Western Australia's first surveyor-general John Septimus Roe, first designed Fremantle's town plan in 1829.
The struggling colonial port town was transformed by the 1890's gold rush into a vibrant, attractive Victorian port city, with a thriving international port.
The city's layout remains largely the same, with Fremantle's character defined by many of the surviving heritage buildings, streetscapes and squares.
City of Fremantle heritage list
The City of Fremantle's heritage list comprises a list of places within the City, which are of cultural heritage significance and worthy of conservation.
There are currently over 2500 properties on its Local Planning Scheme 4 (LPS4) heritage list. The list as adopted by Council, identifies each place by name and address only and does not include any other data.
To find out if your property is on the heritage list click here. More information on properties included on the heritage list is available on Inherit on the State Heritage Office website.
The objectives of the heritage list are to:
facilitate the conservation of places of heritage value
ensure that development occurs with due regard to identified heritage values in the interest of the community.
Heritage loans
Heritage listed properties within the City of Fremantle are eligible for subsidised loans through the Heritage Loan Subsidy Scheme. The scheme subsidises interest rates on loans by 4% for conservation works, offering owners significant savings. Loans can be arranged through the financial institution of the owner’s choice.
Heritage buildings
Fremantle is renowned for its well-preserved architectural heritage, including convict-built colonial-era buildings, an old jetty and port, and prisons; presenting a variety and unity of historic buildings and streetscapes. These were often built in limestone with ornate façades in a succession of architectural styles. Rapid development following the harbour works gave rise to an Edwardian precinct as merchant and shipping companies built in the west end and on reclaimed land. The Fremantle Society is a community-based culture and heritage advocacy group in Fremantle, Western Australia. It was formed in 1972 to work to prevent what was seen as undesirable demolition and/or development of historic buildings in Fremantle. As the significance of Fremantle's built heritage came to be more widely recognised and respected (by the City, and property owners), the focus of the Fremantle Society has evolved to include more of the cultural heritage of the area.
Various projects over time have highlighted Fremantle heritage as well as advocating consideration of heritage in planning schemes.
The overall nature of the societies work is ongoing due to the inherent pressures from developers and others.
Samson House (also see below)
Samson House, image courtesy Mike Lefroy 2012
Samson House was built for Michael Samson, who was also Lord Mayor of Fremantle. The house, which is a well-known Fremantle landmark, was completed in 1888, and was designed by Sir Talbot Hobbs.
National Trust of Australia (WA) Chief Executive Officer Tom Perrigo said, there was absolutely no doubt Samson House was one of the most significant heritage places in Western Australia. Its intact collection of artefacts, which is directly associated with the place makes it rare amongst historic houses in Australia.
Aldgate c 1896, is a fine example of Federation Queen Anne style of architecture common in Perth suburbs during the 1890s and 1900s.
The architectural qualities of the residence are enhanced by its formal approach, its close relationship to the paved terrace and orchestrated views west into the harbour and north-west to the Swan River.
Aldgate and grounds represent domestic residences built on large lots in East Fremantle during the gold boom period of the 1890s.
160 High Street, Fremantle, WA, Australia
Dalkeith House is a two storey Federation Queen Anne building of brick walls and corrugated iron roof.
Dalkeith House is superbly located overlooking Queens Square. The building provides a total area of approximately 446 SQM, 220 SQM on the ground floor and 226 SQM on the first floor. Parking for four vehicles at the rear on the building. [1]
The High Street (south) elevation is asymmetrical with a projecting gable roofed wing on the right hand side and, on the left, a two storey verandah which wraps around the west and north (rear) elevations.
The projecting wing has bay windows thrust forward of the body of the wall, going through the two floor levels and terminating at a bracketed cornice which continues around the main roof to support the gutter.
The flying gable above has a timber gable screen. This treatment is repeated in a pair of west facing gables appearing over the verandah roof.
The Fremantle Fire Station (former, now OLD FIRE STATION BACKPACKERS) (1909), designed by Cavanagh and Cavanagh, has rarity value as there are few extant fire stations of the gold boom period (1890-1910) in the Perth metropolis.
The fire station is a well modulated example of the Federation Free Classical style of public building.
Fremantle Post Office, completed in 1907, is important as a relatively intact example of the 'blood and bandages' style of red brick public architecture practiced by Hillson Beasley, Chief Architect of the Public Works Department in Western Australia.
The Federation Free style building is a well known landmark in Fremantle and contributes effectively to the Market Street streetscape and to Fremantle's townscape.
The prominent architect George Temple-Poole designed this 1896 public building in his free interpretation of the English vernacular styles, which belong to the British Arts and Crafts movement.
