Fremantle Prison
Fremantle Prison things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Plan your stay
&promo_pic=/one-page/coolest.jpg)
Posts
Perth, Western Australia｜God's Spilled Palette
Emma EliseEmma Elise
90
If you're looking for a fun and informative way to spend a few hours in Fremantle, I highly recommend the Fremantle Prison tour. Our guide, Glenn, was an absolute legend. He was like a walking encyclopedia of prison history, but way more entertaining than a dusty old book. He brought the stories of past inmates to life with his great commentary and amazing anecdotes. We learned about the prison's fascinating history, from its construction in the 1850s to its closure in 1991. We also got to see some of the prison's most notorious inmates, including the infamous Moondyne Joe, who escaped from the prison multiple times. (Apparently, the guy was a Houdini-level escape artist, but with less glamorous hair.) Glenn's passion for the prison was infectious, and he made sure that everyone on the tour had a great time. He even managed to make the more gruesome parts of the tour funny, which is no easy feat. (Let's just say that the prison's gallows weren't exactly a laughing matter, but Glenn somehow managed to make us chuckle about them.) The tour was well-organised and informative, and Glenn's commentary was the icing on the cake. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Fremantle. It's a great way to learn about the city's history and have a few laughs along the way. Here are some of the highlights of the tour: * Glenn's amazing commentary * The fascinating stories of past inmates * The chance to see some of the prison's most notorious criminals * The well-organised and informative tour If you're looking for a fun and informative way to spend a few hours in Fremantle, I highly recommend the Fremantle Prison tour. You won't be disappointed!
Paul CinaPaul Cina
00
Freemantle Prison - The unexpected highlight of your holiday! I went on the tunnels tour, and I still can't believe how amazing it was. I decided to go last minute so I had to call them to book as their online portal only allows you to book 24hrs in advance. (The lady on the phone was so helpful!! ) I had to sign a saftey document and undertake an alcohol breath test to participate. They then provide you with gumboots, safety hat and harness - that they help you fit. (Pro tip: Make sure you wear THICK socks!) The engineering behind the safety mechanisms as you climb down is amazing. At the bottom, our guide (who was absolutely amazing!!l) walked us through some of the maze of tunnels - and despite being 5'1" i quickly learnt why hard hats were provided!! The tunnels soon led to the passageways of water where we got into dinghy in pairs and continued. The atmosphere down there was incredible. The few fungi and moulds captivated me. And apparently the water is so clean it is drinkable. The history of the place in general is astounding. You DON'T HAVE TO PAY to see some of it either. There's a little Cafe, gift shop and a few small exhibition rooms that have an amazing collection showcasing the history. I went here a month ago and I am still raving about it. It was just so unexpectedly good.
Alexandra CooperAlexandra Cooper
00
Fremantle Prison Museum is a fascinating and immersive historical experience that offers a unique glimpse into Australia’s convict past. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, this well-preserved prison, built in the 1850s, is rich in history and stories. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who bring to life the daily struggles, escapes, and events that took place within these walls. The prison offers a variety of tours, including the Day Tour, which gives an overview of prison life, and the spine-chilling Torchlight Tour, which explores the prison by night. For thrill-seekers, there’s even an underground tunnel tour, where visitors can wade or paddle through the water channels beneath the prison—a rare adventure that’s both eerie and exciting. The architecture itself is impressive, with stone walls and narrow cells that transport you back in time. The museum also displays original artifacts, personal items from inmates, and exhibits on the convict era. It’s an experience that’s informative and sobering but also respectful of its complex history. Fremantle Prison Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and those curious about Australia’s convict past. It’s a well-organized and unforgettable experience that provides insight into an essential chapter of Australia’s history.
