Best Fish and Chips in Western Australia

From salty sea breezes on the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour to sunset picnics on Cable Beach, Western Australia lives for fish and chips. This is a state with 12,000 kilometers of coastline, a deep love of the ocean, and a proud culture of simple, fresh seafood done right. Whether you are planning a Perth city break, a Margaret River wine escape, an Albany wilderness getaway, or a bucket list Ningaloo Reef adventure, there is a golden parcel waiting for you.

This guide brings together the best fish and chips in Western Australia, with a traveler’s eye on views, nearby experiences, family friendliness, and value. It is written for people who want more than a quick takeaway, people who want to make a meal part of the journey. You will find iconic names, regional gems, and smart tips for ordering like a local. Bring your appetite, grab a lemon wedge, and let’s go.

How We Chose the Best Fish and Chips in WA

Picking the best fish and chips is serious business in WA. We combined local knowledge, consistency over time, and traveler needs to build this list. Our criteria:

• Freshness of fish, ideally Australian caught, cooked to order
• Crisp batter that is light, never greasy, with chips that stay crunchy
• Clean oil and proper temperature management
• Generous portions and fair pricing
• Great setting, whether beachside, harbor view, or picnic friendly
• Sustainability practices and transparency on species
• Menu flexibility, including grilled, gluten free, and family options
• Consistent quality, even during busy periods

Use this as a compass, then let your taste guide the journey.

Perth and Fremantle Icons

Perth’s metro coastline is built for fish and chips. You can time it with a dip at Cottesloe, a late afternoon at Scarborough, or a night market wander in Fremantle. Here are the staples locals recommend and travelers fall for.

Cicerello’s, Fremantle and Mandurah

Ask anyone where to start and you will be pointed to Cicerello’s. This Fremantle institution sits right on the Fishing Boat Harbour, with a huge seafood display, fast service, and plenty of outdoor seating. It is lively, casual, and made for groups. There is also a Cicerello’s on the Mandurah Foreshore, ideal if you are heading south.

What to order:

• Classic battered snapper and chips, tartare on the side
• Local squid if you see it, tender and lightly seasoned
• A fisherman’s basket if you are sharing

Why go:

• The harbor setting is pure WA, think boats, gulls, and sea air
• Fast service even when the crowd builds
• Great for families, prams, and big tables

Travel tip: Time your Fremantle visit so you can also explore the markets, Bathers Beach, and the Maritime Museum.

Kailis Fishmarket Cafe, Fremantle

Kailis is another Fremantle heavyweight. The approach is simple, queue up, choose your fish, and eat with a view of the working harbor. If you want a crisp, hot, no fuss feed and a taste of Freo heritage, this is it.

What to order:

• Battered or grilled snapper with chips and slaw
• King George whiting when available
• A squeeze of lemon and a splash of vinegar for the classic finish

Why go:

• Authentic fishing harbor atmosphere
• A menu that covers both seafood lovers and picky eaters
• Easy to pair with a stroll around the Esplanade and Cappuccino Strip

Amberjacks, Cottesloe

Cottesloe Beach is postcard perfect, and Amberjacks is the local’s pick for a beachside pack. It is takeaway first, which makes it ideal for sunset on the grass by Indiana Teahouse.

What to order:

• Hake or snapper and chips, extra lemon
• Grilled option if you plan to swim afterward
• A prawn cutlet or two for the road

Why go:

• Hard to beat a Cottesloe sunset with hot chips
• Quick turnaround at peak times
• Picnic friendly with plenty of space

The Groper and His Wife, City Beach

This little spot near City Beach is a long-standing favorite for quality fish, crisp batter, and clean oil. It is straightforward and reliably excellent.

What to order:

• Snapper or Spanish mackerel when available
• Hand cut chips if offered
• House tartare, then head to the grass at City Beach for the view

Why go:

• Consistency and attention to detail
• Easy parking, easy takeaway
• Family friendly beach nearby

Clancy’s Fish Bar, City Beach and Fremantle

Clancy’s brings a pub vibe with fish and chips as the hero. Expect relaxed seating, local beer, live music nights, and a menu that works for everyone. The City Beach location adds a surf view.

What to order:

• Beer battered fish and chips
• Panko crumbed fish for extra crunch
• Coleslaw or salad to lighten the plate

Why go:

• Easygoing dine-in atmosphere
• Kid friendly, group friendly
• Great for travelers who want a seat and a drink rather than a quick takeaway

Hillarys Boat Harbour, Northern Beaches

Hillarys is a family playground with safe swimming, boardwalk dining, and several places serving fish and chips. If you are heading up the coast from Perth, it is a practical stop.

