What is the Roundhouse in Fremantle?
The Roundhouse in Fremantle is the oldest public building in Western Australia. The Fremantle Roundhouse was originally built as a prison for settlers in the Swan River Colony.
Fremantle in Western Australia is blessed with a large collection of heritage buildings. Most notable of these is the World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison, which offers several tours, including one of the tunnels underneath.
But Fremantle Prison wasn’t the first prison in these parts. That honour goes to one of the city’s most prominent historic buildings – the Roundhouse.
The Fremantle Roundhouse is the oldest public building in Western Australia.
Things to book in Fremantle before you arrive
- Your Rottnest Island ferry tickets and bike hire.
- A best of Fremantle two hour walking tour.
- Whale-watching cruise tickets.
- A street art and beer tour.
- A half day sailing cruise to Carnac Island.
- A sunset sailing cruise.
- A four venue Fremantle bar tour.
The Fremantle Roundhouse at Bathers Beach
The Roundhouse in Fremantle overlooks Bathers Beach in the handsome port city. Most visitors to Fremantle will wander past it or poke their nose in, perhaps without realising it’s the oldest public building in Western Australia.
In fact, the Roundhouse is older than the name “Western Australia”, which was only adopted in 1832. Before then, the settlement around what is now Perth was known as the Swan River Colony.
The Roundhouse isn’t, however, the oldest building in Western Australia. That honour goes to Wiebbe Hayes’ fort in the Houtman-Abrolhos Islands, scene of the Batavia shipwreck. Find out more about the Batavia in the WA Shipwrecks Museum, which is a short walk away from the Roundhouse in Fremantle.
DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅
- ✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
- ✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
- ✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
- ✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
- ✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
- ✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
- ✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
- ✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
- ✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.
How old is the Fremantle Roundhouse?
The Fremantle Roundhouse was opened in January 1831. It was designed to hold any person convicted of a crime in the Swan River Colony. The Swan River Colony was founded in May 1829 – a few days after the HMS Challenger arrived with the new settlers.
Unlike New South Wales and Tasmania, the Swan River Colony was originally convict-free. Convicts came later, as the colony struggled to take off and admitted a need for convict labour.
✅ Find the best tours and experiences in Western Australia right here. ✅
No convicts didn’t mean no crime, however. Somewhere was required to house any settlers while in the colony who broke the law.
What happened to the Fremantle Roundhouse?
The Roundhouse’s position as primary prison was eventually taken by the Fremantle Prison, but it was still used to hold people convicted of crimes until 1886. After that, the Roundhouse became a police lock-up facility. It then became accommodation for the Water Police and a storage unit for Fremantle Ports.
Demolition was threatened in the 1920s, but campaigners saved the Roundhouse. It passed into the control of the Western Australian state government, before being given to the City of Fremantle.
5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special
- Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
- Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
- Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
- Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.
Today, the Roundhouse is looked after by volunteers. Entry is free, although donations for the upkeep are requested.
Other Fremantle activities include taking a ride on the Fremantle ferris wheel, going for a sunset cruise and a street art and beer tour by bike.
Unusual Fremantle accommodation options include the Hougoumont Hotel and Fremantle Prison YHA.
Fremantle accommodation recommendations
The best Fremantle accommodation options are:
- For distinctive character and a sense of history: Hougoumont Hotel.
- For gorgeous apartments: West End Warehouse.
- For location and cool factor: Warders Hotel Fremantle Markets.
- For a decent pool: Pier 21 Apartmentment Hotel.
- On a budget: Fremantle Prison YHA.
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