Warwick (1898) is a good example of a Fremantle Federation Queen Anne villa dating from the gold boom years of the 1890s.
Warwick House in Fremantle
The significance of the building is increased by the high level of original detail that remains internally and externally.
The building has significance as a landmark in the City of Fremantle due to its elevated site and orientation, which is enhanced by the prominent dome and turret and the Norfolk pines.
Warwick, and its neighbour Atwell, are the only two remaining large late nineteenth century villas on generous blocks, in Solomon Street.
77 Solomon St Fremantle State Registered Place
Heritage Place No. 2907 Atwell (1898)
Atwell is a large late-nineteenth century domestic villa, built to house the family of Henry Atwell, a prominent Fremantle businessman.
Atwell is a fine example of a late-nineteenth century grand domestic villa in Fremantle. The significance is increased by the high level of original detailing remaining,
Major Tourist Attraction - W A Tourism Awards 2006
Fremantle Prison played a pivotal role in the Western Australian colony, which had survived from its European settlement in 1829 to 1850 as a free settlement without convicts, although not without a struggle. During the 1830’s more people left the settlement than arrived and the colony stagnated. However, by the late 1840’s pastoralists began lobbying for convicts to be sent to the colony to solve a labour shortage, and argued that the colony would benefit from the injection of capital the establishment of a convict centre would entail.
While there appears never to have been general community support for the proposition, transportation to Western Australia was legislated in Britain in 1849 for an unlimited number of male convicts. Ultimately, nearly 10,000 male convicts were sent to Western Australia between 1850 and 1868. The entry to the prison complex
Originally known as The Convict Establishment and renamed Fremantle Prison in 1867, the prison complex was built to the design of Comptroller General of Convicts in Western Australia, Capt. E.Y.W. Henderson, based on the designs of Joshua Jebb, the British Controller of Prisons, and in particular Jebb’s Portland Works Prison.
Whilst transportation of convicts ceased in 1868, Fremantle Prison continued to be managed by the Imperial administration, housing both transported convicts serving out their sentences, and colonial prisoners until, with just 50 convicts remaining in the system, it finally passed from Imperial (British) to colonial (Western Australian) management in 1886.
State Heritage Register
Place
View information about this place
Aldgate
7 Aldgate Pl East FremantleState Registered Place
Heritage Place No. 802
Aldgate, a substantial single-storey, limestone and brick Federation Queen
Anne style residence, has cultural heritage significance: it is a fine example of the Federation Queen Anne styleof architecture common in Perth's suburbs during the 1890s and 1900s; enhanced by its formal approach, the building's close relationship to the paved terrace and orchestrated views west to the harbour and north-west to the Swan River, the place represents the scale and style of residences built on large, river facing lots in East Fremantle during the gold boom period;
Gallery: HOUSE OF THE WEEK: 7 Aldgate Place, East Fremantle. Pictures: Alf Sorbello
oodside Hospital (Moore Family Residence, Woodside)
18 Dalgety St East Fremantle State Registered Place Heritage Place No. 792
Architectural Style; Federation Free Classical Woodside Hospital, a two-storey brick building with a brick single-storey wing to the east, was constructed in 1896-7 as a private residence for William Dalgety Moore. The residence was extended in 1904. A single-storey brick addition to the east wing was built in 1966, and today this contains the bulk of the hospital's nursing facilities.
The administrative and staffing facilities are located in the western end of the original building. On the approximately one hectare site are also a gardener's shed and a single-storey brick laundry building, probably built in the 1920s.
Mature trees and well cultivated gardens surround the buildings. At the left of the main driveway entrance is an expanse of levelled grass adjacent to a group of olive trees.
107-121 George St East Fremantle
Heritage Place No. 807
Architectural Style: Federation Free Classical
121 George Street, East Fremantle
The place comprises a corner shop, with a truncated corner entry and display window to King Street, and 7 terrace residences. The place is single storey and is of red brick construction with stucco banding and features. The terrace houses have high gable roofs which clearly delineate each individual component. The gables feature bargeboards which frame statuary niches. There are bull nosed verandahs to the front and high chimneys punctuate the skyline. It has rarity value as a fine example of its type (shop and terraced housing) located in a suburb.
20 Osborne Rd East Fremantle State Registered Place Heritage Place No. 805
Architectural Style: Federation Queen Anne
Woodlawn and Garden Setting
A large turn of century house significant for its architectural character of Bungalow style, expressed in stone walls and corrugated galvanised iron roof sweeping down over wide surrounding verandahs, punctuated with gables and turrets.
The house, set in expansive grounds, is significant for its association with the original merchant builder.