Hameed AqeelHameed Aqeel
00
WOW - A MUST DO We decided on a current jail tour with Sam. She was great and we enjoyed the stories and sights. Enjoying this tour we quickly booked into a Tunnel tour. The tunnels tour has prerequisites so check them out before signing up but it was fantastic. Sam assisted again with this tour (and was there to retrieve my husband when he realized he could no longer continue in the dark tunnels). Debbie was our guide and was fantastic. She learnt a little about the participants and throughout the tour chatted to everyone....I think her chatter helped settle a few nerves too. The tour was so interesting and informative. Traveling down ladders with hard hats and safety equipment deep under the prison then walking bent over until you reached a point to stand up. Returning via a small boat was scary, fun and exhilarating. Other staff assisting with the groups were also professional but like Debbie has that cheeky side - exactly what you want in a tour guide. Cafe, toilet, shop and facilities were all great and the fact the entrance to the prison was free to wander around is a drawcard. So even if you don't want to pay for a tour you can get an idea of the prisons history in this free section.
Pee vdpPee vdp
00
Three of us booked onto the 7.30pm Torchlight Tour, great atmosphere overall and very passionate workers, it’s nice to see people who seem to enjoy their work. Our tour guide was very good and did a great job to build up the suspense at first, talking about all the ‘ghosts’ we were likely to see and hear. However, we were a bit disappointed by how tame it was having read that in other’s experience, there were a lot of actors adding to the suspense. For us there were hardly any actors, noises in the dark or effects involved, therefore no creepy ghostly encounters. Many missed opportunities to make it more thrilling. Nice touch that you get to keep your mini Fremantle Prison torch as a souvenir. I think it may be an idea to consider allocating a time slot each night for families with young babies/toddlers to stick to so that unsettled children don’t cry throughout the tour. Also when you’re in a group of around 30 people and everyone is being loud, it takes away from the experience. Overall it is very well run, interesting and informative, but was underwhelming. Leave yourself time to go into the gift shop before your night tour as it will be closed when you finish.
G BG B
00
Nearby Attractions Of Fremantle Prison
Fremantle Markets
Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle
Esplanade Park
YHA Fremantle Prison
Fremantle War Memorial
Tourist Wheel Fremantle
Woolstores
Target Fremantle
Kakulas Sister
Sardine Jetty
Fremantle Markets
4.4
(6K)Click for details
Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle
4.4
(2K)Click for details
Esplanade Park
4.4
(1.2K)Click for details
YHA Fremantle Prison
4.5
(901)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Fremantle Prison
Emily Taylor Bar & Kitchen
Sail and Anchor
Bread in Common
Clancy's Fish Pub
Tonic + Ginger
Moore & Moore Cafe
TheCray Seafood & Grill Restaurant Fremantle
Benny's Bar & Cafe
Grill'd Fremantle
The Wray Hotel
Emily Taylor Bar & Kitchen
4.8
(1.5K)Click for details
Sail and Anchor
4.3
(1.3K)$$
Click for details
Bread in Common
4.3
(1.2K)$$$
Click for details
Clancy's Fish Pub
4.3
(1K)Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Map
Phone
+61 8 9336 9200
Call
Website
fremantleprison.com.au
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(1.4K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
accessibility
Description
Fremantle Prison, sometimes referred to as Fremantle Gaol or Fremantle Jail, is a former Australian prison and World Heritage Site in Fremantle, Western Australia. The site includes the prison cellblocks, gatehouse, perimeter walls, cottages, and tunnels.
attractions: Fremantle Markets, Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle, Esplanade Park, YHA Fremantle Prison, Fremantle War Memorial, Tourist Wheel Fremantle, Woolstores, Target Fremantle, Kakulas Sister, Sardine Jetty, restaurants: Emily Taylor Bar & Kitchen, Sail and Anchor, Bread in Common, Clancy's Fish Pub, Tonic + Ginger, Moore & Moore Cafe, TheCray Seafood & Grill Restaurant Fremantle, Benny's Bar & Cafe, Grill'd Fremantle, The Wray Hotel
- Please manually select your location for better experience