fremantle prison night tour age

Fremantle Prison Torchlight Tour

Fremantle, wa.

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Explore the darker side of Fremantle Prison’s history.

The Prison walls echo with stories of loneliness, pain and suffering, of executions gone wrong, of the innocent unjustly imprisoned and the guilty punished.

Join Fremantle Prison guides in the dark as they entertain you with sordid and ghastly stories.

Be warned - these tours are not for the faint hearted.

• 90 minute ghost tour

Fremantle Prison is one of Western Australia’s most fascinating and significant cultural attractions.

The history of Fremantle Prison dates back to the early beginnings of Western Australia and its role in the development of this State is unparalleled. It is the largest convict built structure in Western Australia and the most intact convict establishment in the nation.

In 2010, Fremantle Prison became the first building in Western Australia to be included on the World Heritage list. Its inscription on the World Heritage list was part of a serial nomination with ten other Australian Convict Sites.

The site is also recognised on the National Heritage List and State Register of Heritage Places. It is classified by the National Trust and is part of the City of Fremantle's West End Conservation Area.

Decommissioned as a maximum-security gaol in 1991, the Prison was continuously used as a place of incarceration for almost 140 years. With death row, solitary cells and gallows, it is a monument to a system of punishment that is uncomfortably recent.

Departs every Wednesday and Friday evening. Tours depart regularly from 6.30pm, with multiple tours throughout the evening In summer months, tours depart from 7.00pm onwards.

Bookings and pre-payment essential.

There are currently no dates listed for this experience. Please make an enquiry by pressing the Send email button above.

Wheelchair access approximately 70%.

Tour bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Family price is valid for two adults and up to three children (aged 4 - 15 years)

Accepted concession cards include: Seniors Card, Pensioner Card, Student Card, Backpacker Card (YHA, VIP, Nomads, Peter Pan). Concession rates are available for holders of valid and current concession cards (with a valid sticker or date). All concession cards must be presented at the time of ticket collection to be eligible for concession prices. Any adult seeking a concession must be the main beneficiary of the concession card.

Prices valid until 30 June 2018.

A good ghost tour. The prison in itself is scary at night. Interesting stories of the spirits that reside at the prison. Captured orbs and mists on the camera. Passionate tour guide. Good history of the prison. Fun night out

All prices, availability and tour and product information are subject to change without notification, and while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the prices, availability and tour and product information displayed on this website they are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Ghost Tour Bookings is not a provider of tours, experiences or products and has no responsibility for any tours, experiences or products provided or not provided by the tour operator, supplier or any other party. The tour operators and suppliers provide services and products directly to customers.

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Fremantle Prison

Top choice in Fremantle

With its forbidding 5m-high walls, the old convict-era prison dominates Fremantle. Various daytime tours explore the jail's maximum-security past, give insights into criminal minds and allow you into solitary-confinement cells. Book ahead for the Torchlight Tour through the prison, with a few scares and surprises, and the 2½-hour Tunnels Tour (minimum age 12 years), venturing into subterranean tunnels and doing an underground boat ride.

Entry to the gatehouse, including the Prison Gallery, gift shop and Convict Cafe is free. In 2010 the prison's cultural status was recognised as part of the Australian Convict Sites entry on the Unesco World Heritage list.

The first convicts were made to build their own prison, constructing it from beautiful pale limestone dug out of the hill on which it was built. From 1855 to 1991, 350,000 people were incarcerated here, although the highest numbers held at any one time were 1200 men and 58 women. Of those, 43 men and one woman were executed on-site, the last of which was serial killer Eric Edgar Cooke in 1964.

1 The Terrace

Get In Touch

08-9336 9200

https://www.fremantleprison.com.au

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Float beneath convict history

Fremantle prison.

