Fremantle Prison
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage site, a former convict prison offering immersive tours, unique accommodation, and a glimpse into Australia's penal his...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Fremantle Prison
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage site, a former convict prison offering immersive tours, unique accommodation, and a glimpse into Australia's penal history.
"A must-visit for a fascinating and chilling journey into Western Australia's convict past."
🎯 Book Tours Ahead of Time
Popular tours like the Torchlight and Tunnel tours can sell out. Book online or arrive early to secure your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must for all tours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Behind Bars Tour
Various cell blocks
Step into the shoes of inmates and guards. Explore cells, learn about prison life, and see the hangman's noose.
Tunnel Tour
Underground tunnels
Descend into the prison's subterranean network. Discover the history and purpose of these hidden passages.
Torchlight Tour
Various prison areas
Experience the prison after dark with a guide and a flashlight. Hear chilling stories and feel the history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Fremantle Prison Tour in Advance
Choose Your Adventure: Multiple Tours Available
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Ahead of Time
Popular tours like the Torchlight and Tunnel tours can sell out. Book online or arrive early to secure your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must for all tours.
🔦 Bring a Flashlight (Torchlight Tour)
Essential for the Torchlight Tour to navigate the darker areas and enhance the spooky atmosphere.
⏳ Arrive Early for Insight
Get to the prison 30 minutes before your tour to explore the grounds and gift shop for extra context.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Ahead of Time
Popular tours like the Torchlight and Tunnel tours can sell out. Book online or arrive early to secure your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must for all tours.
🔦 Bring a Flashlight (Torchlight Tour)
Essential for the Torchlight Tour to navigate the darker areas and enhance the spooky atmosphere.
⏳ Arrive Early for Insight
Get to the prison 30 minutes before your tour to explore the grounds and gift shop for extra context.
👻 Consider a Ghost Tour
If you're into the paranormal, the ghost tours are highly recommended for a spooky and historical experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fremantle Prison is widely praised for its immersive tours and rich historical insights, with visitors particularly enjoying the Tunnel and Torchlight experiences. While the booking process can sometimes be a hassle, the informative and entertaining guides, along with the unique atmosphere, make it a highly recommended attraction for understanding Western Australia's convict past.
"We took the 4 PM guided tour at Fremantle Prison and found it genuinely interesting. The guide was knowledgeable and engaging, and the historical insights were well presented. It’s definitely worth visiting if you’re curious about Western Australia’s convict past and prison architecture.
However, we were quite disappointed by the lack of clear information beforehand. We had called in advance and were told that the site was only accessible via guided tours, and that there was no walk-through museum. Based on that, we scheduled our visit around the tour.
Unfortunately, after the tour ended, we discovered that there is in fact a museum area at the front of the prison. No one mentioned this to us on the phone or when we arrived, which was frustrating. By the time we finished the tour, those areas had already been closed off, so we missed them entirely.
It’s a real shame, because we would have planned our visit differently had we known. Clearer communication would have made a big difference."
Andrea
"Fremantle Prison was a super interesting visit with well-informed, engaging guides. I only toured the prison itself and was really pleased I went — lots of history and context. The tour might run a bit long for younger kids, but it’s excellent for adults and older teens."
Chris Roylance
"Visited yesterday and got to see and learn some more history of this great town of ours.. Was very interesting listening to the stories of early pioneers and convicts that shaped our city. Walking through the prison was thought provoking, certainly was tough on the occupants throughout the years."
Bruce Hardy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fremantle Prison is easily accessible from Perth. You can take a train from Perth CBD to Fremantle Station, which is about a 30-minute journey. From Fremantle Station, it's a short walk or a quick bus ride to the prison. Driving is also an option, with parking available nearby.
Accessibility can vary depending on the tour. Some areas and tours are accessible, while others, particularly those involving tunnels or stairs, may not be. It's best to check the specific tour details on the Fremantle Prison website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
The address for Fremantle Prison is 1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia.
Yes, public transport is a convenient way to reach Fremantle Prison. Trains run regularly from Perth to Fremantle, and local buses also service the area.
Yes, there is parking available near Fremantle Prison. However, it can get busy, especially during peak times, so arriving early is advisable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the tour chosen. For example, the Convict and Behind Bars tours might cost around $33 AUD per person. It's recommended to check the official Fremantle Prison website for the most current admission prices and package deals.
While it's possible to buy tickets on the day, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular tours like the Torchlight or Tunnel tours, as they can sell out. Some visitors have reported needing to book on the spot due to online booking issues.
