Dog-Friendly Freo

It's not always easy to find places (aside from the park or the beach) to catch up with friends with your four-legged bestie in tow. Or to escape the guilt of leaving them home without you.

Thankfully, we've put our nose to the ground and sniffed out some of Fremantle's more stylish spots that will welcome you and your fur babies.

Ootong & Lincoln

If you've ever walked past this funky café in South Freo, you'll see by the row of outdoor tables filled with people and pups that this is the paw-fect place to grab a coffee and a bite to eat. While delicious cakes from the counter and brunch items like Shakshuka or Wild Mushroom Bruschetta will keep us humans happy, doggie-treats and doting staff will ensure our pups are suitably spoiled at Ootong & Lincoln.

Old Courthouse

The verdict is out! This new bar in one of Fremantle's most historic buildings gets our vote for one of the port city's best spots to chow down with Fido and friends. With its tasty pub fare, extensive drinks list, and plenty of outdoor space in the leafy garden, Old Courthouse is a venue in central Freo worth finding. Featuring a glass-enclosed pavilion, timber decking, and sandstone walls, the courtyard garden blends the old and new and will have you sitting pretty beneath the Peppermint trees on sun-filled afternoons.

Ginger Morris

We all love a spot of shopping with our pals, but the added advantage of doing so at this gorgeous clothes and homewares boutique in South Fremantle is that you don't have to leave your best one waiting at the door. Dog-loving owner Sophie Morris understands that locals love taking their furry friends everywhere. As long as they're well-behaved, your pup can browse the shelves and clothes racks of Ginger Morris along with you to help you hunt down that designer or vintage item.

Strange Company

You know you'll always be in good company at Strange Company. This stylish small bar on Nairn Street is the heart of Freo, just off the Cappucino Strip, and is perfect for soaking up those good weekend vibes or for after-work drinks with mates. It's a backstreet gem that's a favourite with locals with its attractive courtyard and open-style bar, with plenty of room to welcome our furry friends. Offering tasty Mediterranean share plates, creative cocktails and craft beer, come Sunday afternoons for live jazz over a vino or two.

Gage Roads

What's more West Aussie than drinking beer with your mates in a brewpub overlooking the Indian Ocean? Its prime position at the A Shed overlooking Fremantle's port is the perfect spot to gather in the late afternoon or watch the sunset as iconic container ships pass by. Bring your kelpie along to join in the fun – or any dog, really. On-lead doggos are welcome in all the outdoor alfresco areas. And while the human gang are busy enjoying local seafood and wood-fired oven pizzas with the range of Gage Roads beers, your pups won't miss out – as there are complimentary doggie treats from the bar.

Two Dogs Laughing

The name says it all, really. You and your pals will be grinning from ear to ear when you introduce them to this hidden café / restaurant / live music space tucked inside a warehouse in Fremantle's Stack Street. After being greeted by the four-legged maitre d', Boncie, you'll enjoy delicious sweets and hearty, inventive dishes full of local, native and Middle Eastern flavours by the chef, Elizabeth Peasley.

Elizabeth's Bookshop

What's better than browsing books on a lazy afternoon in Freo? Browsing books with your doggo, of course! Let them lead you down the aisles of one of Fremantle's best and most beloved bookshops to sniff out a new, second-hand or out-of-print treasure from their incredible range. Centrally located with one on South Terrace, opposite icon cafe Gino's, and a larger space on Queen Victoria Street, Elizabeth's Bookshop is the perfect place for paws to pause when out on a leisurely Freo walk.

David Giles Art Gallery

Does your pup appreciate the finer things in life? If so, why not bring them with you and your art-loving crew to David Giles Art Gallery on Fremantle's High Street. You and your pup can peruse David's work, including abstract and impressionist landscape paintings, or the work of up to 30 other West Australian artists. Want to get your paws dirty? Dogs are welcome to be creative with you at David's art classes, too, held at Studio Eleven on Captain's Lane.

Propeller

With its doggy treats, enclosed courtyard and adjoining public lawn area, Propeller ticks our box as one of the best places to take our pups out for lunch or dinner. This modern Middle Eastern restaurant dishes out delicious dishes options with the likes of lamb, almond and spiced rice pie; smoky eggplant salad; and grilled fish with pistachio tabouleh. Located in the heart of North Fremantle, on Queen Victoria Street, it's the perfect spot for people-watching and ideal for a lively gathering with friends.

Twisted Tulip

Take some time out to smell the flowers (literally) at Twisted Tulip. Whether to catch up with friends, buy a bouquet, get a gift or linger over a latte, you'll be surrounded by lovely greenery, pretty petals and some of the most scented scenery in South Freo. And being a dog-friendly florist, Fido or Fifi can sit happily at your heels while you all enjoy a sweet or savoury snack.

Common Ground Collective

If there's one thing you can guarantee everyone has in common at Common Ground Collective, it's that everyone here loves dogs! Pop by with your pals and pup to this cool clothing, art and homewares boutique on High Street, where you'll be greeted eagerly at the door by loveable resident greyhound Spud. Solely stocking goods by WA-based, owned, and operated artisans, you will enjoy a fun afternoon of retail therapy whilst supporting local businesses – it's enough to get our tails wagging!

Freo Doggie Treats

While in the West End, make time to pop across the road from Common Ground Collective to grab a Freo Doggie Treat. These healthy delicious doggie biscuits are handmade for your four-legged bestie by Maya, inspired by Koa. And available from Breaks Fremantle at 85 High Street.

And that's not all! Add Clancy's, Little Creatures, La Cabana, The Local and Who's Your Mumma to the list. And don't forget the Fremantle Markets, too. Paws n More at store no 29 in the markets cater for fashion-conscious pets of all shapes and sizes.

Photo credit: Freo Doggie Treats (main image)