What is the Round House in Fremantle?
The Round House in Fremantle is the oldest surviving public building in Western Australia. Completed in 1831, it was built as a jail for the Swan River Colony.
The building has 12 sides and eight cells around a central courtyard. It stands on Arthur Head, overlooking the harbour, and was designed by Henry Reveley, the colony's civil engineer.
It held prisoners, including Aboriginal people, before they were sent to Rottnest Island. Later it served as a police lock-up.
The time gun
A time ball and cannon were installed nearby to give ships the exact time. Today, a time gun is fired at 1 pm each day.
A tunnel beneath the Round House, built by a whaling company in 1837, allowed whalers to bring their catch through the headland.
The Round House is open to visitors daily, with free entry run by volunteers from the Fremantle Volunteer Heritage Guides. From its location on the headland, visitors enjoy views over Bathers Beach, the harbour and the Indian Ocean.
It is a short walk from the Western Australian Maritime Museum, the Fremantle Markets and the cafes of the West End heritage area, making it an easy addition to a day in Fremantle.
Did You Know?
Whalers' Tunnel, under the Round House, is believed to be one of the first tunnels built in Australia.