Round House and Whalers Tunnel
COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELFA group of volunteer guides is on duty at the site every day from 10:30am to 3:30pm. Contact: 08 9336 6897 for information. The Roundhouse is open between 10.30am and 3.30pm every day except Christmas Day and Good Friday. The Fremantle Volunteer Heritage Guide's office is manned every week... day between 10am and 3.30pm. The cannon is fired daily at 1pm. If you attend you may even be able to trigger the shot! Telephone: 9336 6897/Fax: 9336 6800 Email: fvhga@iinet.net.au view more info
For assistance with your booking call 1300 885 775 (+61 8 9460 4900)
Details
Description
The Roundhouse : The Round House stands at the Western end of High Street on Arthur Head, a high promontory overlooking Bathers Beach and the Indian Ocean. The twelve-sided building was purpose-built as a gaol in 1831 to house locals who broke the law.
The Whalers Tunnel :The tunnel below the Round House was built by the Fremantle Whaling Company in 1837 to allow the company easy access between Fremantle town and Bathers Beach.
The Signal Station : From 1900 a dropping time ball and sound signal were used each day at 1pm to signal the correct time to navigators on ships entering Fremantle Harbour. This procedure was discontinued in 1937. Since 1998 the Fremantle Volunteer Heritage Guides have re-enacted the ceremony every day. A member of the public may be invited to be the Honorary Gunnery Officer to fire the sound signal (a cannon on loan from the Fremantle Football Club, the "Dockers").
The Fremantle Volunteer Heritage Guides : A group of volunteer guides is on duty at the site every day from 10:30am to 3:30pm. Apart from interpreting the history of the site, various flags are flown on the signal station and the National Flag of visiting ships is hoisted to the masthead as a courtesy to the vessels as they enter the Port of Fremantle.
Cost : Entry is by gold coin donation.
Opening Times : 10:30am - 3.30pm Closed Good Friday & Christmas Day
Location
Round House, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Directions
The free CAT bus runs around Fremantle every 10 minutes during the day, from Fremantle Station. There are stops close to the Round House.
Map
Reviews
It's always great to know what others think. So here's some comments from those with experience here.
Guest Ratings
Interesting piece of history
Directly under the Round house. A few signs about providing history details, so you get the understanding of its purpose. You wont spend too long here but I would suggest it is a must see.