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When the first convict transports arrived landed on the west coast of Australia in 1850, prisoners were immediately put to work constructing their own convict establishment. It operated as a prison into the modern era, with Fremantle Prison utilized as a maximum security prison until 1991. The prison was decommissioned, repurposed, and turned into one of the eleven living museums that make up the Australian Convicts Sites, collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Daily tours focus on Fremantle’s convict past, modern penal history, the transportation era, and the eerie underground tunnels dug by convicts to supply fresh water.

Length of Trip : Tunnels tour lasts 2 hours 30 minutes. Other tours range in time, but you can spend a morning or afternoon at the prison.

Cost : Click here for the latest entrance fees , tour prices and package offers.

Best time to go : Open 9am - 5pm, 7 days a week. Closed Good Friday & Xmas day.

Wheelchair friendly : In recognition of the fact that sections of each tour are not accessible by wheelchair, a discounted ticket fee (child rate) is offered.

Family friendly : Yes, although the tunnels tour has a minimum age of 12.

Where to eat : Located inside the Gatehouse is the Convict Cafe, open from 10.00am to 5.00pm daily, and open late on Wednesday and Friday evenings. There are also many restaurants located a short walk away in Fremantle.

Official Site : Fremantle Prison

Where to Stay : The Fremantle YHA offers unique and award-winning hostel accommodation, as well as separate self catering cottages (the former Warden cottages), located right next to the prison.

Getting There : Fremantle Prison is located at 1 The Terrace, Fremantle. It's a little tricky to find the entrance so definitely use Google Maps or a GPS. A paid car park is located directly outside Fremantle Prison, The Terrace via Fothergill Street. Another large paid car park is located at the bottom of Fairbairn Ramp, accessible via Parry Street.

Note from Robin : Under the guidance of civil engineers, prisoners were sent below with hand tools to carve 1.5-metre wide by 1.5 to 3-metre high tunnels to facilitate the supply of aquifer water. Tours are led deep below the ground to a chain of narrow boats, designed as a hardier replica of the wooden boats convicts might have worked with in the tunnels. With our paddles, we made our way on a circular route, the water perfectly still. I was tempted to drink it, but our guide told us about the 85,000 litres of diesel that leaked into the tunnels from a ruptured oil pipeline.

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The Fremantle Prison Torchlight Tour: Take It If You Dare

After my not-so-great experience with the Townsville Ghost Tours , I thought it could go either way as either really corny or really exciting. Which way did it go?

Surprisingly it was really good, coming in with a mix of historical facts, ghost stories, a few surprises and an awesome tour guide. Seriously, the tour guide so often has a way of making or breaking an experience, and the tour guides I saw working at the Fremantle Prison were some of the best in the way they told the stories and carried you along from creepy place to creepy place.

That combined with a few people in character in some of the darkest corners around the prison had a way of transporting you back in time.

The Fremantle Prison incarcerated criminals for 140 years until it was decommissioned in 1991. Hundreds of thousands of convicts have passed through those doors during that time, and when you see the facilities of this prison, you will be taken all the way back to the early days during a time of bucket toilets and minimalist security.

So, yes, I would definitely recommend the Fremantle Prison Torchlight Tour . It may cost $25, but it is worth it; you get 1.5 hours of entertainment in this World Heritage listed site , and a good portion of that fee will go to preserve the building itself.

>> Check out things to do in Perth , or read more about Fremantle .

Western Australia Expert

Fremantle Prison Tours Review: Which One is Best?

Looking for a Fremantle prison tours review? Which one is best?

There are five Fremantle prison tours: Convict Prison, Behind Bars, True Crime, Tunnels Tour, and Torchlight Tour.

Our family have taken the Fremantle Prison True Crime Tour and the Behind Bars Tour. We plan on booking the Tunnels tour soon.

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.

When it comes to prisons, most people think of Alcatraz. However, Fremantle Prison in Perth , Western Australia, is a prison that is worth visiting. Fremantle Prison is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Perth and is the largest convict-built structure in Western Australia (and the most intact convict building in the Southern Hemisphere). The prison was used from 1851 until 1991 and is now a tourist attraction.

The Fremantle Prison Tours

Convict prison tour.

