Built almost as soon as the first settlers arrived in Western Australia to found the Swan River Colony, the Round House was designed by the local official civil engineer in 1830. It was made to serve the community as a small prison before later becoming a police lockup and home of the chief constable.
Though its name may suggest otherwise, this historic prison is not in fact round. It has 12 distinct sides, but only got the name Round House from residents in the town nearby from which its sides are too indistinct to notice. You can take a tour and see for yourself, and look at exhibits which will tell you more about the prisoners who have passed through here.
Sitting on top of Arthur Head and with a commanding view of Bather’s Beach and the nearby harbours, from here you can look out over the Indian Ocean. At 1 p.m. every day, you can witness the prison’s famous cannon being fired, keeping alive an old tradition that was first established to help locals synchronise their clocks. You could even get the chance to be the gunner of the day and fire the shot.
When you arrive inside the compound, take a look at the colonial architecture of the exteriors, before exploring the cells, guards’ quarters, bakery and laundry. Read the plaques throughout the prison which will tell you more about the prisoners who were incarcerated here. Volunteer staff are on hand to give you more information.
Below the house, you can go through the tunnel and head for the beach, around which you’ll find art galleries and studios, restaurants and cafés.
About 22 kilometres from central Perth, the Round House is situated on the Fremantle coastline. Open daily from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, you can give a voluntary donation on admission. It is easy to reach by car, bus and train – or take the ferry over the Swan River for a more scenic journey.