Fremantle Prison offers various tours throughout the day and some special night tours. Opening hours and tour times can vary, so it's best to consult the official website for the most accurate schedule.
Yes, Fremantle Prison offers a range of tours including the Convict Tour, Behind Bars Tour, Tunnel Tour, Torchlight Tour, and special Ghost Tours. Each offers a unique perspective on the prison's history.
Yes, most tours at Fremantle Prison operate on a timed schedule. You will need to book a specific time slot when purchasing your tickets to ensure you can join your chosen tour.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 'best' tour depends on your interests. The Tunnel Tour is highly recommended for its unique underground exploration. The Torchlight Tour offers a spooky, atmospheric experience,
while the Behind Bars tour provides in-depth insights into prison life.
Tour durations vary. Most guided tours typically last between 60 to 90 minutes, allowing ample time to explore the designated areas and learn from your guide.
Many visitors report eerie experiences and believe Fremantle Prison is haunted, especially during the Torchlight and Ghost Tours. The prison's long history and former use contribute to its reputation for paranormal activity.
The Convict Tour focuses on the history of the convicts who built and were imprisoned in Fremantle Prison. You'll learn about their journeys, daily lives, and the harsh conditions they endured.
Fremantle Prison offers interactive cultural exhibits that delve into the convict era and the prison's operational history. These exhibits provide a deeper understanding of the site's significance.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in most public areas of Fremantle Prison for personal use. However, flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to protect artifacts or for safety reasons. Always check with your tour guide if unsure.
The imposing limestone architecture, the cell blocks, and the underground tunnels offer dramatic photographic opportunities. The courtyard and exterior shots also capture the prison's historical grandeur.
While personal photography is usually allowed, professional photography or filming may require special permits. Always respect your guide's instructions and any posted signage regarding photography.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial, especially for the Torchlight or night tours. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the cell blocks and tunnels.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around heritage sites like Fremantle Prison due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to assume drone photography is not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by the attraction.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children are old enough to appreciate historical narratives and potentially spooky elements, especially if considering the Torchlight Tour. Consider the length of the tours and the need for comfortable shoes, as younger children might find extended periods of walking challenging. The prison grounds offer space to explore, and the historical context can be a valuable learning experience. Always check age recommendations for specific tours when booking.
👻 Ghost Hunters & Paranormal Enthusiasts
Visitors often report hearing unexplained noises, feeling cold spots, and experiencing other phenomena that fuel the belief in resident spirits. Many believe the prison's long and often tragic history has left behind lingering energies. The atmosphere during these night tours is palpable, making it a thrilling experience for those who enjoy a good ghost story and the possibility of a real-life encounter.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Look for package deals if you plan to do multiple tours. Staying at the YHA Fremantle Prison offers a unique and potentially cost-effective accommodation option, allowing you to sleep in a former prison cell.
This combines your lodging and a significant part of the prison experience into one. Remember to factor in transportation costs to and from Fremantle.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Convict Era: Building Fremantle Prison
Visitors can delve into this history through various tours, particularly the Convict Tour, which highlights the lives of these men, their daily routines, and the brutal conditions they faced. Understanding the convict origins is key to appreciating the prison's architecture and its place in Australian history. The prison's construction also involved significant underground work, including the creation of tunnels, which served various purposes from drainage to potentially more clandestine activities.
The prison's role extended beyond just housing convicts; it was a central part of the colonial administration and a symbol of British authority in the region. The stories of famous Fremantle prisoners, like Moondyne Joe, add a layer of intrigue and human drama to the site's historical narrative.
Unique Stays: Sleeping Behind Bars
+1The rooms retain their original thick limestone walls and iron doors, offering a glimpse into the past. While the cells are basic, they provide a comfortable and secure environment, complete with modern amenities. Staying here allows for a deeper immersion into the prison's atmosphere, especially after the day-trippers have departed.
Many guests find the experience both fascinating and slightly eerie, particularly given the prison's reputation for being haunted. It's a popular choice for adventurous travelers seeking something different and a chance to connect with history in a very tangible way.
Fremantle Prison Tours: A Spectrum of Experiences
For those seeking adventure, the Tunnel Tour takes you beneath the prison to explore the network of tunnels used for drainage and other purposes, offering a unique perspective on the prison's infrastructure.
Special Ghost Tours are also available, delving deeper into the prison's paranormal reputation, making it a must-do for ghost enthusiasts. The prison also hosts themed events, including Halloween Fremantle Prison activities, adding seasonal excitement to its offerings.
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