The Convict Prison Tour concentrates on the history from its construction to the end of the convict era in 1886. As we already knew a lot about the history, we decided to give this one a miss.

True Crime Tour

Hear the true stories told by your guide of the notorious inmates and their escapades. On this tour, you’ll see the prison cells, exercise yard, and see where prisoners escaped.

Behind Bars Tour

Behind Bars details how a convict-built prison transformed into Western Australia’s primary place of incarceration for men, women and children and served as a maximum security gaol from 1887 to 1991. See the main cell block and exercise yards as you learn about the daily life of the prisoners.

Tunnels Tour

A tour for the adventurous is the Tunnels Tour, which we hope to do soon. You need to wear a hardhat and overalls, lock into a ladder system and descend about 20 metres below the Prison to explore the tunnels built by prisoners. Guides lead you through dry sections of the tunnels on foot, before boarding replica convict punts to explore the submerged passageways accessible only by boat. You may get wet, so a spare pair of socks is recommended.

Torchlight Tour

A popular attraction is the Torchlight Tour but it’s not for the faint hearted. Your guide tells you sordid and ghastly stories in the dark with details of executions gone wrong, innocent people unjustly imprisoned and the guilty punished.

Fremantle Prison Entrance

Pay attention to the historic buildings along the Terrace with signs explaining what they were used for. As you approach the grand Gatehouse, think about all the prisoners that used this entrance at the start and end of their sentence.

The clock above was made in London in 1854 and installed at the front gate in 1856. The deputy superintendent lived on the top floor, while the gatekeeper and chief warder used the lower floor. Later in the 1900s, rooms were used as a visitor entry and search rooms.

Head to the gift shop to collect your tour tickets if you have ordered them online. You can visit the Gallery, Convict Depot, and Museum if you have time before your tour starts. The gallery features several paintings by prisoners throughout Western Australia, which are available to buy. There were some amazing artworks by indigenous Australians that stood out. The museum houses exhibits showcasing the history, conservation, and cultural significance of Fremantle Prison.

There is no entrance fee to enter the Gatehouse area. This includes access to the gift shop, Convict Café, Gallery, Convict Depot, and Museum.

Fremantle Prison Tours: True Crime Tour Review

The tour starts through the main prison gates, where your guide will briefly explain the tour and some rules to keep everyone safe and preserve this historical landmark.

Opposite, you will see the Anglican Chapel, part of the main cell block, which was restored in 2007 to remove the rendering used to cover the limestone in the 60s. It is now back to how it looked when it was first constructed, and much nicer.

As you walk around the perimeter of the main cell block, your guide will regale real-life stories of some of the most notorious prisoners that spent time here. It’s interesting to hear what they got up to and how some even escaped the prison.

I won’t go into detail about the stories as it will spoil your tour. However, we learned about  Martha Rendell  (who was the only woman to be executed here), the  Postcard Bandit ,  Eric Edgar Cooke  (the serial killer who was the last man hung here), Sydney Sutton (the last person to be flogged),  David & Catherine Birnie  (also known as the Moorhouse murderers), and Stephen Burnett and Peter Boyd (The  Rubbish Truck Heist ). Fascinating stuff!

You will see the exercise yard from above, the maximum-security cells, and the cell block during the Fremantle Prison True Crime tour.

Once the tour finishes, you can explore the Gatehouse area and read more about this historic convict prison.

The True Crime Tour at Fremantle Prison is one of the best tours in Perth .

Fremantle Prison True Crime Tour Price

The cost of this tour at August 2023 is A$22 per adult, A$19 for concessions, A$12 per child, and A$62 for a family pass.

The Family Pass is valid for two adults and up to three children (aged 4 – 15 years).

The Fremantle Prison True Crime Tour is not recommended for children under ten due to details relating to sex crimes.

Bookings are recommended in peak times to ensure the time slot you want is available.

Fremantle Prison True Crime Tour Times

This tour runs for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

They run daily every hour from 11.45 am to 4.45 pm.

