The township was first surveyed from here in 1846 by the colony's deputy surveyor-general, Thomas Burr. The Royal Circus then served as a roundabout, guiding the flow of wagons as they delivered wool to the port and collected supplies for pastoral stations from Ormerod's store, which stood on the site of the current council chambers.

In modern times, the Royal Circus is a major attraction for visitors, maritime history enthusiasts and even art lovers. Taking pride of place is the bronze sculptures of maritime explorers Matthew Flinders and Nicolas Baudin, cast by the late Robe artist, Pat Moseley. They stand alongside a cannon, believed to have come from the Dutch ship Koning Willem II, which came to grief during a storm in the bay in 1857, resulting in the tragic loss of 16 crew members.

The panoramic views from the Royal Circus include the breathtaking waters of Guichen Bay, Customs House to the Robe Marina, the Chinese Monument Pai Fang and also straight down to Front Beach.

If you walk up the stone steps to the top, you can read the plaques dedicated to the names of the vessels that were lost at sea in the treacherous waters along our coastline.