Attraction Guide: Round House, Fremantle, Australia

Round House Guide

Fremantle's Oldest Building: Step Back in Time at the Round House Guide

The Round House is Fremantle's oldest public building, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's colonial past. Built in 1830-31, it originally served as a prison, housing both European and Aboriginal prisoners. Its unique circular design, with eight cells radiating from a central courtyard, was intended to maximize surveillance and control. Today, the Round House is a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The Round House's history is complex and often controversial. While it was initially intended to house convicts, it also became a holding place for Aboriginal people who were arrested for various offenses, often related to land disputes or resistance to colonial rule. The building's history reflects the harsh realities of early colonial life in Western Australia and the impact of colonization on the Aboriginal population. The Whalers Tunnel, built by whalers to access Bathers Beach, runs underneath the Round House. Visitors to the Round House can take a guided tour to learn about its history and the lives of those who were imprisoned there. Explore the cells and the central courtyard, and imagine what life was like for the prisoners. Climb to the top of the Round House for panoramic views of Fremantle, the harbor, and the Indian Ocean. Every day at 1pm, a cannon is fired, a tradition that dates back to the building's early days. The Round House also hosts occasional exhibitions and events.