Step back in time in South Fremantle
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What was once the centre of Perth’s heavy industry has transformed into a place that is quintessentially Freo with a collection of Insta-worthy wall murals, mouth-watering and belly-filling food offerings and a place where a myriad of people—professionals, artists, families, singles, retirees and dog owners—rejoice.
It is estimated that the first development in South Fremantle took place in 1831 when a lime-burning kiln was established. South Freo’s famous South Beach officially opened for the first time by Governor Sir Gerald Strickland in 1909.
Even back then it was a hugely popular beach destination to cool down in summer months and boasted tea rooms, dancefloor, a shark-proof fence and a theme park.
South Beach, 1927. Image courtesy of Fremantle History Centre.
While the dancefloor, shark-proof fence and theme park are now sadly nowhere to be seen, South Beach remains at the heart of South Fremantle.
Come summertime, beach-goers hail the seasonal installation of the pontoon and the Sunset Markets on the South Beach esplanade draws in food lovers in droves.
And speaking of good food, every November, the community’s most passionate cooks go head to head in the battle for the best lasagne in the annual Lilly Street Lasagna Bake Off.
Running for more than 20 years, it is one of the city’s iconic events.
But South Freo is not just synonymous to summer. In winter, local haunts tempt the palette by dishing up the area’s best spicy curries, banging burgers and delicious pub grub.
Image courtesy of Little Loaf Bakery in South Fremantle.
Food lies at the heart of this community with a mix of the classics you grew up eating and can’t seem to stay away from, to new and must-try offerings with influences from all over the globe.
And while we cant enjoy South Fremantle for all it's offerings right now, you can still grab takeaway from many of your local favourites.
Check out Visit Fremantle's list of local cafes and restaurants serving takeaways here.
South Beach Cycles in South Fremantle.