Woodlawn, a single storey residence, constructed of stone and iron, in the Federation Queen Anne style set, in a lush garden landscape has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
the place is a fine and substantial Federation Queen Anne style bungalow that employs all the characteristic design devices of the style,
located in an expansive garden setting that retains much mature contemporary plant material;
with its substantial mature plantings, the place contributes to the aesthetic quality of the landscape of East Fremantle and has a landmark quality;
A large 1890s house significant for its now unique architectural character of wide surrounding verandahs in the bungalow style, with lookout tower overlooking the harbour.
Significant as well for its association with gold rush hoteliers in Fremantle and the goldfields.
24 Preston Point Rd East Fremantle State Registered Place Heritage Place No. 803
Knocknagow, a single storey rendered masonry construction and Zincalume custom orb roofed residence in the Federation Queen Anne bungalow style with a belvedere and associated single storey former stables, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
the place is significant for its elevated and prominent siting, dramatic approach from the street and as a fine Federation Queen Anne style bungalow;
with its tall belvedere, the place has a distinctive landmark quality
1 Surbiton St East Fremantle Large brick house with orange terracotta tiled roof. Corner timber verandah set between projecting wings on adjacent sides. French doors to verandah. Bracketed canopy over windows. House on high ground with extensive views.
Heritage Place No. 804 Sold recently: Fri 24-Jan-14:
"Tucked away on one of East Fremantle's most private and prestigious streets sits this Federation beauty offering sweeping views of the river and harbour mouth to the Indian Ocean.
Secluded from the street by an exquisite limestone wall, this stately home is situated on a sizable 1214sqm land holding over two separate titles.
Along the meandering driveway, a striking stone entrance staircase leads to a sizeable verandah that wraps around the east of the residence, overlooking the manicured gardens and a large below-ground pool.
The generous foyer seamlessly flows into the two storey extension that completes this luxuriously comfortable family home.
The ground level encompasses a substantial open-plan kitchen and dining area with a towering vaulted ceiling.
Also incorporated on the ground floor are four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large children's playroom. The spacious second-storey family room features expansive windows offering stunning views over the Swan River, stretching to the Indian Ocean and over to Rottnest."
61 & 63 Ellen St Fremantle State Registered Place Heritage Place No. 869
Samson House ... the task of cutting back about 60 rose bushes
Samson House is a detached house with a coach house and servants' quarters set in a large mature garden. The corrugated metal roof, brick and stone house has a belvedere in an Italianate style.
Samson House, designed by Joseph John Talbot Hobbs in 1889, is a single storey limestone, brick and iron house with belvedere, in the Federation style with elements of the Queen Anne style, including the coach house, stables, cottage and gardens, has cultural heritage significance for the following reason:
the place, built for prominent merchant Michael Samson and subsequently occupied by his descendants for almost 100 years, demonstrates the continuous occupation by two generations of a prominent Western Australian family;
Table of Contents
Fremantle significant sites and buildings
Western Australia's first surveyor-general John Septimus Roe, first designed Fremantle's town plan in 1829.
City of Fremantle heritage list
The City of Fremantle's heritage list comprises a list of places within the City, which are of cultural heritage significance and worthy of conservation.- There are currently over 2500 properties on its Local Planning Scheme 4 (LPS4) heritage list. The list as adopted by Council, identifies each place by name and address only and does not include any other data.
- To find out if your property is on the heritage list click here. More information on properties included on the heritage list is available on Inherit on the State Heritage Office website.
The objectives of the heritage list are to:Heritage loans
Heritage listed properties within the City of Fremantle are eligible for subsidised loans through the Heritage Loan Subsidy Scheme. The scheme subsidises interest rates on loans by 4% for conservation works, offering owners significant savings. Loans can be arranged through the financial institution of the owner’s choice.Heritage buildings
Fremantle is renowned for its well-preserved architectural heritage, including convict-built colonial-era buildings, an old jetty and port, and prisons; presenting a variety and unity of historic buildings and streetscapes. These were often built in limestone with ornate façades in a succession of architectural styles. Rapid development following the harbour works gave rise to an Edwardian precinct as merchant and shipping companies built in the west end and on reclaimed land.The Fremantle Society is a community-based culture and heritage advocacy group in Fremantle, Western Australia. It was formed in 1972 to work to prevent what was seen as undesirable demolition and/or development of historic buildings in Fremantle. As the significance of Fremantle's built heritage came to be more widely recognised and respected (by the City, and property owners), the focus of the Fremantle Society has evolved to include more of the cultural heritage of the area.
Various projects over time have highlighted Fremantle heritage as well as advocating consideration of heritage in planning schemes.
