So many reasons to Visit Fremantle, why stop at one?

Whether you’re a local, seasoned traveller or first-time visitor, there’s always a reason (or two) to visit Fremantle.

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It was named in Time Magazine’s Top 50 Extraordinary Destinations in the world to explore in 2022, as well as Top 30 Destinations in the world to visit by Lonely Planet. With retail, hospitality, events and scenery – there’s always more than one good reason to visit Fremantle.

Reinvigorated by the Fremantle International Street Arts Festival over the Easter long weekend, and bursting at the seams with new venues – we thought we’d round up some of our new faves and a few old haunts to encourage you to visit Fremantle.

Share your travels with @VisitFremantle & #thisisfremantle, or give them a follow for more suggestions on how to spend your time port side.

VIN POPULI

A new face with an old soul. Vin Populi, already dubbed ‘Vin’ by the locals, has settled into the old home of the Roma Cucina – a Freo institution. The menu presented on a central chalkboard, rather than the usual paper versions, is updated daily with seasonal produce and whatever Fremantle Harbour’s fishing boats have caught that day. Think Italian flavours meet WA fare.

PATIO FREO

Freo folk doing things for Freo folk. Co-owners Max Kordyl of Piggy Food Co, Kim Isaac of Mrs Brown and Madalena’s, and Rhela Belton know the crowd they’re serving. Styled as a home away from home for the locals, it’s the perfect venue to stroll into on an evening to indulge in small and independently produced drinks, the odd guest chef experience and plenty of tunes. Uncomplicated good times guaranteed. Plus, pooches are welcome – Elsie-friendly means Detail-friendly.

AL LUPO

When beach and bar meet, you get Al Lupo. With views across to Leighton Beach, it makes sense that the menu stars seafood – think oysters, scallops, octopus and good tinned fish. But that’s not all, with plenty of other thoughtful dishes and a curated drinks list to boot. A popular summer-time haunt, we’re just as excited for winter dining – there’s something charming about being well fed, quenched and warm while watching a storm roll in over the ocean.

LA LUNE

French fare without the flights. La Lune on George Street is a Parisienne-style café, bar and bistro… oui oui! While we’re hands-on with the food menu choices, there’s nothing better than leaving it up to the staff to recommend an excellent drop to accompany the meal. We’re yet to have a recommendation we don’t love.

They also recently opened a private dining room ‘Le salon privé’ – the perfect space for birthday celebrations, wine tastings and special events.

KULD CREAMERY

Make the most of a warm Perth Autumn arvo or treat yourself post-dinner with a scoop of Mati & Kaitlyn Kuld’s artisanal North American style ice-cream. A new menu each month means there’s reason to come again and again.

Wholesomely homemade and with options for all – including vegan ice creams, cookie sandwiches and take-away containers. Can’t get to Freo, we’ll let you off this time… you can also check out Kuld at their Rottnest and Northbridge stores.

STRANGE COMPANY

If you know Detail, you know we love Strange. Nothing beats a post-work wander down to the bar, tasty tipple in one hand and Strange fry in the other. Or try something new off their latest menu.

If you’re looking for something special, keep an eye out for their Small Parcels dinner series – a chance to bring together wine pairing and fine dining, spotlighting epic local producers. On Sundays, treat your ears to the smoothest jazz in town, kicking off at 4 pm every Sunday for a reliably good time.

REPUBLIC OF FREMANTLE

If savouring delicious food and beverages sounds like your idea of a good time, then head down to Pakenham Street and into the Republic of Fremantle. Named Bar of the Year at the 2022 WA Good Food Guide Awards, they’re award-winning for a reason.

Almost three years in the making, they’ve recently opened a still-side restaurant dining space. The new dining menu heroes open flame cooking by Head Chef Emily Jones. Complementing the food are fun and fabulous drink creations by Head Bartender Max Giudice.

Vin Populi
11 High Street, Fremantle
Open 7 days, till late

Patio Freo
4/3-13 Essex Street, Fremantle
Open Wednesday to Sunday, till late

Al Lupo
25 Leighton Beach Boulevard, North Fremantle
Open 7 days, 12 – 10 pm

La Lune
73 George Street, East Fremantle
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am – 10 pm

Kuld Creamery
11 Essex Street, Fremantle
Open 7 days, midday till 10 pm

Strange Company
5 Nairn St, Fremantle
Open 7 days, till late

Republic of Fremantle
3 Pakenham Street, Fremantle
Open Wednesday to Sunday, till late

Word: Alice Hamilton

Imagery: Detail MC