What to order:

• Keep it classic, battered fish and chips to share by the marina
• A kids pack with nuggets or fish bites
• Ice cream after, if you are making an afternoon of it

Why go:

• Calm water for kids and a gentle stroll to walk it off
• Plenty of parking
• Easy to combine with AQWA, the aquarium next door

Scarborough and Trigg, Sunset Specialists

Scarborough foreshore and Trigg Beach are magnets for sunset sessions. You will find beach kiosks and local takeaways doing crisp fish and chips that you can eat on the promenade or the grass. It is more about the setting than one single venue, so trust the crowd and follow your nose.

Why go:

• One of Perth’s best sunset vantage points
• Lots of space and facilities
• Surf in the morning, fish and chips in the evening

Rottnest Island: Beach Picnics With Quokkas Nearby

Rottnest brings the magic. You are here to ride a bike, swim in clear coves, meet quokkas, and watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean. Fish and chips are part of the day.

Hotel Rottnest

The historic pub on Thomson Bay serves a solid fish and chips with cold drinks and a moody ocean outlook. It is hard not to relax here after a loop around the island.

What to order:

• Battered fish and chips with tartare and lemon
• A side salad if you have been on the move all afternoon

Why go:

• Central, scenic, and social
• Great after a ferry ride and bike hire
• Easy to linger until the last ferry

Thomson Bay and Geordie Bay Takeaways

Rottnest’s general stores and cafes around Thomson Bay and Geordie Bay keep it simple. Pick up a hot pack and find your own slice of sand or a shady seat.

Why go:

• Freedom to picnic at your pace
• Ideal for families who want quick and easy
• Fish and chips followed by a quokka selfie is peak Rotto

South West Standouts: Margaret River, Albany, Esperance

The South West is WA’s gourmet pantry and a road trip favorite. You will taste fine wine and craft beer, hike through towering forests, and climb dunes that meet turquoise bays. Fish and chips fit right in, from beach kiosks to serious seafood houses.

Ocean and Paddock, Albany

Often cited by locals as one of the state’s best, Ocean and Paddock is a modern take on the classic shop. The team cares about species, provenance, oil quality, and technique. Expect crisp batter, flaky fish, and sides that show real attention.

What to order:

• Today’s local catch battered or grilled
• Hand cut chips, properly seasoned
• Something seasonal, like a fish burger or special side

Why go:

• A cut above, without losing the spirit of a fish and chip shop
• A short walk or drive to Middleton Beach for a picnic
• Worth a detour even if you are only passing through Albany

Peaceful Bay Fish and Chips, Denmark Region

This is the quintessential coastal shack experience a lot of travelers are searching for. Simple, fresh, and eaten outdoors with the sound of the ocean nearby. Peaceful Bay sits between Denmark and Walpole, close to pristine beaches.

What to order:

• Snapper or whiting if listed
• A shared pack and a couple of extra sauces
• Keep it low key and enjoy the setting

Why go:

• It feels like a hidden find, especially midweek
• Pairs beautifully with a Greens Pool or Elephant Rocks swim
• Slow travel at its best

Fish Face, Esperance

Esperance does color like nowhere else in WA, and a hot pack on the foreshore after a day exploring Lucky Bay or Hellfire Bay hits the spot. Fish Face is a reliable go to for crisp fish and chips in town.

What to order:

• Battered local fish and chips
• A grilled option if you have been indulging all week
• Calamari and a wedge of lemon

Why go:

• Central and convenient, good for dine in or takeaway
• Great before a twilight drive along the Great Ocean Drive lookout points
• Consistent quality in a region you will not want to leave

Squid Lips, Margaret River and Dunsborough

Squid Lips is a name you will hear in the Margaret River region. It strikes a nice balance between casual takeaway and quality seafood. Ideal after a day of winery hopping or surf watching at Surfers Point.

What to order:

• Classic fish and chips with crunchy squid on the side
• Grilled fish if you are pacing yourself through a gourmet itinerary
• Slaw or salad to freshen the plate

Why go:

• Two handy locations for most South West road trips
• Quick service when you have hungry kids in tow
• Easy to take to a nearby beach or park

Shelter Brewing Co., Busselton

You might come for the beer and the jetty view, then stay for the fish and chips. Shelter Brewing sits directly on the Busselton Foreshore, which makes it perfect for a long lunch before walking the legendary Busselton Jetty.

