Should You Visit Fremantle Prison? My Take & Tips

Fremantle Prison is a top attraction in Perth. So, should you visit? This detailed travel guide covers my review of my personal tour of the prison, plus tips on visiting.

When I spent three days exploring Fremantle, one of the highlights of my trip wasn’t a beach or a brewery, it was Fremantle Prison.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is more than just a historic building. It’s one of Australia’s most important convict-era landmarks and offers a raw, fascinating look into the country’s past.

I joined one of the guided tours and was immediately drawn in by the stories of convicts, prisoners, daring escapes, and everyday life behind bars. It’s an immersive, eye-opening experience that goes far beyond a typical museum visit.

In this guide, I’ll help you decide whether a visit to Fremantle Prison is worth adding to your Perth itinerary. I’ll break down what to expect, which tours are best for first-time visitors, and practical tips to make the most of your time.

My take: If you’re even a little bit curious about history, culture, or storytelling, this is one Fremantle attraction you shouldn’t skip.

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What is Fremantle Prison?

Fremantle Prison is one of the most significant heritage sites in Western Australia and a key stop for anyone interested in Australia’s convict history. Built by convicts in the 1850s from local limestone, it operated as a maximum-security prison for nearly 140 years, right up until 1991.

Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its historical and cultural importance. The cell blocks, exercise yards, solitary cells, and tunnels remain largely unchanged, offering an unfiltered glimpse into prison life through the centuries.

What impressed me most during my visit was how well preserved everything is. It doesn’t feel staged or overly polished; instead, it has a gritty authenticity that makes the experience all the more powerful.

Why Visit Fremantle Prison?

If you’re looking for a unique, meaningful experience in Fremantle, this is it.

Fremantle Prison tells a powerful story about Australia’s convict past, colonial expansion, and modern prison history. Unlike many heritage sites, the tours here are designed to bring real events to life, not just recite dates and facts.

Standing in the empty cell blocks, hearing about escape attempts, daily routines, and the harsh conditions prisoners endured made the past feel tangible.

The guides are incredibly knowledgeable, blending history with personal stories.

It’s also worth noting that Fremantle Prison is the only building in Western Australia listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, which says a lot about its significance.

Types of Prison Tours Available

Fremantle Prison offers several guided tours, each designed to give visitors a different perspective on its history. I highly recommend joining at least one tour (that’s what I did!), it’s the best way to truly experience the site.

Convict Prison Tour (Recommended for First-Time Visitors)

This is the introductory tour and the one I joined. It covers the prison’s construction by convicts in the 1850s, the daily lives of prisoners, and major events in its history. You’ll walk through cell blocks, exercise yards, and even hear about infamous escapes.

It’s informative but easy to follow, making it ideal for first-timers.

Behind Bars Tour

This one focuses more on the modern prison era, showing what life was like for inmates before the prison’s closure in 1991. Expect stories about prisoner culture, punishment, and the justice system. It’s raw and honest.

Tunnels Tour

For something a little more adventurous, the Tunnels Tour takes you beneath the prison into a network of hand-dug tunnels built by convicts. It involves climbing ladders, wading through water, and wearing safety gear, so it’s best for fit, adventurous travellers.

Bookings are essential.

Torchlight Tour (Night Tour)

If you like a bit of suspense, the Torchlight Tour lets you explore the prison after dark, guided only by torchlight. It’s more theatrical than the daytime tours, with a few spooky stories thrown in for fun.

Pro tip: If you have limited time, start with the Convict Prison Tour. If you want a deeper dive, add either the Behind Bars or Tunnels Tour.

Tips for Visiting Fremantle Prison

A visit to Fremantle Prison is easy to plan, but a few small details can make the experience even better. Here’s what I learned from my visit:

Book in Advance

While you can sometimes get tickets on arrival, the Tunnels and Torchlight Tours often sell out. Booking online ahead of time ensures you get your preferred tour and time slot.

Allow Enough Time

Even the shortest tour runs about 75 minutes, and you’ll want extra time to wander the grounds and browse the small museum and gift shop. Plan for at least 2–3 hours total if you’re including multiple tours.

What to Wear

The prison’s limestone walls can make it feel cool inside, even on warm days. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces and bring a light jacket if you’re visiting in winter.

Getting There

Fremantle Prison is located on The Terrace, just a short walk or bus ride from the Fremantle train station. If you’re coming from Perth, take the Fremantle Line. It’s about a 30-minute ride, followed by a 10-minute walk.

When to Go

Morning or late afternoon tours tend to be quieter. The Torchlight Tour at night is a fun alternative if you want something a little different.

Pro tip: Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Fremantle Markets or WA Maritime Museum for a full day of history and culture.

I also include a visit to the prison in my 10 day WA road trip guide.

Who Will Enjoy Fremantle Prison

Fremantle Prison appeals to a wide range of travellers, but it’s especially rewarding for those who appreciate immersive, story-driven experiences.

• History Buffs: If you’re fascinated by convict history, colonial Australia, or heritage sites, this is one of the best places to learn about Western Australia’s past.
• Cultural Travellers: The tours offer a deeper look at how Fremantle and Perth evolved over time, blending architecture, social history, and real human stories.
• Adventurous Travellers: If you love unique activities, the Tunnels Tour is one of the most memorable and unusual experiences in the region.
• Families with Teens: While the tours may not suit very young children, older kids and teens will find the storytelling engaging and easy to follow.
• Locals and Repeat Visitors: Even if you live in WA, Fremantle Prison is the kind of site that reveals something new every time.

Good to know: Some parts of the prison, like the tunnels and certain stairways, require a moderate level of fitness. If accessibility is a concern, the Convict Prison Tour is the best option.

So, Is It Worth Visiting Fremantle Prison?

In my opinion, absolutely yes.

Fremantle Prison is one of the most compelling cultural and historical attractions in Western Australia, and it gives visitors a perspective you won’t find anywhere else in Perth. It’s raw, authentic, and incredibly well-preserved, offering a powerful glimpse into Australia’s convict past and more recent prison history.

If you’re spending even a day or two in Fremantle, I’d highly recommend adding a Convict Prison Tour to your itinerary to go along with your day trip to Rottnest Island.