Dog-Friendly Fremantle: Things to do in Freo With a Dog

The laid-back city of Fremantle is one of the most pet-friendly places in Perth, packed with coastal walks, shaded courtyards, and off-leash adventures that shouldn’t be sniffed at.

We’ve rounded up the very best of dog-friendly Fremantle, from beaches and parks to cafes and restaurants. Plus, if you’re planning on house sitting in Fremantle – or you’re searching for a Fremantle pet sitter – stick around, we’ve got that covered too.

Dog-friendly beaches, Fremantle

If your four-pawed pal loves the beach as much as you do, Freo is full of seaside spots where pups are welcome. Just be sure to check local signage and keep your pooch on the leash unless in designated dog-friendly zones.

South Beach Dog Beach

This 410-meter stretch of sand is the place to be for dogs! It’s beautiful and enclosed, yet right in the middle of everything. Get here early to beat the crowds!

Location: Marine Terrace, South Fremantle WA 6162, Australia

Leighton Beach Dog Exercise Area

Take your favorite furry for a romp at this pretty stretch of sand, which is often quieter than South Fremantle Dog Beach. Don’t forget to grab a couple of poop bags at the entrance and always clean up after Fido.

Location: North Fremantle WA 6159, Australia

North Coogee Dog Beach

Head just a little south, and you’ll find an even quieter beach (with more parking available!). The grassy areas are ideal for drying off on, and doggy water fountains are there to keep everyone hydrated.

Location: 25 Rollinson Rd, North Coogee WA 6163, Australia

Gilbert Fraser Reserve

Located on the banks of the Swan River, Gilbert Fraser Reserve is perfect for pups who prefer adventures by the river. Dogs are allowed off-leash here, and they can even enjoy a paddle in the river along the North Fremantle Foreshore.

Location: Gilbert Fraser Reserve, 30 John St, North Fremantle WA 6159, Australia

South Beach park

Dog-friendly parks, Fremantle

Fremantle isn’t short on green space, and several local parks are pet-friendly. Whether you’re after an off-leash run, a quiet stroll, or just a shady spot to relax together, these dog-friendly parks are well worth a visit.

Stevens Reserve

This unfenced park offers lots of space to walk your pooch, along with agility equipment for some extra exercise. As the area is shared with local sports teams, pups must stay on-leash during matches and training, and should be kept off pitches at all times.

Location: Lot 1532 Stevens St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

Fremantle Park

Pack a ball and head to this green open space, where furry friends can have a really good run around. Mature trees provide shade on sunny days, just be mindful of those sharing the park for picnics and outdoor activities.

Location: Ellen St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

Horrie Long Reserve

Despite being unfenced (meaning Fido must be under voice control), this quiet green space is a great place for a casual dog walk.

Location: 21 Forrest St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

Sir Frederick Samson Park

Over 14 hectares of natural bushland make this the perfect place to stretch those legs – just keep Fido on the leash to explore the ‘bush tracks’ before letting them off in the leash-free grassy area.

Location: 17 Sellenger Ave, Samson WA 6163, Australia

Wilson Park

This local park is right next to South Beach, making it a great spot to dry off after practising some doggy paddle at the dog beach.

Location: South Fremantle WA 6162, Australia

Dog-friendly cafes, Fremantle

Freo’s pet-friendly cafe scene is as welcoming to dogs as it is to people, and there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy a coffee or bite to eat with your dog by your side.

Good Things Cafe, Fremantle

Grab one of the tables out front and order coffee alongside something from their breakfast/brunch menu – fresh hotcakes, chilli scrambled eggs, salmon crumpets, and more.

Location: 16 Bannister St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

DaRawNature Cafe, Fremantle

Beautiful art, plants everywhere, friendly staff, and coffee and bagels make this peaceful cafe a true gem – and it’s dog-friendly!

Location: Rear, 5 Henry St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

Two Dogs Laughing

Pup-lovers: whether you’ve got a pooch pal in tow or not, grab a table on the dog-friendly patio where the resident pup, Boncie, will greet you.

Location: 199 South St, Beaconsfield WA 6162, Australia

Bruce Town Cafe

Furry friends are welcome to join their humans in the outdoor seating area, where a variety of foodie options (including veggie, vegan, and kid-friendly) are served.

Location: 259 Queen Victoria St, North Fremantle WA 6159, Australia

MRKT SPACE

This neighborhood spot offers gourmet produce and cooking essentials in a relaxed atmosphere. Quality coffee is served alongside handcrafted bites, and dogs are welcome!

Location: 19 Freeman Loop, North Fremantle WA 6159, Australia

The Orange Box at Leighton

This beachside cafe serves all-day breakfast and lunch options, including dishes like eggs Benedict and pumpkin on toast. Seeing as it’s close to the dog beach and has outdoor seating shaded by umbrellas, it’s a favorite spot for pups and their pawrents.

Location: Vlamingh Parklands, 14 Leighton Beach Blvd, North Fremantle WA 6159, Australia

Moore & Moore Cafe

The menu here is focused on fresh, whole foods, and pups are welcome in the outdoor seating area at the front of the cafe, where shade and water are provided.

Location: 46 Henry St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

Other popular dog-friendly cafes in Fremantle include:

Little Lefroy's
Amante & Co Coffee
Chalky's Espresso Bar
GESHA
Kokomo's Livid Skate Cafe
La Chiquita Cafe
The Little Concept
Tinsmith Garage
Vanilla Bean
Roasting Warehouse South Freo
South Beach Cafe
Third Wheel
Cool Beans
May Street Larder

Dog-friendly restaurants, Fremantle

If you’re after something more substantial than a coffee stop, Freo also delivers when it comes to dog-friendly dining. These restaurants offer great food, relaxed settings, and areas where pups are welcome to join you.