The overall nature of the societies work is ongoing due to the inherent pressures from developers and others.
Samson House (also see below)
Samson House was built for Michael Samson, who was also Lord Mayor of Fremantle. The house, which is a well-known Fremantle landmark, was completed in 1888, and was designed by Sir Talbot Hobbs.
National Heritage:
Heritage: Australian Heritage Database
Aldgate and Grounds
7 Aldgate Place East Fremantle, WA, AustraliaCustoms House (former)
2-8 Phillimore Street, Fremantle, WA, AustraliaDalkeith House
160 High Street, Fremantle, WA, Australia
Dalkeith House is a two storey Federation Queen Anne building of brick walls and corrugated iron roof.
Fremantle Fire Station (former)
18 Phillimore Street, Fremantle, WA, AustraliaFremantle Post Office
13-15 Market Street, Fremantle, WA, AustraliaThe Federation Free style building is a well known landmark in Fremantle and contributes effectively to the Market Street streetscape and to Fremantle's townscape.
South Fremantle Post Office and Quarters (former)
174 Hampton Rd, Beaconsfield, WA, AustraliaWarwick
79 Solomon Street, Fremantle, WA, AustraliaWarwick (1898) is a good example of a Fremantle Federation Queen Anne villa dating from the gold boom years of the 1890s.
The significance of the building is increased by the high level of original detail that remains internally and externally.
Atwell
77 Solomon St FremantleHeritage Place No. 2907
Fremantle Prison - The Convict Establishment
Major Tourist Attraction - W A Tourism Awards 2006
Fremantle Prison played a pivotal role in the Western Australian colony, which had survived from its European settlement in 1829 to 1850 as a free settlement without convicts, although not without a struggle. During the 1830’s more people left the settlement than arrived and the colony stagnated. However, by the late 1840’s pastoralists began lobbying for convicts to be sent to the colony to solve a labour shortage, and argued that the colony would benefit from the injection of capital the establishment of a convict centre would entail.
While there appears never to have been general community support for the proposition, transportation to Western Australia was legislated in Britain in 1849 for an unlimited number of male convicts. Ultimately, nearly 10,000 male convicts were sent to Western Australia between 1850 and 1868.
Originally known as The Convict Establishment and renamed Fremantle Prison in 1867, the prison complex was built to the design of Comptroller General of Convicts in Western Australia, Capt. E.Y.W. Henderson, based on the designs of Joshua Jebb, the British Controller of Prisons, and in particular Jebb’s Portland Works Prison.
State Heritage Register
Aldgate
7 Aldgate Pl East Fremantle
Heritage Place No. 802
Aldgate, a substantial single-storey, limestone and brick Federation Queen
Anne style residence, has cultural heritage significance: it is a fine example of the Federation Queen Anne styleof architecture common in Perth's suburbs during the 1890s and 1900s; enhanced by its formal approach, the building's close relationship to the paved terrace and orchestrated views west to the harbour and north-west to the Swan River, the place represents the scale and style of residences built on large, river facing lots in East Fremantle during the gold boom period;
Gallery: HOUSE OF THE WEEK: 7 Aldgate Place, East Fremantle. Pictures: Alf Sorbello
oodside Hospital (Moore Family Residence, Woodside)
18 Dalgety St East FremantleArchitectural Style; Federation Free Classical
Woodside Hospital, a two-storey brick building with a brick single-storey wing to the east, was constructed in 1896-7 as a private residence for William Dalgety Moore. The residence was extended in 1904. A single-storey brick addition to the east wing was built in 1966, and today this contains the bulk of the hospital's nursing facilities.
Terrace Houses and Shop (George St Mews)
107-121 George St East FremantleHeritage Place No. 807
Architectural Style: Federation Free Classical
The place comprises a corner shop, with a truncated corner entry and display window to King Street, and 7 terrace residences. The place is single storey and is of red brick construction with stucco banding and features.
The terrace houses have high gable roofs which clearly delineate each individual component.
The gables feature bargeboards which frame statuary niches. There are bull nosed verandahs to the front and high chimneys punctuate the skyline. It has rarity value as a fine example of its type (shop and terraced housing) located in a suburb.
No 121 Sold for $770,000
Sold Date: Tue 23-Jul-13
House & Norfolk Pine Trees, 3 Glyde Street
3 Glyde St East FremantleHeritage Place No. 10222
Woodlawn
20 Osborne Rd East FremantleArchitectural Style: Federation Queen Anne
The house, set in expansive grounds, is significant for its association with the original merchant builder.
