The building was constructed using local limestone quarried from the surrounding Arthur Head cliffs.
It originally contained eight cells and a jailer's residence, all opening into a central courtyard.
The structure served as the primary prison for the entire Swan River Colony for over 50 years.
A tunnel was cut through the limestone beneath the Round House in the 1880s to provide access between the town and the jetty.
The prison was the site of the colony's first legal execution, conducted in public.
Its dodecagonal shape was influenced by the 'Panopticon' prison design theory, though it lacks the true observation capabilities of that model.
The Round House is the oldest surviving public building in Western Australia, constructed between 1830 and 1831. It was designed as a prison to house both colonial and Indigenous prisoners during the early years of the Swan River Colony. The structure features a unique twelve-sided polygon design, intended to make the internal cells radiate from a central point. It served as a gaol until 1886, after which it was repurposed as a police lock-up until 1900. It later functioned as a living quarters for the Water Police until 1936. The limestone building is situated on the cliff edge of Arthur Head. It currently operates as a heritage site managed by the Fremantle Volunteer Heritage Guides.
From the grass area facing the western ocean view, capturing the building silhouette against the sunset.
Visit during the daily cannon firing ceremony to learn about the site's colonial timekeeping history.
Take time to walk the surrounding Arthur Head reserve to see the heritage limestone tunnels.
Check the official website for scheduled guided tour availability.
Do not overlook the underground tunnel entrance located on the western side of the cliff base.
Open daily, except for Good Friday and Christmas Day.
