Summer Evenings in Fremantle
Summer has arrived! Balmy evenings call for seaside nibbles or a rooftop view of the sunset. Take a slow stroll around the heritage streets of Freo, searching for cute boutiques and bars. The city comes alive at this time of year. Don't miss it. THIS IS SUMMER.
1. Experience a legendary Fremantle beach sunset
Image: Sun going down over the Indian Ocean at Coast Port Beach, North Fremantle
Hit the beaches at sundown – and not just because the sand is cool enough to walk on. Find your spot on the limestone wall at South Beach or the decking at Bathers Beach. If you want to lounge on a deckchair on the sand, Bather's Beach House will sort the refreshments. In North Fremantle, Coast Port Beach offers a gorgeous view. Leighton Beach is a 2 minute walk from the train and after sundown you can find yourself a delicious meal or a drink at Bib & Tucker, Al Lupo, Mrktspace, or Palette Fremantle.
2. Soak up summer carnival FUNMANTLE vibes!
Get amongst the carnival atmosphere during the cooler afternoons and evenings when FUNMANTLE comes to town over five jam-packed days (Wednesday 17 – Sunday 21 January). Experience the exhilarating and whimsical inner-city fairground, as well as sideshow games and other surprises at ride locations. It's carnival fun for all ages in Fremantle this summer holidays! Book your tickets now to get 6 rides for only $5+bf.
3. Feel the sea breeze, with an epic view
Image: The light of the sunset on Madalena's at South Fremantle
With the heat gone from the day, go high at one of Freo’s elevated vantage points. Maybe it’s the funfair vibe of the Fremantle Tourist Wheel, or the fresh-air eyrie that is the Sail and Anchor’s wide veranda. At the National Hotel’s rooftop bar you get both sunset and portside views, along with festive, resort-style cocktails in the open air. Upstairs at Madalena’s, the concertina picture windows let the good times and the sea breeze in.
4. Embrace the classic 'fish 'n chips'
Image: Bathers Beach House, Fishing Boat Harbour
Fish and chips taste like holidays! If a South Beach sunset is your end game, the fish tacos at Sealanes are hard to go past. At Fishing Boat Harbour, Kailis and Cicerello’s cover off every pescetarian option in a glittering waterfront setting. Twin Fin is equally handy to Bathers Beach.
5. Al fresco dining might have been invented for Fremantle nights
Image: Busy al fresco area at Gage Roads
Whether it’s an iced latte, a casual feed or a crisp white, the options for taking it outside are legion. The Iberian-inspired cocina, Sailing for Oranges, has a covered front courtyard fronting the bustle of South Terrace. Its sister venue, Emily Taylor, has a limestone-walled courtyard redolent with Asian flavours. Dinner on the broad La Sosta deck gives a true (Italian) holiday vibe, and the outdoor areas at Calamity’s Rod, Strange Company, Gage Roads, Percy Flint, La Cabana, Gypsy Tapas and the Old Courthouse are all perfect for cradling something cold in the balmy night air. Get a white-shuttered Mediterranean vibe at Patio Bar.
6. Discover 'just one more' book for your summer reading pile
Image: Browsing New Edition bookstore
One of the joys of a night time wander around Freo is that you’ll invariably find a bookshop open. Find a surprise new favourite in the welcoming aisles of New Edition or Elizabeth’s Bookshop.
7. Finish with something sweet
Image: Chicho Gelato. Photo credit: Duncan Wright
Summer nights are made for ice cream, when it’s less likely to melt down your arm. Fremantle has all the ice cream and gelato options you could dream of - Chicho Gelato, Gelatissimo, Swan River Gelato, Fry’d, Ben & Jerry’s or try the novel artisan flavours at Stampede at Sunshine Harvester, or the craft offerings at Kuld Creamery – which has delicious vegan options.
