A photo from Fremantle, Perth, Australia

• Description: The Roundhouse
• Location: Fremantle, Perth, Australia
• GPS coordinates: -32.056164, 115.741463
• Taken on hike/walk:
• From metrotrek:
• From Attraction:

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The Round House is a historic building located in Fremantle, Western Australia. It was constructed in 1830 and is the oldest building still standing in Western Australia. The Round House has significant historical and cultural value and is a popular tourist attraction in Fremantle.

The Round House was built as a prison in 1830, shortly after the establishment of the Swan River Colony. The building's circular design was intended to enable a central guard tower to oversee all the cells, providing better security for the prisoners. The Round House served as a prison until 1886 when it was converted into a police lock-up. It was decommissioned in 1900 and has since been used for various purposes, including as a residence, a store, and a museum.

The Round House is a two-story building, with a diameter of 24.4 meters and a height of 12.8 meters. It features eight cells, with seven of them arranged around the central tower, and the eighth cell located beneath the tower. The building's exterior is made of locally sourced limestone, while the interior features wooden floors and ceilings.

The Round House is a popular tourist attraction in Fremantle, offering visitors a glimpse into Western Australia's colonial past. The building is open to the public and features an exhibit on the history of the building and its use as a prison and police lock-up. Visitors can also participate in a free guided tour, which is conducted hourly by volunteers.

The Round House is also known for its longstanding tradition of firing the cannon at 1 pm daily. This tradition dates back to the building's early days when the cannon was fired to signal the time to ships in the harbor. Today, the cannon firing is performed by a group of volunteers, and visitors can witness the spectacle from the adjacent lawn.