Fremantle Prison History

Originally known as The Convict Establishment, the name changed to Fremantle Prison in 1867. The site was chosen due to the closeness to the city and the harbour. It was believed that the strong sea breeze would help prevent disease.

The prison was built by convict labour between 1852 and 1859, with limestone quarried on site. The site not only included the prison but accommodation for the officers. The buildings alongside Fremantle Prison, now called The Terrace, consists of four houses and the gatehouse. They housed the superintendent, the deputy superintendent, the chaplain, and the surgeon superintendent. The Knowle, the comptroller-general’s house, is now part of Fremantle Hospital. The grandeur of these residences helped perceive the high status of the young men who lived there. They remained staff lodgings until the 1960 s when they were taken over by prison administration and are now used for commercial and educational purposes.

The Surgeon’s residence was built in 1856 and the prison’s surgeon superintendent, George Attfield, moved in the next year. He was responsible for the patient’s health, including the effects of punishment, and looked after the prison hospital and the lunatic asylum on Finnerty Street. You can see this building before you enter Fremantle Prison.

Superintendent Thomas Dixon was the first occupier of the magistrate’s building which was constructed in 1855. It was in 1886 that the resident magistrate, who was responsible for hearing prisoners’ crimes, moved in. Holding cells were built into the cellar in 1903, which held the prisoners overnight until the reception was open the next day.

Between 1850 and 1868, when convict transportation ceased, nearly 10,000 convicts had come here.

Fremantle Prison remained in use until 1991 and was a dark place of hangings, floggings, riots, and escapes.

By 1886, there were fewer than 60 convicts held here, so Perth Gaol closed, and this became the main prison. Men, women, and juveniles were all imprisoned here.

A Royal Commission in 1983 recommended the prison’s closure, mainly due to a series of prisoner riots and diabolical prison conditions.

Fremantle Prison was decommissioned on 8 November 1991.

Women were already being held at Bandyup, but male prisoners were sent to Casuarina Prison. This replaced Fremantle Prison as Western Australia’s main maximum-security prison.

Where is Fremantle Prison?

Fremantle is a suburb in Perth, Western Australia.

How to get to Fremantle Prison

Besides driving, the easiest way to get to Fremantle from Perth is by train. The journey takes around 30 minutes and will cost approximately A$5 one way. Timetables can be found on Transperth’s site .

There are car hire booths at Perth Airport , but it’s best to pre-book your car rental. To compare Australian car hire prices, Discover Cars is an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly rated. DriveNow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia. It includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, & Jucy as well as smaller ones. Compare Rental Cars Here .

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• Fremantle accommodation
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If you found this Fremantle Prison True Crime Tour guide helpful, please consider booking through one of our links. It won’t cost you anything, but will help towards the cost of running this site. Thank you.

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Enquire about Fremantle Prison tours

Fremantle Prison offers a variety of tours that show the history of Fremantle Prison, Western Australia's first World Heritage building.

Bookings are essential and conditions apply on some tours.

If you are a school or group wishing to visit Fremantle you can read about how to plan your visit and tour options on the Fremantle Prison website .

You can also telephone the ticket office on 61 8 9336 9200.

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

Discover the History of Fremantle Prison: A Journey Through Time

Fremantle Prison stands as a monumental piece of Western Australia’s heritage.  This former maximum-security prison was operational from 1855 to 1991.  Today, it serves as a fascinating public museum.  Let’s we delve into the prison’s rich history and famous inmates.  Most importantly, what visitors can experience on a tour today.  Get ready to uncover the secrets of one of Australia’s most iconic historical sites.

The Rich History of Fremantle Prison

Constructed by convicts in the 1850s.  Fremantle Prison was originally designed to house prisoners transported from Britain.  As a matter of fact, over its 136 years of operation, the facility has witnessed significant historical events and transformations.  All mirroring changes in the penal system.  Moreover, it was declared a World Heritage site in 2010.  Recognized for its exceptional value to the collective interests of humanity.

