Old Fremantle Customs House, Heritage office building in Fremantle, Australia
The Old Fremantle Customs House is a two-story office building at the corner of Cliff and Phillimore Streets, built with light Cottesloe limestone and darker Donnybrook stone trim. Its solid construction and design reflect the building standards of the early 1900s, with prominent windows and thick walls that have weathered over a century of use.
Built in 1908, this structure served as the main customs office for Western Australia for over 70 years before its role changed in 1986. It replaced earlier customs facilities that had occupied different locations in Fremantle since the port's early days.
After its customs role ended, the building became a hub for local artists and creative people in 1986. It housed studios where you could see artists at work and hosted exhibitions that brought the community together around contemporary art.
The main entrance on Phillimore Street has steps, but the Cliff Street side offers a ramp that works better for strollers and wheelchairs. It is worth checking ahead if you need accessible entry, as arrangements may be required for the ramp.
This is actually the fourth customs house to occupy this area, with the first one established by Captain James McDermott in 1829 when Fremantle was just beginning as a port. The building sits at the heart of Fremantle's oldest trading traditions and commercial life.
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