Fremantle Prison is a mid-nineteenth-century convict-built jail that stayed in use until 1991 and now stands as one of the best-preserved convict sites in Australia. It is a World Heritage Site, and it dominates the hill above the old port town of Fremantle, a short train ride from Perth. Visits are by guided tour, and the venue runs five: the Convict Prison Tour, the Behind Bars Tour, the True Crime Tour, the Tunnels Tour and the evening Torchlight Tour. Each focuses on a different side of the prison, from the cells and daily life of the convicts to later crimes and the underground tunnels. It is a sobering, well-presented visit that suits anyone interested in history, architecture or true stories.
What to do
Choose a tour to suit your interests. The Convict Prison Tour is the classic introduction to the buildings and the people who built and lived in them, while the Behind Bars Tour looks at life in the cell blocks. The True Crime Tour covers notorious cases, and the Tunnels Tour takes you beneath the site.
The Torchlight Tour runs after dark, and several bundles pair tours together. Planning: the prison opens from 9 am to 5 pm daily, with later hours on Wednesday and Friday evenings, and it is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
The site recommends allowing a minimum of three hours of parking, and parking is paid and run by the City of Fremantle. Some areas are not wheelchair or pram accessible, and the venue publishes approximate accessibility figures for each tour, with free sign-language handheld guides available. Concerts and other events in the grounds can occasionally affect access or opening arrangements, so check the venue's visit page before you go.
Fitting it in
Allow half a day, and pair it with Fremantle's old town, where the harbour, the Round House and the Fremantle Markets are within reach on foot. The easiest way to arrive from Perth is the train to Fremantle station followed by a short walk. Book your preferred tour in advance in busy periods, because small tours such as Tunnels and Torchlight can fill. Wear flat, closed shoes and bring a light layer, since the stone buildings stay cool.
What to expect
The experience
A guided tour of a preserved convict prison, with several themed tours by day and a torchlight tour after dark.
Best time
Any day it is open; choose a Wednesday or Friday evening for later hours, and weekdays for smaller crowds.
How long
Most visitors allow around three hours including the walk from the station.
Tips
Book your tour ahead, wear flat closed shoes, and check the visit page for event disruptions and accessibility details.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and anyone who enjoys a well-told true story.
- Families
- Older children usually enjoy the cells and the tunnels, but the content is serious, so judge by age.
- Couples
- A Torchlight Tour makes an atmospheric evening, followed by dinner in Fremantle.
- Pair with
- Fremantle's old town, the harbour and the markets are all close by.
- Time needed
- Half a day including travel from Perth.
Good questions
What tours does Fremantle Prison offer?+
The venue lists the Convict Prison Tour, the Behind Bars Tour, the True Crime Tour, the Tunnels Tour and the Torchlight Tour. Bundles pair tours together, and prices are on the venue's website.
When is Fremantle Prison open?+
It is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day, with later hours on Wednesday and Friday evenings. It is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Is the prison wheelchair accessible?+
Some areas are not wheelchair or pram accessible. The venue publishes approximate accessibility figures for each tour and offers free sign-language handheld guides, so check before you book.
How do I get there from Perth?+
The simplest way is the train to Fremantle station, followed by a short walk up to the prison at 1 The Terrace. Paid parking is available outside the prison and on Parry Street.
Can events affect a visit?+
Concerts and other events in the grounds can occasionally affect access or opening arrangements. Check the visit page for the latest notes.
