The design was based on a military model, made from large stone blocks quarried from local limestone with accommodation for 400 men.

Each of these in turn had L-shaped dormitories with ablutions placed centrally in an inner quadrangle with two padded cells in B block.

There was also a spacious dining room and laundry which had a further 2,000 square metres (0.5 acres) of washing line.

[2][3] On 10 January 2013, the Premier of Western Australia, Colin Barnett announced that the site of the former Sunset Hospital would be reopened to the community.

To pay for the restoration, 1,500 m2 (16,000 sq ft) of the site would be sold.