The Round House in Fremantle stands atop a hill at Arthur Head. Overlooking both the sprawling city and the Indian Ocean, it takes pride of place not just as an iconic Freo location, but also as the oldest public building in WA.
It’s an exciting place to visit, and a must-see for anyone who wants to step back in time and learn about Fremantle’s heritage.
The history of the Round House
The Round House in Fremantle began construction in 1830 and opened in 1831. It was the first permanent public building to be built as part of the burgeoning Swan River Colony.
There was a reason this was constructed so fast: just 18 months after settlement, the colony needed a gaol house. Both for colonial settlers but also for Aboriginal prisoners.
The Round House was used in this capacity up until 1886, when the Fremantle Prison became the colony’s main jail. Following this decision, it held many different lives. It served as a holding cell for Aboriginal prisoners before being transported across the sea to Rottnest Island. It was a police lock-up and storage for a range of different businesses.
The building was even threatened with demolition in the 1920s. But after strong public outcry, it was saved. Ownership was transferred to the State Government, and then later to the City of Fremantle.
Today, it stands as a reminder and an important artefact of the city’s colonial heritage.
A unique design
It’s said that the site of the Round House was chosen for its ability to physically and psychologically dominate over the city. And when you see it from below, you can’t help but agree.
But it’s not just the location that’s unique. While named the Round House, the building is actually a 12-sided structure. It features eight holding cells inside, a residence for the jailer, and a central courtyard, where each of the eight cells could be observed at once.
The Round House has seen a number of notable guests
The Fremantle Round House was the site of the first legal public execution of a colonial settler. A 15-year-old farmhand named John Gavin was charged with murdering an 18-year-old in Dandalup. He was found guilty and hanged, his body buried in an unmarked grave in the sandhills near the Round House.
However, its most notable prisoner was the Noongar leader Yagan. Yagan had built a reputation as a fearless resistor of European settlement and was wanted by the authorities. Eventually tricked onto a boat by fishermen, he was taken to the Round House and imprisoned. But it didn’t hold him for long. He was later sent to Carnac Island, where, after a few weeks, he and his prison companions escaped.
Visiting the Round House today
While its original intent has long since passed, the Fremantle Round House stands as a memorial to the State’s prison history.
When you step inside, you walk straight into the central courtyard. From here, you can look around, see each of the eight cells, and see how the prisoners lived. You can walk around and read about the history within the walls, and the stark nature of what the space used to be.
The Round House is open for visits daily from 10:30am to 3:30pm. Fremantle’s Volunteer Heritage Guides will be there to greet you when the doors are open, and are available to answer your questions and tell you their favourite stories about the building.
If you get there by 1pm, you’ll be able to witness the firing of the old cannon stationed nearby: an exciting, if loud, experience.
However, given its old construction, it may not be accessible for everyone. While there is an inclined pathway around the back of the building, entry into the Round House itself is only possible up a series of stone steps.
Top things to do nearby
The Round House in Fremantle has seen the city grow up around it, which means there’s plenty of things to do nearby.
Bathers Beach
Bathers Beach, one of Fremantle’s most popular beaches, is located right at the base of the Round House. This iconic strip of white sand, bounded by rock walls, is the perfect place to relax by the Indian Ocean without getting too far out of town.
Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour
Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is the bustling heart of the city. Walk along the boardwalk, watch the comings and goings of the fishing trade, and enjoy some of the best fish and chips you’ll ever have.
Whalers Tunnel
In 183, the Fremantle Whaling Company excavated a tunnel directly underneath the Round House, using free labour from the prison to open a walkway from the city to the beach. While its use has long since passed, today the tunnel connects High Street to Bathers Beach, providing easy access down to the sand.
Fremantle Maritime Museum
The Fremantle Maritime Museum invites you to learn about WA’s ocean-faring past and present. Discover stories and artefacts from different sailing and pelagic periods—you can even set foot inside a real-life submarine.
Fremantle Markets
It wouldn’t be a trip to Fremantle without visiting the Fremantle Markets. Head inside and lose yourself in the bustling market lanes, poke into the tiny stalls, discover handmade crafts and clothing, and a range of beautiful food.
So, is the Round House haunted?
The weight of history certainly lies heavily among the stones, and you can feel it as you walk in. And while the Round House itself may not be haunted, it’s said that ghosts do exist nearby.
There are stories of people hearing loud noises, bumps, and objects being moved around inside the nearby shipwreck gallery. Set a little away from the Round House, this building was constructed out on the sandy hills and believed to be the location of John Gavin’s unmarked grave. It’s said that these noises are John Gavin himself, protesting his innocence.
Discover an important part of Fremantle’s history
The Fremantle Round House is a stark reminder of the hard times that the early colonial settlers lived in. And while uncomfortable, it’s an important part of our history that should be preserved.
But just because history is uncomfortable doesn’t mean that you should be. The next time you’re planning a trip to Fremantle, book your room at Pier 21. Our friendly staff can advise on other historical locations that will help tell the greater story of our portside city.