What to order:

• Beer battered fish and chips, crisp and generous
• Kids fish packs
• A local ale to match the ocean view

Why go:

• Big open venue, excellent for groups and families
• Prime location for beach time and a jetty stroll
• Relaxed South West vibe

Augusta and Surrounds

At the tip of the capes, Augusta keeps it simple. You will find local takeaways doing traditional packs that taste best eaten by the Blackwood River or near the lighthouse precinct.

Why go:

• Quiet country town feel
• Great stop between Boranup Forest and Jewel Cave
• Whale watching season runs midyear, which makes a hot pack even better

The Coral Coast and Ningaloo: Sun, Reef, and Roadside Packs

Drive north from Perth and the water gets warmer and the pace gets slower. The Coral Coast is an epic between Cervantes and Exmouth, full of sea lions, wildflowers in season, and one of the most accessible reef systems on earth.

Blue Lips Fish and Burgers, Exmouth

Exmouth has a proper fish and chip culture and Blue Lips is a crowd pleaser. It is casual, fast, and ideal for refueling after a day on the reef or a trip to Turquoise Bay.

What to order:

• Battered or grilled fish and chips
• Fish burger with slaw and a squeeze of lemon
• A side of calamari

Why go:

• Practical, central, and consistent
• Pairs with a sunset at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
• Easy on the wallet after a whale shark tour

Finlay’s, Kalbarri

Finlay’s is a quirky, beloved seafood spot in Kalbarri with an open air setting. Think rustic charm, cold beer, and a menu that knows its way around local fish.

What to order:

• Beer battered fish and chips
• Catch of the day, grilled
• Fish tacos if you want to mix it up

Why go:

• Character and local flavor in spades
• Close to the Kalbarri Foreshore
• A memorable stop on the Coral Coast drive

Coral Bay Takeaway Counters

Coral Bay is tiny and perfect. Many visitors grab fish and chips from local cafes near the beach and eat on the sand between swims. It is simple and satisfying, especially if you have been snorkeling all day.

Why go:

• Feet in the sand, dinner in hand
• Unbeatable convenience for families
• Sunsets that paint the whole bay

Geraldton Marina, Skeetas and Friends

Geraldton is a good overnight stop with a tidy marina and several restaurants that do a robust fish and chips. Skeetas is a reliable option for a seated meal with a water view.

What to order:

• Classic fish and chips
• Grilled option with salad
• A local dessert if you have the space

Why go:

• Easy parking and a relaxed promenade
• Good midway rest between Perth and Kalbarri
• A pleasant spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the breeze

The Kimberley and the Far North

Up in Broome and the Kimberley, the best fish and chips are about timing and location. You are dealing with tropical heat, big tides, and some of the state’s most dramatic beaches. Keep it flexible and follow the locals.

Broome: Cable Beach and the Wharf

In Broome, you will find fish and chips at venues around Cable Beach and the Port. Many pubs and bistros run a classic fish and chips that tastes even better at sunset.

What to order:

• Threadfin salmon or Spanish mackerel if listed, both local favorites
• The pub classic with chips, tartare, and a lemon wedge

Why go:

• You will be here for the golden hour anyway
• The sea breeze takes the edge off a hot day
• Easy to combine with a camel ride or a beach walk

Travel tip: Check opening hours in the wet season and book if you plan to dine in. Broome runs on seasonal rhythms.

What to Order in WA: Fish, Batter, and The Little Extras

If you want to order like a local, a few smart choices make all the difference.

• Pick the species: Snapper is the crowd favorite for flake and flavor. In the north, Spanish mackerel and threadfin salmon are excellent. Whiting is delicate. Dhufish is premium and not always on a takeaway menu.
• Batter, crumb, or grill: Batter is classic and gives you that crunch. Panko crumb is a close second for texture. Grilled is a great call if you are eating often on a road trip.
• Chips: Ask for them extra crisp. Check if hand cut chips are available. A little salt and a drizzle of vinegar is the old school move.
• Sauces and sides: Tartare is standard. Lemon is non negotiable. Coleslaw or a green salad freshens things up. Mushy peas and curry sauce are rare but worth ordering if available.
• Upgrades: If you see local squid, go for it. Fish burgers can be a surprise standout. A fresh roll with chips and gravy is a country town treat.

