ranges from plates perfect for sharing alongside a glass of wine (like paté or grilled Italian sausage), to pub favourites like fish and chips, burgers and chicken parmi – as well as a few unexpected highlights, like fish tacos or a daily rotating dumpling.
125 George Street
Me Me Joans Coffee
Another cute hole-in-the-wall, if you find yourself a little further north, Me Me Joans can fuel you up – whether you’re post workout or just passing by. By the team behind Boom Fitness, you’ll find not only some quality coffee, but nutritious snacks (and some more indulgent treats, too!).
155 Canning Highway
Cool Beans
This sweet little coffee window is perfectly situated for a dose of caffeine before a day adventuring on the river! Cool Beans is about as close as you can get to the river without your toes getting wet, and alongside their coffees, they’re serving up a selection of snacks to accompany the requisite dolphin-spotting.
75 Riverside Road
Nourish Me Wholefoods
You can’t miss Nourish Me’s charming blue exterior – and you definitely won’t want to miss what’s inside! This store and café offers up a range of home-made wholefood treats, from pretty-as-a-picture baked goodies and delicious coffees, nourishing soups to pantry staples to take home with you.
38 George Street
Hubble’s Yard
In the early days of August of 2022, it looked like Hubble’s Yard had met its match, with the family-run business set to permanently close their doors… Less than a month later, the community rallied around the business and they found a new home just a few doors down from their original location. Flanked by George Street’s stunning jacarandas out the front, and a row of fuchsia bougainvilleas out the back, this sweet neighbourhood café has got all the long-time favourites on lock.
76 George Street
The Cool Room
Okay, this is technically in Fremantle, but The Cool Room is pretty much, practically in East Freo. At the crossroads of two suburban streets, next to vintage store Old Values, it’s hard not to feel pretty charmed by the mish-mash of retro Formica tables, plants and brightly coloured umbrellas. It’s as unpretentious as they come, yet out of their tiny kitchen they manage to serve up unpretentious breakfasts that can rival Perth’s best.
Shop 2/114 Holland Street, Fremantle
SEE, DO, SHOP
Floral Army
One of our favourite florists, Floral Army’s dreamy store practically demands a visit. Their blooms manage to be both soft and contemporary, with a curated range of indoor plants if you want something that will last a bit longer, as well as a stylish range of gifts on offer than will really make someone feel special. Stuck in the office? Don’t worry – these guys deliver, too.
1/37 Sewell Street
Savvy Brands
After spending so much time in the house in track pants, we can’t be the only ones feeling like we need a wardrobe overhaul? Right? Anyone? Luckily Savvy Brands stock some gorgeous designer labels out of their George Street store – think Bec + Bridge, Atoir, Sir, Viktoria & Woods and much more. Don’t worry though, if you’re still in tracky dack mode, they also stock luxurious loungewear label The Lullaby Club, and will even have your digs smelling lush with the very chic This Is Incense.
80 George Street
Atelier On George
Atelier on George’s M.O. is all about understated elegance. Stocking local and international ethical designers of clothing, accessories, homewares, beauty and more that are oh-so-cool and carefree, whether it’s F. Miller face oil, Maison Louis Marie perfume, a Deiji studios robe, or a 90s inspired Silk Laundry slip. With this kit out, you’ll be a part of the stylish George Street set in no time.
78 George Street
Harpers Emporium
Speaking of luxury… Harpers Emporium know it like the back of their well-manicured hands. With a beautifully curated collection of luxury labels like Transit, Lily & Lionel, American Vintage and many more, you’ll be feeling (and looking!) a million bucks. You’ll be smelling a million bucks, too – Harpers Emporium have an impressive selection of fragrances from exclusive international parfumeries. Ooh la la!
Shop B, 88 George Street
Manusa Organic Beauty + Spa
With all this shopping, you’ll probably be ready for some relaxation, too. Manusa Organic Beauty and Spa will be the salve to any stress, with aromatherapy, deep tissue and reflexology massages, full body scrubs and wraps, facials and more treatments on offer – all accompanied, of course, by their very own organic skincare range, Eminence.
130B George Street
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Alchemy Saunas
Alchemy Saunas is a Perth-based company now operating Australia-wide, bringing the benefits of saunas to businesses, individuals and the general public with their unique designs operating in unique locations. You may have noticed their first few public locations around Perth at Point Walter, East Fremantle, and most recently right on Port Beach in North Fremantle, with more to come.
128 George Street, East Fremantle
East Fremantle Heritage Trail
It’s hard to ignore the rich historical architecture of East Freo, and luckily there’s an easy way to find out more! Take a stroll through the three kilometre East Fremantle Heritage Trail and discover more about the history of the area, with interactive QR codes available for you to scan throughout.
George Street Festival
Want to get all your eating, drinking, shopping and exploring in one? Although they had to press pause for a couple of years, they’ve been back up and running for the last couple of summers – and the George Street Festival is well and truly back and better than ever! Taking place on the first Sunday in December, the community event will be a celebration of everything fantastic about East Freo – with artisan food stalls, wares, music and family friendly activities. Keep an eye on their Facebook page HERE for updates.
Cover image: The Left Bank