Perth’s 10 Best Waterfront Bars and Eateries
Year-round it’s always the perfect opportunity to visit Perth’s best waterfront bars and restaurants.
Looking for a new watering hole in which to enjoy happy hour? With both the Swan River and the Indian Ocean at its doorstep, Perth is blessed with a plethora of waterfront venues. Now that summer is upon us, or regardless of which time of the year you’d like to visit, it is the perfect time to utilise these views and visit a new waterfront bar that might just become your new meeting spot!
And we’ve made it easier for you, by scouting and tasting our way through the 10 best waterfront bars and eateries around Perth. We’ll cheers to that!
Image supplied via The Left Bank Facebook
The Left Bank
Previously the home of a boat building business, The Left Bank is situated on the shoreline of the Swan River in scenic East Fremantle. This waterfront venue offers a laid back setting for a refreshing drink, a delicious pub meal and live music on the weekends. Choose from their many wine, beer and cocktail options, which all pair nicely with their lunch and dinner menus ranging from woodfired pizzas, seafood and burgers. The Left Bank is a beautiful pub for a sunset beverage, and lucky guests might even be able to spot the resident dolphins cruising along the river.
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Rambla on Swan
Reopening in October for the first time since the COVID-19 lockdowns, Rambla on Swan used the downtime to remodel their waterfront deck bar, which now provides an ideal location to admire the Swan River. The Rambla has a new restaurant, alfresco and deck bar, as well as an expanded food and beverage menu. Relax on the deck with a beer from the tap, a perfectly shaked cocktail, a glass of wine or a bottle of champagne and soak up the sunshine and sweeping views of the Swan and the city skyline. At the moment they are offering happy hour martinis on a Friday and Saturday evening and a Spritz Sunday Session – both with live music.
Photographed by Burst. Image via Pexels
Coast Port Beach
Coast lies on pristine Port Beach in North Fremantle, providing some of the best beachfront views in Perth. Only a short stroll from the ocean, Coast is a large, open venue where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean while relaxing with your drink of choice. Come summertime and some of Coast’s specials will include oysters, West Australian-sourced prawns with cocktail sauce and woodfired pizzas and, not to mention, generous drink specials. Given the large spaces they provide, Coast is the perfect spot to get a large group of friends together for casual sunset drinks or a special occasion.
Image supplied via the Oyster Bar Facebook
Oyster Bar
Conveniently located in the CBD at Elizabeth Quay, the Oyster Bar offers views of the Swan River on one side, extending across to South Perth and the bustling city on the adjacent side. You can opt to dine on the first level which is indoors, or make the most of the waterfront views and warming weather by taking a seat on the rooftop bar. Specialising and sourcing their oysters from Coffin Bay South Australia – a premium oyster region – you can shuck your way through chilled or grilled oysters that are served with a range of zesty and flavoursome sauces. Otherwise, for non-oyster lovers, take your pick from platters and tapas bites that pair deliciously with Coast’s cocktails and other drink options.
Photographed by Rafael Ben-Ari. Image via Shutterstock
Bathers Beach House
The alfresco area at Bathers Beach House became Australia’s first licensed beach back in 2016, and today it is still wildly popular for those seeking a unique waterfront experience. You’ll be able to sit right on the beach, sinking your feet into the white sand while holding a tasty pick-me-up. The lounge chairs and beach tables are able to be booked, but otherwise, you can sit inside and soak up the views alongside the floor-to-ceiling windows. Their all-encompassing drinks menu boasts almost every cocktail you can think of, as well as a large selection of draught beers. Whether it’s for a function, romantic date, or catch-up with your friends, Bathers Beach House provides a memorable beachside experience in picturesque Fremantle.
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The Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar
Established in 1998, The Lucky Shag is a waterfront bar in Perth’s CBD overlooking the Swan River. Pop down for an afterwork drink, enjoying the craft beers and vast cocktail and wine options. For those staying for lunch or dinner, choose from crowd favourites such as burgers, nachos, steaks, seafood dishes and plenty more. Live entertainment by bands and DJs will accommodate the deck a few nights per week, and for the sports fans, there are big screens to enjoy all of the action. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, we don’t know what will!
Photographed by Bella Foster. Image via Unsplash
Scarborough Beach Bar
The glass balcony at the Scarborough Beach Bar is an ideal location to take in the bustling Scarborough beachfront, especially while indulging in a refreshing beverage and shared nibblies with friends. On tap they offer many popular local beers such as the Little Creatures range, the Gage Roads Singlefin and the Matso’s Ginger Beer. For those not in the mood for beer, select an alternative from a large list of spritzes, fruity cocktails and esteemed wines. Keep up to date on their Facebook page for upcoming events such as bottomless brunches fit with endless mimosas, Bellini’s and bubbles, or even their bottomless mussels, where you can enjoy two-hours of unlimited West Australian mussels.
Photographed by Guste Ci. Image via Unsplash
Il Lido
Marine Parade along Cottesloe’s beachfront has a plethora of waterfront venues, but if you’re seeking for a change from fish and chips, try the Italian restaurant Il Lido. The venue, formerly a 1930s art deco cabaret hall, is now a sophisticated yet relaxed Italian inspired espresso bar and restaurant. The inside walls are decked out with racks of wine bottles, providing a delectable option for every taste. You could also make the most of Oyster Sunday, where freshly shucked oysters are available from 1pm onwards. Get your friends together, take a seat in the alfresco area and watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean while soaking up the ambiance of the renowned Cottesloe Beach.
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The Point Bar & Grill
Waterfront dining is at its finest at the On The Point precinct, where rooftop bar and restaurant The Point Bar & Grill proudly lies. With sweeping views of the Swan River, The Point Bar & Grill boasts chic lounges, an extensive drinks menu, and a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy its mesmerising waterfront views. Local musicians and DJs entertain the bar every weekend, namely from the sunset lounge on the rooftop. On Friday and Saturday nights music starts from 8pm, so it’s a great opportunity to make the most of the dinner menu, which is designed around contemporary Australian cuisine. On Sundays, you can come along for a Sunday Session from 3pm, with food and drink specials starting from lunchtime.
Photographed by faithie. Image via Shutterstock
Little Creatures
One for the beer lovers is Little Creatures, a popular brewery providing tasty craft beers inside a relaxing dining venue on Fremantle’s harbour. Formally a crocodile farm, the brewery has an open space called the Great Hall where you can enjoy your meal while still being immersed in the working brewery. Little Creatures was started by a group of friends who wanted to create an American Pale Ale for the Aussie scene, so the whole brewery was built around creating a high-quality brew. Ideal for lunch, dinner or even just a relaxed beer with friends; head on over to their outdoor area right along the waterfront where children are even welcome!
Starting to feel a bit thirsty? Why not try Australia’s 10 best botanical-infused spirits? Or, why don’t you test your cocktail creation knowledge and take our 10 question cocktail recipe quiz?
