About this place
What to expect
The Round House is the oldest public building in Western Australia, built as a jail and opened in January 1831, just 18 months after the establishment of the Swan River Colony. Not only an iconic Fremantle landmark, with its cliff-top location on Arthur Head at Manjaree, the Round House embodies the intersection of Western Australia's Aboriginal and colonial histories. Explore its galleries to learn about the jail's role in the early years of the Swan River Colony - Britain's first 'free' colony - and the parallel story of Aboriginal dispossession and imprisonment on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island. Have your questions answered by a knowledgeable Volunteer Heritage Guide, take in the view from Manjaree/Arthur Head, and walk the Whaler's Tunnel to Bathers Beach. Don't miss the daily cannon firing ceremony on the Gun Deck (weather permitting) and accompanying talk. You can even apply to be the Honorary Gunner for the day, through the website or by phone. The Round House is located at the West End of Fremantle on Manjaree/ Arthur Head. There is paid parking below at the western end of High Street, or catch the train to Fremantle and walk 10 minutes from the train station.