Know Before You Go: Practical Tips

• Peak times and queues: Sunset at the beach and weekend lunch in Fremantle bring lines. Order ahead by phone if the shop allows it.
• Portions and sharing: WA serves generous packs. Two fish, a large chips, and a salad often feeds three.
• Price guide: Expect to pay more for premium species and waterfront locations. It is worth it for quality and view.
• Dietary needs: Ask about gluten free batter and separate fryers. Many shops offer grilled fish and salad for dairy free and lighter diets.
• Cashless and seating: Most places take cards and many are takeaway only. Plan where you will sit before you collect your order.
• Waste and wildlife: Use bins and keep an eye on seagulls. They love fish and chips as much as you do.

Three Easy Fish and Chips Itineraries

Turn your cravings into a mini adventure. Here are simple routes with built in scenery.

1. Perth Coastal Crawl

• Start at City Beach for a swim
• Pick up a pack from The Groper and His Wife or dine at Clancy’s
• Head to Cottesloe for sunset and a second round at Amberjacks if you are sharing
• Option: Coffee and gelato at Scarborough to finish

2. Freo Day Out

• Morning markets and a cappuccino on the strip
• Maritime Museum and Bathers Beach
• Lunch at Kailis or Cicerello’s on the Fishing Boat Harbour
• Late afternoon Fremantle Prison tour or a ferry to Rottnest the next day

3. South West Seafood Trail

• Busselton foreshore lunch at Shelter Brewing Co.
• Afternoon winery tastings in Margaret River
• Dunsborough or Margaret River fish and chips at Squid Lips
• Albany dinner at Ocean and Paddock, then beach time at Middleton the next morning
• Finish with a picnic pack at Peaceful Bay or Fish Face in Esperance

Sustainability and Sourcing: Eat Well, Tread Lightly

Western Australians care deeply about their coast. You can, too, with a few easy choices.

• Choose local species: Snapper, Spanish mackerel, threadfin salmon, and whiting are good options when available.
• Ask questions: Where was the fish caught, and by whom. Shops that know their fish tend to cook it well.
• Avoid vague labels: If the menu only says fish, ask for specifics. Transparency usually signals better quality.
• Respect seasonal supply: Premium local fish costs more and may sell out. If it is gone, take it as a sign of freshness and choose the next best.
• Dispose thoughtfully: Keep beaches and parks clean. Rinse hands and packaging away from waterways.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top three places for first timers?

• Cicerello’s in Fremantle for the classic harbor experience
• Ocean and Paddock in Albany for elevated quality
• Amberjacks at Cottesloe for a sunset picnic

Is there gluten free fish and chips in WA?

• Many shops offer grilled fish as a default gluten free option
• Some provide gluten free batter and separate fryers, but always ask about cross contamination if you are coeliac

What fish should I try in the north?

• Spanish mackerel and threadfin salmon are excellent in Broome and Exmouth when available

Where should I eat my fish and chips?

• Perth: City Beach lawns or Scarborough foreshore
• Fremantle: Fishing Boat Harbour or Bathers Beach
• South West: Middleton Beach in Albany, Greens Pool near Denmark, or the Busselton Foreshore
• Coral Coast: Turquoise Bay picnic zones are protected, so eat before you swim, then head to the sand with a clean conscience
• Rottnest: Thomson Bay jetty area at sunset

Any tips for reheating leftovers?

• Best advice is to order what you will finish while it is hot
• If you must reheat, use an oven or air fryer to crisp things up, never a microwave

Final Tips for Ordering Like a Local

• Ask what is freshest today and base your order on that
• Go early or late to dodge queues, then eat with a view
• Keep it simple: fish, chips, lemon, tartare, and a cold drink is a perfect meal
• Pack a picnic rug, napkins, and wet wipes for beach feeds
• Do not feed the gulls, they will recruit their friends

Conclusion: The WA Way to Eat

Fish and chips in Western Australia are not just a meal, they are a ritual. You line up with locals, chat with staff about the catch, carry your warm paper parcel to the nearest water, and dig in as the sky turns gold. From Fremantle’s bustling harbor to Albany’s wild coastline, from Dunsborough’s family friendly foreshore to Exmouth’s tropical evenings, there is a perfect plate waiting for you.

Use this guide to plan your route and pick your stops, then follow your senses. The best fish and chips in Western Australia are fresh, hot, and eaten where you can hear the waves. Enjoy the drive, the beaches, and every last crunchy chip.