Fremantle Prison
Fremantle Prison
Fremantle Prison
Fremantle Prison
4.5
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
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9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Fremantle Prison is one of Western Australia’s premier tourist attractions and the only World Heritage listed building in the State.The Prison was built by convicts in the 1850s and was used as a place of incarceration for almost 140 years. With solitary cells and gallows Fremantle Prison is a monument to a system of punishment that is uncomfortably recent. Fremantle Prison now holds the key to history, mystery and fun. Step inside and do time with experienced guides on a fascinating Prison Day Tour. Explore the labyrinth of tunnels 20m beneath the Prison by foot and by boat on a Tunnels Tour adventure. Feeling brave? Delve into the darker side of the Prison’s history on an eerie Torchlight Tour.
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Address
Neighborhood: Fremantle
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Restaurants
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Attractions
117 within 6 miles

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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,113 reviews
Excellent
2,778
Very good
1,118
Average
177
Poor
29
Terrible
11
Jenni S
Leeds, UK12 contributions
Couples
A must visit if you're in the Perth/Fremantle area. Really interesting place and a very well-informed tour guide. We've done a couple of prison tours in other countries before and found this one tops them!
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hooverfan1
Brisbane, Australia28 contributions
Even in a town packed full of fabulous historical buildings, the prison is a standout that simply has to be experienced.
Make sure you take a tour so you can learn more about its long history and understand a little of what it might have been like to be incarcerated here.
Make sure you take a tour so you can learn more about its long history and understand a little of what it might have been like to be incarcerated here.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rdwarf
Melbourne, Australia97 contributions
Very helpful and well informed narrative during our tour of the gaol. And it was very interesting too! Well put together with add on options. If curious - go and find out!
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kylie C
78 contributions
Couples
We decided to visit Fremantle prison on the whim and so glad we did. The tour guide was great and had so much to share. Highly recommended
Written August 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Franziska K
Mulhouse, France110 contributions
Impressive tour in an old prison. The tour guide was great and made as feel like 30 years ago when the prison was still open. We did the classic inside tour, perfect for family with kids. The kids enjoyed as much as us. Recommended when you visit Freemantle.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sarah M
1 contribution
Couples
If you are visiting Fremantle you must visit the old Fremantle Prison.
All of the staff are friendly and informative. The true crimes tour with Ken was very interesting, and we loved the stories Ken shared with us.
The highlight of our visit was the tunnels tour. Or tour guide Benny was enthusiastic and entertaining, and his knowledge was amazing.
Would definitely visit again!
All of the staff are friendly and informative. The true crimes tour with Ken was very interesting, and we loved the stories Ken shared with us.
The highlight of our visit was the tunnels tour. Or tour guide Benny was enthusiastic and entertaining, and his knowledge was amazing.
Would definitely visit again!
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rob3170
Melbourne, Australia2,259 contributions
I really wanted to enjoy the Torchlight Tour. I've done many similar types of tours at prisons and asylums around Australia and the world, and this was one that sadly did not live up to what was promised.
The guide gave off a "Going through the motions" vibe. The group was big, too big really. Being school holidays there were many families, and hence perhaps the content was toned down. It wasn't scary, there was no real atmosphere and it just wasn't what I expected or desired overall.
I think perhaps this might be due to my expectations being different from what was actually on offer. I was anticipating more of a Ghost Tour type of experience, what I got was a historical tour with a couple of ghost stories - but when the "Scariest" experience related is that of a guard seeing a figure in a guard tower with no real further info or explanation, I knew it wasn't going to be terribly scary.
Don't get me wrong - it was a good historical tour. Mostly. I learned a lot, I saw virtually all of the prison. But it just wasn't what I expected.
Oh, and not to give much away, but the "encounters" on the tour added nothing, and in fact really detracted from it.
As a result of doing the night tour, I didn't bother going back for a day time tour - I felt I wasn't going to see or learn anything more.
Summary: Not a ghost tour. It's a historical tour by night.
The guide gave off a "Going through the motions" vibe. The group was big, too big really. Being school holidays there were many families, and hence perhaps the content was toned down. It wasn't scary, there was no real atmosphere and it just wasn't what I expected or desired overall.
I think perhaps this might be due to my expectations being different from what was actually on offer. I was anticipating more of a Ghost Tour type of experience, what I got was a historical tour with a couple of ghost stories - but when the "Scariest" experience related is that of a guard seeing a figure in a guard tower with no real further info or explanation, I knew it wasn't going to be terribly scary.
Don't get me wrong - it was a good historical tour. Mostly. I learned a lot, I saw virtually all of the prison. But it just wasn't what I expected.
Oh, and not to give much away, but the "encounters" on the tour added nothing, and in fact really detracted from it.
As a result of doing the night tour, I didn't bother going back for a day time tour - I felt I wasn't going to see or learn anything more.
Summary: Not a ghost tour. It's a historical tour by night.
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
D-towner R
Darwin, Australia122 contributions
Family
This was a fabulous evening! We went as an extended family of 8, including with a 13 and 11 year old. Our guide Simon was fabulous! He was informative, funny, kept everyone enthralled on the tour and ensured we all had a safe and enjoyable time. The tour showed us through the many levels/sections of the prison and provided stories and insights of the prison and prisoners along the way. There are actors scattered throughout the tour that spring up at times and these were great - the kids enjoyed listening to their stories and how they interacted with the tour participants. Keep up the great work!
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Phil H
Geelong, Australia54 contributions
We enjoyed our night tour of the Fremantle Prison. Wish we had time to do the full tour and hopefully come back some day to do the tunnel tour.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aaron R
4 contributions
Business
We had an entertaining whilst informative night/torchlight tour on Friday. Thank you Justin for your excellent guidance and story telling. Made the evening. Cheers
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marty C
1 contribution
How do I get there using public transport
Mitchell-Family-01
Romsey, Australia1,351 contributions
Use the free CAT bus. Get off near the old market and it’s a 10 minute walk.
