It’s Wharfie Time: Freo Has Just Added Three More Spots To Watch The Grand Final For Free

Boy oh boy, is it a good time to be a Freo local.

The mighty Fremantle Dockers started the season sitting 13th on the ladder—lucky for some, it seems—and have clawed, crashed and conquered their way into the 2026 Grand Final. First they sent the slippery Sydney Swans packing, and now they’re staring down last year’s premiers, the Brissy Lions. 

It’s only the second Grand Final in Fremantle’s history and, after 32 years in the AFL, the Dockers are still chasing that elusive first premiership. So yes, Walyalup is going to be slightly invested. The city has added three more free live sites to the original Cappuccino Strip setup, bringing the total to four, with up to 40,000 fans expected to descend on Freo for the big one.

The first bounce is at 12.30pm, but the live sites open from 8am. Freo is where you want to be this Saturday. Not watching in Freo? Our guide to where to watch the 2026 AFL Grand Final across Perth is updated daily.

FREO, HEAVE HO!

The Cappuccino Strip, South Terrace

The purple beating heart of our port city. Freo’s original Grand Final live site is back for the big dance, with a giant screen, space for around 15,000 frenetic fans and enough collective nerves to power the whole town. 

This is the one for those who want to be right in the thick of it: cheering, chanting, jumping up and down, calling ‘BALL’ with arms wide spread. There’ll be security, toilets and first aid on site, but seating is limited, so think standing-room spectacle rather than Sunday afternoon at the movies.

Get in early, find your spot and prepare to ride every tackle, smother and spoil with several thousand other purple faithful.

Walyalup Koort, William St

Want to be close to the action without having to navigate the full Grand Final frenzy? Walyalup Koort is the designated accessible viewing zone, giving fans who need an accessible space a dedicated spot to watch the game.

Foldable chairs are welcome, with one chair per person, although space is limited. All the footy fever, with a little more breathing room.

Esplanade Reserve, Marine Terrace

If you’re bringing the dinky Dockers along for their first taste of Grand Final madness, point the pram towards Esplanade Reserve.

This is the family-friendly live site, giving the next generation of fans a front-row education in the fine art of yelling at the television, high-fiving strangers and learning that every umpiring decision is, in fact, deeply personal.

Foldable chairs are limited to one per person, but this one might be better suited to picnic blankets. Children must also be supervised by a parent, guardian or responsible adult at all times.

Corner Of Market And High Streets, Outside The National Hotel

Market Street and High Street are getting very serious game-day glow-ups, with a big screen popping up outside The National Hotel and a whole lot of purple about to descend on this already-busy corner.

It’s the perfect plan B if the Cappuccino Strip is looking more tinned sardines than prime viewing real estate. And if you’re after a cold one, The National Hotel itself is running its own Grand Final event just metres away. Pick a corner, plant yourself and prepare for three hours of emotional turbulence.

The Need-To-Know Before You Go

• First bounce: 12.30pm, Saturday, September 26. All four sites open from 8am and close at 6pm.
• ​Booze? Boundary line: All four sites are strictly alcohol-free, with WA Police on site. Save the post-siren beers for elsewhere.
• Come hungry: Plan ahead for food and drinks, and give Freo’s local businesses some love while you’re at it.
• Bring a seat: Foldable chairs are welcome at Esplanade Reserve and Walyalup Koort, with one chair allowed per person. Seating space is limited.
• Pack light: There’ll be bag checks, so leave the glass, wheels, whistles and war drums at home, along with gazebos, balloons and other bulky gear. Pets are also off the guest list, unless they’re certified guide or companion animals.
• No brollies, either: There might be a drizzle or two on game day, so pack a poncho if you’re worried about getting caught in the rain.
• Leave the car at home: Walking, riding and free public transport are the way to go.
• Absolutely have to drive? Overflow parking at Fremantle Park opens from 8am via Ellen Street. It’s a $10 donation, payable by cash or card, with proceeds going to the Rotary Club of Fremantle.
• Freo’s going into lockdown: Road closures kick in from midday Friday, stretching from Fremantle Train Station down to the end of the Cappuccino Strip at Fremantle Markets.

Still deciding where to watch? Have a squiz at our full Perth Grand Final guide for even more places to park up come Saturday.