La Cabaña

If the tropical dining area doesn’t transport you straight to Mexico, then the food here surely will! Frozen margaritas, tacos, ceviche, and nachos are all served in this dog-friendly restaurant.

Location: 400 South Terrace, South Fremantle WA 6162, Australia

Manuka Woodfire Kitchen

Here, flatbreads come with a selection of seafood or veggie sides like cauliflower and babaganoush. Come hungry, or go home with leftovers!

Location: 134 High St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

Little Fire

This airy, European restaurant serves a selection of cuisines, from slow-cooked pasta dishes to juicy beef burgers.

Location: 125 George St, East Fremantle WA 6158, Australia

Other popular dog-friendly restaurants in Fremantle include:

Bathers Beach House
Big Rigz Burger Co
Lions and Tigers
Nunzio's Restaurant
Suku
Madalena's
Saroor
Little Fire

Dog-friendly pubs, Fremantle

In Fremantle, a trip to the pub doesn’t mean leaving your furry friend behind. A few local favorites welcome well-behaved pups, so you can enjoy a pint, a bite to eat, and good company – on two legs or four.

Running With Thieves

This is the perfect place to pop in with your pooch after a run around in the nearby dog exercise area. Try the fried chicken or squid, grab a beer, and settle in to watch the sunset.

Location: 218 Marine Terrace, South Fremantle WA 6162, Australia

The Left Bank

Designated dog-friendly tables are found in the grassy outdoor area of this riverside pub, which serves seafood platters alongside pints.

Location: 15 Riverside Rd, East Fremantle WA 6158, Australia

Clancy’s Fish Pub

This local favorite is fun for all the family, including furry members! With a delicious menu of seafood, regular live music nights, dog-friendly outdoor seating, and an adventure playground just next door, it’s easy to see why.

Location: 51 Cantonment St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

Little Creatures Brewery

Pull up a chair in either of the dog-friendly courtyards and soak up the ambience – craft beer, live music, views of the harbor, and pub grub!

Location: 40 Mews Rd, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

Other popular dog-friendly bars in Fremantle include:

Benny's Bar & Cafe
Emily Taylor Bar & Kitchen
Freo.Social
Gage Roads Brewery
Mr Chapple
Sailing for Oranges
The Arbor
Who's Your Mumma
Percy Flint
Piggy Food Co

A mural on South Terrace, Fremantle

Other dog-friendly things to do in Fremantle

From historic prisons to unusual walking tracks, there are plenty of ways to explore the city with your dog that go beyond the typical cafe or park stop. Here are a few extra dog-friendly ideas to round out your visit.

Wander Freo’s historic streets

Stroll the West End, South Terrace, and High Street with your four-pawed pal in tow, admiring the restored merchant buildings and murals. Be sure to stop at Fremantle Prison, Western Australia’s only UNESCO World Heritage-listed building.

Note: dogs aren’t allowed in the market buildings or inside the prison gates – but both are still worth seeing from the outside.

Location: 1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

Visit The Round House

WA’s oldest public building welcomes furry friends and history buffs alike. Entry is by donation, and you can catch the 1 pm cannon firing – just step back with your pup when it booms!

Location: 15 Captains Ln, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

Walk the Whalers Tunnel

This 1830s tunnel under The Round House leads you straight to Bathers Beach – an easy spot to explore with your pup on a leash.

Location: 13 Mrs Trivett Pl, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

Take the North Fremantle Riverside walk

This scenic riverside track stretches around 3km each way and includes several off-leash areas. It’s a great mix of open space, flat paths, and water views.

Location: North Fremantle WA 6159, Australia

Fremantle Prison

Tips for pet parents in Fremantle

Check beach signage before letting your pup off-leash

While South Beach and Leighton Beach both allow dogs, rules vary depending on the time of day and specific sections. Look for signage at each entrance to avoid fines and make sure your pup’s in the right zone.

Use the free poop bags

Many Fremantle parks offer complimentary dog waste bags near entry points. Still, it’s a good idea to bring your own, as dispensers can run empty during busy periods.

Stay hydrated on warm days

Fremantle can get hot, especially in summer. Bring water for your pooch pal, or stop by dog-friendly spots like Moore & Moore Cafe or The Orange Box, where water bowls are usually available outside.

Plan ahead for trips away

If you’re planning a weekend away or an extended trip, find a trusted pet sitter to care for your furry family member. It’s a great way to make sure your pooch stays comfortable and cared for in familiar surroundings while you’re away.

How to connect with pet sitters in Fremantle

How it works

Tips for pet sitters in Fremantle

Avoid peak times in popular places

If the pup you’re caring for is a social butterfly, feel free to visit popular spots anytime. But if they’re a little nervous – or you’d prefer a quieter outing – it’s best to visit parks and beaches early in the day, and choose cafes or restaurants outside of peak hours to avoid the crowds.

Choose quiet dog walking loops

The West End of Fremantle offers a quieter, heritage-rich alternative to the busier beachside promenades. Stroll past the University of Notre Dame buildings or find a quiet section of Booyeembara Park for a calm walk with plenty of grass and minimal traffic.

Keep an eye out for markets and events

Freo hosts regular markets and community events – like the Fremantle Markets or Esplanade Park festivals. While pups aren’t usually allowed to join, they’re still well worth a mooch around.

Explore Freo as a house and pet sitter

Get to know Fremantle like a local as you exchange loving pet care for a place to stay on your travels. With easy access to the best dog-friendly spots in town, you’ll have everything you need for a unique, totally immersive experience.

How to find house sits in Fremantle