Fremantle Prison
If walls could talk, many tales would be told about the legendary Fremantle Prison (or Jail, Gaol). One of Western Australia's most fascinating and premier heritage sites it has also become a major tourist destination. In fact, on 1 August 2010 it achieved world heritage listing status which will surely attract even more visitors.
Quick Info
Where: The Terrace, Fremantle (just near the Fremantle Markets). See Fremantle map at bottom of page.
Open: Everyday 9am - 5pm (excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday). Tour times vary (see website)
Telephone: (08) 9336 9200
Website: www.fremantleprison.com.au
Some History
Fremantle Prison was built in the 1850s in the early days of European-settled Western Australia. It was the unfortunate destination for many convicts, colonial prisoners, prisoners-of-war and maximum-security detainees. It was also a place of hangings, floggings, prisoner riots, and dramatic escapes. It was closed in 1991 after 136 years of continued use as a place of incarceration. A year later it was opened to the public as a tourist attraction and since then has become a striking physical reminder of the harshness of those early days. It is definitely a place to be seen and is also an example of the grand heritage architecture that Fremantle is famous for.
What to See
Visitors can take tours inside the 14-acre walled enclosure which is made of thick limestone blocks. Be sure to take one of the guided tours when you visit and hear all the fascinating stories and facts. You will really appreciate the lives of the prisoners when you see their tiny cells and the open exercise yard. It was an extremely tough place with very basic living conditions.
You can also see the small room that houses the gallows, which was never seen by those sentenced to death since they were hooded before entering.
Fremantle Prison is listed on the Australian Heritage Commission's Register of the National Estate. Entry to the main gatehouse, which includes a cafe, gift shop, prisoner art gallery and interactive visitor centre is free however the tours are not.
The current tours are:
Getting There
You can get there in less than 30 minutes by train from Perth Central Station to Fremantle Station. If you prefer a bus, they depart from various bus stops on St. George's Terrace in Perth and take anywhere from 30 to 45 min to Fremantle. You can even catch a ferry to Fremantle leaving from the Barrack Street Jetty in Perth. After arriving in Fremantle on train, bus or ferry, it's walking distance to the Fremantle Prison. There is also a Fremantle CAT bus that does a circuit around the city for free so that's another way to get to or from the prison. I recommend walking though as there's lots to see on the way.
Aside from being a tourist spot, Fremantle Prison is also a favourite among corporate and community groups for their cocktail parties, exhibitions, conferences and other purposes.
Quick Info
Where: The Terrace, Fremantle (just near the Fremantle Markets). See Fremantle map at bottom of page.
Open: Everyday 9am - 5pm (excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday). Tour times vary (see website)
Telephone: (08) 9336 9200
Website: www.fremantleprison.com.au
Some History
Fremantle Prison was built in the 1850s in the early days of European-settled Western Australia. It was the unfortunate destination for many convicts, colonial prisoners, prisoners-of-war and maximum-security detainees. It was also a place of hangings, floggings, prisoner riots, and dramatic escapes. It was closed in 1991 after 136 years of continued use as a place of incarceration. A year later it was opened to the public as a tourist attraction and since then has become a striking physical reminder of the harshness of those early days. It is definitely a place to be seen and is also an example of the grand heritage architecture that Fremantle is famous for.
What to See
Visitors can take tours inside the 14-acre walled enclosure which is made of thick limestone blocks. Be sure to take one of the guided tours when you visit and hear all the fascinating stories and facts. You will really appreciate the lives of the prisoners when you see their tiny cells and the open exercise yard. It was an extremely tough place with very basic living conditions.
You can also see the small room that houses the gallows, which was never seen by those sentenced to death since they were hooded before entering.
Fremantle Prison is listed on the Australian Heritage Commission's Register of the National Estate. Entry to the main gatehouse, which includes a cafe, gift shop, prisoner art gallery and interactive visitor centre is free however the tours are not.
The current tours are:
- Doing Time Tour
- Great Escapes Tour
- Tunnels Tour
- Torchlight Tour.
Getting There
You can get there in less than 30 minutes by train from Perth Central Station to Fremantle Station. If you prefer a bus, they depart from various bus stops on St. George's Terrace in Perth and take anywhere from 30 to 45 min to Fremantle. You can even catch a ferry to Fremantle leaving from the Barrack Street Jetty in Perth. After arriving in Fremantle on train, bus or ferry, it's walking distance to the Fremantle Prison. There is also a Fremantle CAT bus that does a circuit around the city for free so that's another way to get to or from the prison. I recommend walking though as there's lots to see on the way.
Aside from being a tourist spot, Fremantle Prison is also a favourite among corporate and community groups for their cocktail parties, exhibitions, conferences and other purposes.
Map to the Fremantle Prison
If you are planning on visiting Perth and Fremantle, consider staying on Cottesloe Beach, situated between the two. Easily accessible by public transport and with plenty of parking, you'll be able to really chill out on one of Australia's most famous beaches. Just imagine a sunset swim and an ice cold beer after a day of looking around the city. Email the Cottesloe Beach Chalets using the form below.
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