Caffeine Refuelling!

Let’s be honest, we SUP and we COFFEE!

Even the non-coffee drinkers love a pit stop for a tea or juice.

I’ve compiled a list of fabulous SUP locations that tie in perfectly with a caffeine refuelling station.

This selection is mainly South of the river based – so I need recommendations for North and East

Fremantle and surrounds

Cool Beans: This little gem started out as a hole in the wall, but has expanded to include tables, chair under a sheltered seating area.

Located adjacent to the Fremantle rowing club in East Freo – it opens super early to cater for the rowers and stand up paddle boarders. It’s a popular little spot.

It’s super casual, bare feet are welcome!

Great coffee, juices, muffins, wraps and bagels.

If it gets busy, there is a park right across the carpark at Norm McKenzie Reserve, so bring your keep cup and takeaway.

Great for a mid-paddle stop off if you start at Bicton Baths. Or start and finish from here – heading either south west towards the ocean, or up river towards Bicton/Point Walter.

It’s a busy section of the river, so watch for boat traffic. The Rotto Ferry cruises along here and creates a mighty wash!

Location – 75 Riverside Road, East Fremantle

0467 089 873

Opening hours – 6.00am – 1.30pm EVERDAY!

Inner Bean: A family-owned mobile coffee van with an awesome selection of freshly prepared yumminess. The bruschetta has my vote!

All set up with tables, chairs in the shade of the peppermint trees on the North Freo foreshore.

Dog friendly – so be prepared to have puppy dog eyes watching you while you eat your brekky!

Location – Park at the end of Johannah Street, North Fremantle.

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 7am

It’s best to paddle north away from the ocean, following the beach, past the water police and into Rocky Bay.

As this location is close to the harbour and coast, it can be quite tidal, so take care.

Also watch for boats and their wash.

It a very active part of the river with skis, kayaks, rowers.

It’s one of my favourite places to SUP.

The team behind Inner Bean head north to follow the sun for the Winter – so if you’re heading to Exmouth – go say hi at the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp

Little Stove: A fabulous spot serving up great food and coffee made with love.

It’s not quite on the water, but 2 mins away.

Located in Bicton, so if you’ve enjoyed a cruise from Bicton Baths – Little Stove is where you should be heading. I love this place as I feel like I’m at my Nan’s house. It’s warm and cosy and always busy – so maybe book in advance.

103 Harris Street, Bicton

Open 7am – 3.30pm every day.

Orange Box

The perfect spot to refuel after an ocean cruise.

Situated right next to the Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club, so don’t go there on a Sunday morning while nippers are happening – it’s PACKED!

I love this spot, there are showers (to rinse boards and bodies) and toilets.

A huge grassy area so if it is busy, you can still find a patch of grass to sit and chill out.

Plenty of parking and there are a few beach paths that lead to the beach front to launch from.

Location – 14 Leighton Beach Blvd, North Fremantle

Open 6.30am – 3pm 7 days

Wooden Wagon – Mosman Park Dog Beach

As the name suggest – it’s a super cute wooden wagon.

Dog friendly, great coffee, acai bowls and smoothies.

Open 7am Thursday to Sunday

It is up on the hill, so not recommended to launch here on your SUP unless you love walking down steep steps with your board (it could be a great warm up – but not too much fun after your paddle)

Maybe launch at Port or Leighton then paddle here for coffee then paddle back.

South Beach Café & Bistro 21

South Beach is SUP heaven.

Calm, clear protected waters and plenty of grassy areas to picnic or BBQ.

It does get busy in Summer, but there’s plenty of parking.

One end of the beach is dog friendly, so Pups on SUP’s is highly recommended.

Everything you need is here, toilets, showers, water fountains, playground.

It’s a winner!

Both cafes located along Ocean Drive, South Beach

South Beach Café – open every day – 5.30am – 7pm

Bistro 21 – open every day – 7am – 3p

Surfing Lizard

Another beach location; Coogee Surf Club in Coogee.

So, not recommend on a Sunday morning (kids EVERYWHERE)

A great mid-week SUP location.You can paddle up to check out the Omeo wreck or just cruise along the beautiful, calm coastline.

Good parking available, easy to launch, showers and toilets.

Location – Poore Grove, Coogee

Open 7am – 3pm 7 day

South/East Perth

Dome

To be honest I’m not a fan of Dome BUT the one in Mount Pleasant is a pretty good pit stop.

It can get busy here due to the ski boats, so plan your SUP trip with that in mind.

The stretch of river towards Canning Bridge would be your best shot to avoid boats.

Or start your paddle at The Mount Henry Bridge end and explore the river towards Rossmoyne and beyond.

Facilities include toilets and change rooms/showers at the car park near Dome

Fun playground too, so if. You have the kids with you – it’s a winner.

100 The Esplanade, Mt Pleasant.

Open 6am – 9pm 7 day

Lo Quay River Café

The perfect spot for a snack and coffee whilst exploring the Kent Street Weir wetlands.

It’s been a while since I visited this spot, but I’m assured it’s still a magic location.

A lovely, relaxed kiosk to suit the whole family.

Situated in Wilson on Fern Road just near the old Riverton Bridge in Wilson.

Open 8am – 5pm everyday

The Boat Shed Café

A few months ago, we had an early morning social SUP launching in South Perth.

It was one of my favourites this year. The view across the river to the city skyline as the sun was coming up was breathtaking.

The café at The Boat Shed is ideal for brekky and lunch.

Plenty of parking, launching is relatively easy (it was a little muddy) and there are toilets nearby.

Located at the end of Coode Street in South Perth.

Check the opening hours before you go – pretty sure it’s open from 8.30am

Closed Monday and Tuesda

My top pick – and it’s all about location, location, location!

It’s got to be Freshwaters Café in Freshwater Bay!

I’m a little biased as it my main stomping ground BUT, you can not beat this place for epic paddling conditions.

The café is owned by Dome (and you know how I feel about that)

The coffee and food aren’t the best (I live in Freo – so I’m spoilt for choice) but the juices and smoothies are fabulous and they do a great fish and chips!

Dine in or grab your towel and sit on the grassy bank overlooking the water.

Because it tucked away, I still have people who have grown up in Perth saying they’ve never been to Freshwater Bay!!

If this is you…..do yourself a favour and come say hi this weekend

Let me know your favourite Caffeine Refuelling Station!

Especially for the north of the river crew- give me a shout.

Or post details on the Perth SUP School Community Page.

It’s a private page, so you can happily share photos and info with our members.

Please request to join by answering the membership questions.

It’s a great place to stay up to date with upcoming events and social paddles.

Not a fan of Facebook – no problem – sign up to my newsletter HERE

I’d love to hear about your latest SUP adventure.

Happy paddling crew

🙂 Nicki

Please check the opening times of cafes mentioned before you go, just in case hours have changed.