With so many historic buildings around the city, it was always going to be the case that a fair few of them would be pubs. Pubs – taken from 'public house' - are a great Australian institution, a place where the town gets together. There is always something happening in Fremantle's pubs, including: happy hours, dinner specials, live music, open mic, trivia and quiz nights. And since so many of them are housed in heritage buildings they're also a great place to get a feel for the Fremantle of yesteryear.
The Federal Hotel, once touted as one of the most beautiful buildings in the early colony, is a great place to have a pint and burger, surrounded by a sense of old-world grandeur. If you're taking a trip into town, you can't miss the National Hotel with its grand visage and four stories. Its wraparound balcony also gives you a great vantage point to watch the life of the city.
Overlooking the Esplanade Reserve, you'll find the Ball & Chain. Its name alludes to the fact that the building was used to house the first convicts in Fremantle. Now it houses one of Fremantle's best bourbon lounges, with a floor-to-ceiling spirit library.
The Bar Orient Hotel is a laid-back venue with a sports and live music focus. Built in 1903 it still retains its original charm and is the perfect pub to play a game of pool. If you are a fan of craft beer, head to the Sail and Anchor. They boast about having 40 cold taps, three hand pumps and four bars. On top of all of that, they have the best location in the city, with a balcony overlooking the Cappuccino Strip and The Fremantle Markets.
The Newport Hotel offers American food and five bars, including a Polynesian tiki bar. It's the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Not far away, the Norfolk Hotel is known for its magnificent limestone-walled alfresco courtyard, great food and craft beers.
While you are checking out Fremantle's pubs, don't forget to visit the east end, where you can find the Australia Hotel and Clancy's Fish Pub. The latter also serves up live music and is a great place to take the whole family with its outdoor grassed area.
Over the bridge, discover the Railway Hotel, ground-zero for tribute bands and where Fremantle's blue collars still go for a beer, and the Swan Hotel and Basement, a place well-known for its live nights and broad taste in music.
If you are heading down to South Fremantle, be sure to check out the wonderful atmosphere and cool vibes at The Local Hotel. They have a public bar, a whisky bar and a converted garage bar. Almost at the ocean you can find the South Beach Hotel where you can discover some traditional pub food and a pint within walking distance of the beach.