Can you please describe the 3 available tours so that we can decide on which to book.
Thank you
Karen
t16mytm
Singapore346 contributions
What is the entrance ticket cost for visiting the Prison
FremantlePrison
2 contributions
Hi t16mytm, access to the museum displays and exhibitions at the Prison entry is free of charge. To see inside the buildings and grounds you have several tours to choose from. Adult entry for one Prison Tour (Convict Prison, Behind Bars or True Crime tours) is $22AU. You can do two of these tours for $32AU or all three for $42AU. The Tunnels Tour underneath the Prison is $65AU and the Torchlight Tour on Wednesdays and Fridays is $28AU. Concession, child and family pricing is also available. Full tour and pricing information is available on Fremantle Prison's website.
snipyourpeepee
Singapore1 contribution
Hi there. I am interested in doing the Tunnels & Prison Tour Package on a Sunday. May I seek advice on what time would be good for me to start the tour as I would like to plan my schedule to include visiting the Freo weekend market.
Thank you in advance!
FremantlePrison
2 contributions
Tunnels Tours have a duration of 2 hours 30 minutes with Prison Tours having a duration of 1 hour 15 minutes. There are a multitude of options available, depending on which of the Prison Tours you would like to do - Convict Prison, Behind Bars or True Crime'. For the Tunnels we would suggest you do either the 9.00am or 9.45am timeslot to provide you with an early/mid afternoon finish at the Prison once you have completed your chosen Prison Tour.We would recommend you contact us by phone to make your booking and we can provide you with your options. The markets are a very short walk from the Prison and are open until 5pm on the weekend.
Shyenfoong
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia152 contributions
How do I book the tour? How many types are there ?
Do I do it on site or I have to pre book ? What is the best time to arrive ?
Thank you very much
FremantlePrison
2 contributions
We have a number of tours to choose from depending on your point of interest or how much time you want to spend at the Prison.
You can choose from the following:
• Convict Prison Tour
• Behind Bars Tour
• True Crime Tour
• Tunnels Tour
• Torchlight Tour
Full tour descriptions, departure time, duration and pricing can be accessed on our website. Tours can be completed individually, or combined as part of tour packages (where discounts are applied). We are generally quieter in the afternoons, after 2.00pm and our exhibitions and entry complex is open from 9am - 5pm, daily.
You can book online via the Fremantle Prison website for Tunnels and Torchlight Tours. Alternatively, you can also book by phone.
Due to the TripAdvisor guidelines we are unable to post our website address or phone number in our answer, however if you type Fremantle Prison into Google this information will pop up for you. If you have any further enquiries or to make your booking please do contact us by phone and we would be happy to assist further. We hope to see you at the Prison soon.
Shyenfoong
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia152 contributions
How do I book the tour? How many types are there ?
Do I do it on site or I have to pre book ? What is the best time to arrive ?
Thank you very much
sarah g
Worksop, UK391 contributions
We booked when we got there. There are about 4 different types of tour, so you may wish to look if there is anything on their website so you can time your visit accordingly. We just turned up and took the first available tour. It was excellent.
KathB35
Cambridge, UK20 contributions
I’d like to go on the Convict Tour but have a fear of climbing open stairs (I’m fine with closed stairs, with risers). Does the tour involve this? Thanks.
FremantlePrison
2 contributions
Hi KathB35, unfortunately the stairs inside Fremantle Prison are open, however there are railings and additional netting installed. As an alternative, the Behind Bars tour is entirely on the ground floor of the Main Cell Block and does not involve any stairs.
suzannelL7938BV
Perth7 contributions
Can i go on the tunnel tour if i am under weight by 5kg
FremantlePrison
2 contributions
Hi SuzannelL7938BV - Unfortunately, due to safety reasons you would not be able to take part in the tour. The weight restrictions are in place due to the legal weight capacities of the harnesses used on the ladder system. All participants for this tour are required to weigh between 40 - 140 kilograms and physically fit the safety equipment. The other three tours currently on offer, Doing Time, Great Escapes and Torchlight do not have weight restrictions.
matsumomo
Singapore, Singapore26 contributions
What are the opening hours for the Christmas and New Year period? We’re visiting Perth from 24-30 December and we’re hoping to check this out!
FremantlePrison
2 contributions
Hi matsumomo - Fremantle Prison is only closed on Christmas Day (25th December) otherwise we are open daily from 9.00am - 5.00pm, and later on Wednesday and Friday evenings for Torchlight tours.
Prison Day Tours run every 30 minutes from 10.00am to 5.00pm and have a duration of 1.25 hours each.
We are extremely busy from Boxing Day until mid January, we would recommend pre-booking your tours by telephone on +61 8 9336 9200, otherwise there can be a wait for the next available tour (sometimes up to 3 hours). We hope you have a chance to visit and look forward to seeing you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fremantle Prison
- Fremantle Prison is open:
- Wed - Wed 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Thu - Thu 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Fri - Fri 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Sat - Tue 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Fremantle Prison tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Fremantle Prison tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Fremantle Prison:
- (0.02 mi) Fremantle Prison YHA
- (0.04 mi) Fremantle Colonial Cottages
- (0.20 mi) The Warders Hotel Fremantle Markets
- (0.18 mi) Hamptons Inn Bed & Breakfast
- (0.16 mi) Gallery Serviced Apartments
- Restaurants near Fremantle Prison:
- (0.10 mi) Freo.Social
- (0.21 mi) Manuka Woodfire Kitchen
- (0.18 mi) Mother
- (0.21 mi) Tonic & Ginger
- (0.15 mi) Coccolicco