Woodlawn, a single storey residence, constructed of stone and iron, in the Federation Queen Anne style set, in a lush garden landscape has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
with its substantial mature plantings, the place contributes to the aesthetic quality of the landscape of East Fremantle and has a landmark quality;
Knocknagow
A large 1890s house significant for its now unique architectural character of wide surrounding verandahs in the bungalow style, with lookout tower overlooking the harbour.
Significant as well for its association with gold rush hoteliers in Fremantle and the goldfields.
24 Preston Point Rd East Fremantle
Knocknagow, a single storey rendered masonry construction and Zincalume custom orb roofed residence in the Federation Queen Anne bungalow style with a belvedere and associated single storey former stables, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
Harvose
1 Surbiton St East FremantleLarge brick house with orange terracotta tiled roof. Corner timber verandah set between projecting wings on adjacent sides. French doors to verandah. Bracketed canopy over windows. House on high ground with extensive views.
Heritage Place No. 804
Sold recently:
Fri 24-Jan-14:
"Tucked away on one of East Fremantle's most private and prestigious streets sits this Federation beauty offering sweeping views of the river and harbour mouth to the Indian Ocean.
Two Houses
2 & 4 Barnett St FremantleHeritage Place No. 848
HOLDSWORTH HOUSE 1 BATEMAN STREET
1 Bateman St FremantleHeritage Place No. 4550
Lionel Samson Building (Samson Cottage)
31-35 Cliff St FremantleHeritage Place No. 856
Oceanic Hotel (fmr) (Rivendel Residential Units)
8 Collie St FremantleHeritage Place No. 862
HOUSE, 37 ELLEN STREET
37 Ellen St FremantleHeritage Place No. 866
Samson House
61 & 63 Ellen St FremantleSamson House is a detached house with a coach house and servants' quarters set in a large mature garden. The corrugated metal roof, brick and stone house has a belvedere in an Italianate style.
Samson House, designed by Joseph John Talbot Hobbs in 1889, is a single storey limestone, brick and iron house with belvedere, in the Federation style with elements of the Queen Anne style, including the coach house, stables, cottage and gardens, has cultural heritage significance for the following reason:
HOUSE, 75 ELLEN STREET
75 Ellen St FremantleHeritage Place No. 870
HOUSE, 16 ESSEX STREET
16 Essex St FremantleHeritage Place No. 872
Fremantle Municipal Tramways Car Barn (fmr)
1 High St FremantleHeritage Place No. 897
Dalkeith House
160 High St FremantleAJAX BUILDING, 49-59 HIGH STREET (Purdies)
49-59 High St FremantleHeritage Place No. 916
Hotel Fremantle & Residence (at rear)
6 High St FremantleHeritage Place No. 900
OWSTON'S BUILDINGS (Oustons Building)
9-23 High St FremantleHeritage Place No. 909
Terrace of Six Houses at 19-29 Holdsworth Street (Six Terrace Houses)
19-29 Holdsworth St FremantleHeritage Place No. 942
Water Police Station & Quarters (fmr), Fremantle (Water Police Barracks (fmr))
10-20 Marine Tce FremantleHeritage Place No. 945
Fremantle Esplanade Hotel
46 Marine Tce & Essex St FremantleHeritage Place No. 947
P J Morriss Building (fmr) (W Sandover Warehouse, Notre Dame University ND1)
13-19 Mouat St FremantleHeritage Place No. 956
His Majesty's Hotel (His Lordship's Larder, Phillimore's Hotel)
2-8 Mouat St FremantleHeritage Place No. 975
Two Terrace Houses
14-16 Nairn St FremantleHeritage Place No. 964
COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 1 PAKENHAM STREET (Office and Warehouse,
Tolley & Co Warehouse)
1 Pakenham St FremantleHeritage Place No. 968
Music School
21 Parry St FremantleHeritage Place No. 973
Four Terrace Houses
19-25 Point St FremantleHeritage Place No. 986
8 Terrace Houses
2-16 Price St FremantleHeritage Place No. 987
Four Terrace Houses
18-24 Queen Victoria St FremantleHeritage Place No. 251
Atwell
77 Solomon St FremantleHeritage Place No. 2907
Warwick
79 Solomon St FremantleHeritage Place No. 2906
HOUSE, 196 SOUTH TERRACE
196 South Tce FremantleHeritage Place No. 1005
HOUSE, 30 SUFFOLK ST
30 Suffolk St FremantleHeritage Place No. 1012
Turton
25 Harvest Rd North FremantleHeritage Place No. 1036
Residential structure built in 1904 and designed by Talbot Hobbs.
South Fremantle Post Office (fmr) (Martha Hampton Clinic)
174 Hampton Rd South FremantleHeritage Place No. 1045