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Monument · Fremantle, Austrália Ocidental
Fremantle Prison
Prison built by convicts between 1851 and 1859 and used until 1991, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with visits to the cells, the walls and the underground tunnels.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Fremantle Prison
Fremantle Prison was built between 1851 and 1859 by convicts brought from Britain, using limestone quarried on site. It operated as a prison until 1991 and is one of the largest convict-era prisons still standing. Since 2010 it has been part of the Australian Convict Sites, a UNESCO World Heritage listing, together with buildings in Sydney and Tasmania.
A nearly five-metre-high limestone wall surrounds the site, with the main gate facing the town. Inside are the yard, the large cell block, the chapel, the kitchen and the women's wing. The cells show how prisoners lived in different periods, and the drawings made by inmates on the walls are among the most striking features.
Visits are guided and follow different routes: the convict history tour, the lantern-lit night tour and the underground tunnel tour, dug by prisoners to find water, part of which is traversed by boat. Some tours have minimum age requirements and are charged separately.
The prison gate sits high in the town, a few minutes' walk from the market and South Terrace.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 3 hours, depending on the tours chosen.
Best time
In the morning, on the first tours of the day. The lantern-lit night tour runs on some evenings.
How to get there
On foot from Fremantle station or the market in about 10 minutes, walking up Fairbairn Street to The Terrace.
Tip
Book the tunnel tour in advance as places are limited and it requires fitness and a minimum age.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fremantle Prison
Why is Fremantle Prison a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
It is part of the Australian Convict Sites, which tell the story of transporting prisoners from Britain to the colony. It was built by the convicts themselves.
What tours does Fremantle Prison offer?
Guided tours about convict history, the torchlight night tour, and the underground tunnels tour, which includes a boat section.
Is Fremantle Prison suitable for children?
Daytime tours are suitable; the tunnels and the night tour have minimum age requirements. Check the rules on the website.