WINTER IN FREO - A PIGEON'S GUIDE

If you go down to Fremantle today, you’ll be in for a big surprise...

It’s no secret that the people of Perth hate rain. We dread it. We are unprepared and shocked by its arrival each and every year.

During this time, we all go through the same five stages of grief;

Denial that our sunny 25 degree days are over.

Anger that once again we never got to do everything we intended during that summer loving period.

Bargaining with ourselves that the dreary winter will be over before we know it.

Depression with the realisation that it probably won’t be. 

And finally, acceptance that the cold weather is in fact here to stay… ‘til October anyway.

As a born and bred Perth local I’m no stranger to the desolate streets, abandoned bars and tumbleweeds that roll through Perth at Winter time.

But it’s time. It’s time for us to throw caution to the easterly winds and no longer be confined to our homes from the months of June to September.

Grab an umbrella, chuck on a decent pair of boots and pull out that massively oversized winter jacket you scored during your last op shop dig.

And head down to Fremantle.

Yep, you heard me right! Fremantle. Freo. The docks.

Stop it at Little Creatures, whose massive venue space means you can find the perfect nook to suit your mood.

Creatures Nextdoor is one of our staff’s favourites. It’s a super laid-back space with vintage couches, board games and a beautiful view of the Fremantle harbour. There’s live music every Thursday from 6pm, and live jazz music every Sunday from 4:30pm. They even have a live comedy night every Saturday between 8pm and 10pm.

Mrs Brown is another bar loved by Freo locals. It gives off these beautiful, warm vibes that make you feel like you’re at someone’s grandma’s house. The amazing selection of wine and the open fire they have going in winter will leave you so cozy and relaxed you’ll be dreading the return of those hot, sticky summer days. If you want to sit outside they even have blankets you can use to keep you nice and warm.

If you’re looking for a hearty winter meal to gorge yourself silly on, head no further than the Norfolk Hotel. They have an amazing wood-fired smoker, barbeque and rotisserie set-up. And if the smells from the smoker don’t do it for you, I’ll bet the mulled wine or hot buttered spiced rum they serve will.  

It might be wet and cold but Fremantle is still the same old welcoming place you’ve spent countless summers at, laying by the beach. The shopkeepers are warm and friendly. The food delicious and varied. The bars stocked, and ready to warm you from the inside out.

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By Jordan, Pigeonhole Fremantle