A local’s guide to Fremantle: ‘It feels like everyone is living the good life’ | Australia holidays

Food

We have fantastic access to fresh seafood in Freo and it’s served up in places that aren’t over-the-top swanky. High-end food and drink with a relaxed and welcoming vibe is a huge part of the culture here.

Madelena’s in South Fremantle is lovely towards the end of the day; a golden light comes through and you can sit outside. It’s got sustainably caught fish and a great wine selection; they really are experts. Meanwhile, at Young George in East Freo, the chef – Melissa Palinkas – is really inventive. I like the kangaroo dishes and would probably just keep ordering that, but the menu is always changing.

Ode to Sirens slaps. It’s in the centre of town, a modern Greek fusion with lots of vinyl records being played and a strong emphasis on innovative female artists. Bread in Common is in one of the many converted warehouses here and there’s excellent lighting – the older I get, the more that’s important to me! The food is amazing but you can just have a coffee or a glass of wine too.

Green spaces

Every local can tell you how to get to Monument hill. It’s a favourite spot to watch the sunset and from the reserve the cranes in the port look like dinosaurs. It’s best with friends, a picnic blanket and some cheeky Chouette – an amazing wine label by a local guy, Tom Daniel. Someone needs to bring dips. Someone always forgets dips.

If you’re a dog lover like me, the best beach is South Fremantle dog beach. It combines two of the best things about living – cute animals and a great beach. I used to live nearby and would visit most days. Everyone’s feeling good, the dogs are happy, the water’s beautiful.

Nightlife

You can’t visit Freo without seeing live music at Mojos bar in North Freo. It’s an institution. The best way to enjoy it is to meet someone cute at Mrs Brown bar next door; lamp lighting, great art, vintage furniture and, again, an excellent wine list. Flirt over a chilled red, pop into Flipside Burgers and order something like the Taxi CAB burger before seeing a band…