The Best Places for Sunset Drinks in Fremantle

Australia's west coast is uniquely positioned to enjoy stunning sunsets.

And few places in Perth have more vantage points to enjoy this quintessential experience than Fremantle. Taking in pink and gold hues reflecting over the Indian Ocean, the Western Australian waters are unmissable, ideally with a drink to salute the sun.

The National Hotel

Fremantle's unique charm is in its heritage buildings, and The National Hotel is a showstopper. The restored Federation-style building has been operating since 1886, when it was a popular base during the 19th-century gold rush, and today it remains a popular meeting spot. The four-story property boasts hotel amenities with 12 boutique bedrooms plus multiple bars and dining spaces. But it's The National's rooftop bar that is the star of the show. With its 360-degree views over the rooftops of Fremantle, it's the picture-perfect position to take in the sunset with sea views and the bonus of a decent cocktail and wine list.

Jetty Bar & Eats

As the name suggests, Jetty Bar & Eats is tucked riverside in between the Fremantle Traffic and Stirling Bridges. Still, its unassuming shack-like exterior gives way to a contemporary interior radiating European summer vibes with its raw and whitewashed timber, blue tiles and pastel terrazzo textures. While Jetty offers a seasonal, share-style tapas menu (think sardines on fluffy focaccia and merguez sausage drizzled with lemon), it's hard to go past their pita gyros and sabich. When it comes to drinks, owner and industry veteran Miles Hull leans further into the Euro influence with a wine list that pairs perfectly with their Mediterranean inspired dishes. Nab a seat outside, order a round of Aperol Spritz and enjoy the Swan River at sunset.

Madalena's Boteco & Bar

You'll want to hit Madalena's Boteco & Bar early to get one of the best seats in the house, either on the (soon to open) second-floor bar or street-side. While Madalena's might be newish to the hospitality scene, husband and wife owners Joel Rees and Danielle Christina de Almeida certainly aren't. For six years, they served Brazilian food via food truck Comida do Sul and South American-Asian cuisine from pop-up Coconut Meat. Madalena's is modelled on the neighbourhood botecos in Sao Paulo, where the duo met. The drinks list prides itself on an ever-evolving, curated list of wines you can work through by the glass or bottle with a heady selection of local, national and international varietals (our current fave: the Chouette basket-pressed Grenache from the Swan Valley).

Tradewinds Hotel

Built in 1898, the former Plympton Hotel is still recognisable for its late 19th-century Federation charm, including a tower and dome at the building’s western end. While some original features remain, the refurbed interiors boast a white-on-white coastal luxe aesthetic, breathing a second life into its heritage walls. Now known as the Tradewinds Hotel, its rooftop bar is the place to perch with a sundowner drink, with north-facing views over the Swan River. Settle in on one of the day beds and enjoy the transition to night as the sun sets under festoon lighting with a local craft beer by Gage Roads or from their WA focused wine list.

Running with Thieves

Beachside venue Running with Thieves had a lot to live up to as the follow up to Scott Douglas’ Margaret River brewery, and it certainly delivers. The former warehouse to South Fremantle’s iconic Sealanes fish distributors has been transformed into an industrial-style home for Running with Thieves brewery-distillery-bar operations. Here they brew their eight-core beers alongside a monthly special, as well as distilling their own-brand gin, vodka, rum and whiskey. Come sunset, grab a beer of your choice (we are partial to their tangy Ginger Beer) and hit the benches on Marine Terrace facing South Beach.

Sweetwater Rooftop Bar

Sweetwater’s name might be an allusion to the prohibition period, but these days the drinks flow freely at this rooftop bar. The venue sits on top of Richmond Quarter, which spans the block that once homed the Richmond Picture Theatre. This rooftop vantage point means Sweetwater offers views of the Indian Ocean, Swan River and Fremantle Port and is a popular choice for sunset lovers. The rooftop garden bar offers Hampton style feels in its blue, white and gold styling with cosy banquette and white rattan seating. The cocktail list features the classics (think Cosmos), with a creative selection like Lost in the Clouds, a summer quencher of Vodka, Malibu, coconut, pineapple and coconut foam. Food bites come in Asian-inspired dishes, with Sunday hosting Yum Cha Asian brunch.

Bathers Beach House

Sun on your skin, sand in your toes, sea breeze in your hair and a drink in your hand, Bathers Beach House offers a quintessential summer/sunset experience. The yellow lounge umbrellas of the Bathers Beach bar, the country’s first licensed beach, have become synonymous with Fremantle alfresco drinks offerings ‘the’ place to recline waterside and enjoy service straight to your lounger. The two-story restaurant offers alfresco seating on the patio and balcony for stunning views over the Indian Ocean for those not partial to a sandy setting. While a pub-style menu caters to every taste.

South Beach Green

Who says you need a brick-and-mortar venue to enjoy a sundowner in Fremantle? Grab your picnic of choice and make your way to South Fremantle’s renowned South Beach for a sunset senza the price tag. Grab drinks from Running with Thieves takeaway store and hit up Sealanes Seafood Market next door for a seaside supper - their fish and chips are some of the best in Freo. South Beach is a popular haunt for both locals and those from further afield. Its grassy grounds become a beacon for sunset revellers, including local circus acts with performances that often include fire dancing, plus music courtesy of local Fremantle talent. Summertime sunset swims are mandatory, so bring your cossie. South Beach also offers gazebos and picnic tables if you arrive early enough to nab one.

Photo credit: main image - Bathers Beach House / second image - The National