Fremantle Prison

Fremantle Prison is one of Western Australia’s premier visitor attractions and is the only World Heritage listed building in Western Australia. Built by convicts in the 1850s, Fremantle Prison was used as a place of incarceration for almost 140 years. Decommissioned as an operating maximum security gaol in 1991, the empty prison with its solitary cells and gallows now welcomes ‘inmates’ of a different kind – tourists. Visitors can ‘step inside and do time’ with Fremantle Prison’s experienced guides on a range of tours that vary from pure history, to heritage adventure. On Prison Day tours visitors can learn about the daily life of convicts and prisoners alike. Featuring cells, yards, solitary confinement and an opportunity to view a once operational gallows these tours are perfect if you are interested in history or heritage. For a more spooky experience you can’t go past an eerie Torchlight Tour as the tour guide delves into the darker side of the Prison's history. The most unique of all the tours on offer is the underground Tunnels Tour. Those with a spirit for adventure can explore a one kilometre labyrinth of tunnels built by prisoners which run under the Prison. Equipped with hardhat, overalls, boots, headlamps and harnesses visitors are locked into the ladder system before descending 20 metres into the depths below. Skilled guides lead the trek through dry sections of the tunnels by foot, before boarding replica convict punts to explore the submerged passageways accessible only by boat. In addition to its guided tours, Fremantle Prison also features exhibitions in the Prison Gallery, interpretive Visitor Centres and an award winning Gift Shop.