Tucked just behind the Fremantle Markets, The Old Courthouse is a brilliant spot for families looking to combine a meal out with a slice of local history. Once Fremantle’s working courthouse, this handsome heritage building has been lovingly restored and transformed into a lively bar and restaurant – and it’s surprisingly family-friendly.
Inside, much of the building’s character has been preserved. Kids (and history-loving grownups) will get a kick out of standing in the original timber dock where famous and infamous locals once faced the judge – including Bon Scott, the “Bernie” couple and Alan Bond.
There’s also a playful rogues’ gallery wall that makes for a fun photo opportunity; children can line up against the wall and “choose their crime” for a silly family snap.
The venue layout makes it easy for families to relax. As well as the historic interior, there’s a modern pavilion and a generous outdoor area where you can sit under dappled shade with a drink while the kids play. A fenced grassed section and sandpit give little ones space to burn off energy safely, and high chairs are available, so it works well with toddlers and preschoolers as well as older kids.
The kids’ menu offers a range of reliable favourites that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. For $12, children can choose from classic options like Pasta Bolognese topped with cheese, battered fish and chips, or the ever-popular nuggets and chips, all served with tomato sauce. If you are visiting between Thursday and Sunday, the menu expands to include pizzas, with options like a potato pizza topped with chips or a classic ham and pineapple, both of which can be made with gluten-free bases upon request.
Adults are spoiled for choice with a menu that focuses on “good honest food” and plenty of shareable options. You can start with small plates like house-marinated olives, porcini mushroom arancini with truffle mayo, grilled smoked chorizo, calamari with black garlic aioli, La Delizia burrata with Sicilian-style caponata, satay chicken skewers or a wagyu carpaccio. Seafood lovers might enjoy the marinated Fremantle octopus, and if you’re dining with friends, the chef’s selection board loaded with premium cheeses, cured meats, fruit and bread is perfect for grazing.
Service is relaxed and welcoming, and the historic surroundings give you plenty to chat about with the kids while you wait for meals. Between the sandpit, grassed area, quirky courtroom features and the promise of gelato at the end, The Old Courthouse manages to keep children entertained while adults enjoy a drink and a meal – making it a strong choice for family catch-ups in the heart of Freo.
The Old Courthouse
Address: 45 Henderson Street, Fremantle WA 6160 (behind Fremantle Markets)
Opening hours:
Monday: 12pm – Late
Tuesday: 12pm – Late
Wednesday: 12pm – Late
Thursday: 12pm – Late
Friday: 12pm – Midnight
Saturday: 11:30am – Midnight
Sunday: 11:30am – Late
Website: https://oldcourthouse.com.au
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
