Restaurant in Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
The Fish Factory Fremantle
Working fishing boat harbour location serving fresh fish & chips. Outdoor seating with ocean views and local catches.
The Fish Factory is a casual seafood restaurant positioned at 32 Mews Road in Fremantle, Western Australia, adjacent to Fishing Boat Harbour — one of Australia's most active commercial fishing ports and the focal point of Fremantle's waterfront dining scene. The location provides a direct connection between the fishing catch and the plate: working vessels unload their hauls within metres of the kitchen, and the daily catch drives what appears on the menu.
The menu centres on fish and chips prepared with fresh local seafood. Fish — typically whiting, snapper, barramundi, or the day's best available catch from Indian Ocean fishing grounds — is offered in beer batter or crumbed, served with thick-cut chips and a simple condiment selection. This is the restaurant's core offering and greatest strength. The seafood platter is designed for sharing: a selection of fried and grilled items assembling prawns, calamari, fish fillets, and scallops from Western Australian waters, priced at a point accessible to families and visitors on a day trip from Perth.
Outdoor seating faces the harbour, providing views of the commercial fishing fleet, charter vessels, and the broad Indian Ocean horizon beyond the port entrance. The atmosphere is unambiguously informal and family-oriented: outdoor tables, harbour breezes, and the smell of salt air are consistent features. The setting attracts weekend day-trippers from Perth, Fremantle locals, cruise passengers visiting the port, and tourists exploring the heritage port precinct. On sunny afternoons, the famous Fremantle Doctor — the reliable sea breeze that arrives off the Indian Ocean — makes outdoor waterfront dining distinctly pleasant.
Fremantle's position approximately 30 kilometres from Perth's CBD, accessible by the frequent Fremantle Line train, makes The Fish Factory a practical and popular day-trip destination for Perth visitors. The Fishing Boat Harbour precinct contains several competing seafood restaurants; The Fish Factory's direct harbour-facing position and focus on traditional fish and chips without elaborate format makes it one of the more straightforward and satisfying options in the precinct.
No reservation is required. Counter-service ordering is the format, with food delivered to outdoor tables. Queues are common during peak weekend lunch hours.
Signature dishes
- Fish & chips — $16
- Seafood platter — $35
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Reservations: Walk-in
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +61 8 9433 3777
Location
32 Mews Rd, Fremantle WA 6160
-32.0578, 115.7428 — View on map
Highlights
- Working harbour location at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour with views of the commercial fishing fleet and Indian Ocean
- Fresh daily catch from Western Australian Indian Ocean waters — whiting, snapper, prawns, and calamari
- Traditional fish and chips in beer batter or crumbed — the menu's core strength prepared with genuine local seafood
- Family-friendly outdoor dining with the famous Fremantle Doctor afternoon sea breeze
- Easy access from Perth via the Fremantle train line — a natural stop on any Perth day trip to Fremantle
Tips
- Arrive before the lunch peak (before 12:30 PM) or mid-afternoon (after 2:00 PM) to avoid queue build-up at the counter
- Ask the counter staff which fish is freshest on the day — the catch varies and specific recommendations are freely given
- The Fremantle Doctor arrives reliably in the early afternoon, making outdoor harbour seating particularly pleasant from around 1:00 PM onward
- Combine the visit with Fremantle Markets, the maritime museum, or the historic port precinct for a full day trip from Perth
- The seafood platter is generously sized for two to share; a standard fish and chips portion feeds one adult comfortably
FAQ
Where is The Fish Factory located in Fremantle?
The restaurant is at 32 Mews Road, directly at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour — one of Australia's busiest commercial fishing ports and the city's main waterfront dining area.
What fish is typically available?
The daily catch is drawn from Indian Ocean fishing grounds and commonly includes whiting, snapper, barramundi, and prawns, though availability shifts daily based on what the harbour fleet brings in.
Is parking available near the restaurant?
Paid parking is available along Mews Road and adjacent to Fishing Boat Harbour. Fremantle is also served by the frequent Fremantle Line train from Perth, making the venue easily accessible without a car.
Is the restaurant family-friendly?
Yes. The outdoor setting, counter-service format, affordable pricing, and straightforward seafood menu make The Fish Factory well-suited to families with children.
What is the best time to visit?
Weekday lunch and mid-afternoon visits offer shorter queues. Sunny weekend lunchtimes are popular and busy; arriving before 12:30 PM or after 2:00 PM avoids the peak crowd.
Accessibility
The Fishing Boat Harbour boardwalk area features generally flat concrete and timber surfaces suitable for wheelchairs. The Fish Factory's outdoor dining area is at ground level with open space for mobility aids. Guests with specific accessibility requirements should contact the restaurant at +61 8 9433 3777 for current access information.