Notable Inmates

Exploring the prison today.

Today, Fremantle Prison offers visitors a glimpse into the life within its walls.  These are done through various guided tours that cater to different interests:

Doing Time Tour: A journey through the day-to-day life of prisoners.  This tour offers insights into the routines and conditions that characterized the historic penitentiary. Great Escapes Tour: This tour focuses on the prison’s most dramatic breakouts, highlighting the resourcefulness and desperation of inmates like Moondyne Joe. Tunnels Tour: For the more adventurous, this tour goes beneath the prison.  You’ll explore the labyrinth of tunnels dug by prisoners over decades. Torchlight Tour: Held at night, this tour is laced with tales of ghost sightings.  Furthermore, unexplained mysteries, perfect for those who like a bit of spookiness.

What You’ll See on a Prison Tour

A visit to Fremantile Prison is not just a walk through its buildings, but a journey back in time. Visitors can see:

Cell Blocks

Experience the stark conditions of the tiny cells that prisoners called home.

Gallows Room

A chilling reminder of the prison’s darker history, where 44 men were executed.

Walls adorned with artworks created by inmates, offering a poignant glimpse into their thoughts and emotions.

Solitary Confinement

The isolation cells demonstrate the harsh punishments that were once commonplace.

Engaging with History

Tour guides at Fremantle Prison bring the history to life with stories that are both informative and engaging.  They provide an authentic look at the prison’s past.  Furthermore, these are enhanced by anecdotes and facts that ensure visitors come away with a deep understanding of the site’s historical significance.

Enjoy Your Fremantle Prison Visit

Fremantle Prison offers more than just a historical tour; it provides a deep, immersive dive into Australia’s penal history.  Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or someone looking for a unique experience.  Fremantle Prison promises a compelling journey through the annals of time.  So why wait? Plan your visit today and step back into a chapter of history that continues to fascinate and inspire visitors from around the world.

Read about a prison in Paris .

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Fremantle Prison Behind Bars Tour: What To Expect

Doing a tour at the Fremantle Prison is an absolute must when visiting Perth. It’s the perfect afternoon activity that combines history and a unique location with an interactive experience. This is definitely not a traditional museum and even if you usually don’t enjoy historic sites this one will not disappoint.

Make sure to put Fremantle Prison on your bucket list for visiting Perth and don’t forget to check out our public transport guide to find out how to get there for free.

While there are quite a lot of tour options to choose from the  Behind Bars Tour  gives you a great insight into what life in this prison used to be like. Keep reading to find out exactly why you should choose this tour when you visit the Fremantle Prison and what to expect when you go.

Don’t forget to check out this incredible road trip from Perth to Albany if you want to see more of Western Australia.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep My Australia Trip free and provide high-quality content for you. Please read the full disclaimer for more information.

Table of Contents

FREMANTLE PRISON

Construction of the prison began in 1850 and carried on until 1859 when the initial buildings were completed. Since then the prison has undergone numerous alterations and renovations, many of which were conserved and can be seen by visitors today. The first convicts arrived at the Fremantle Prison in 1855. It was never a peaceful location. Uprisings, hangings, murder and extreme levels of discrimination were a norm at the prison largely due to the horrific treatment of indigenous inmates.

The prison had both male and female inmates and acted as a maximum security facility. There are numerous escape stories from over the years, some of which were mentioned during the tour. Read some of them  here .

The Fremantle Prison is Western Australia’s only world heritage-listed building. It became a tourist attraction in 1991 when it was officially closed as a penitentiary. Since then restoration works have made it possible for the prison to become a wedding and event location and, of course, act as a museum and educational site for visitors.

It is one of the largest historic prisons in the world.

CAN YOU VISIT THE FREMANTLE PRISON WITHOUT A TOUR?

The main part of the prison is only accessible via the paid tours such as the  Behind Bars Tour  described in this post. However, you can visit the Gatehouse which is the prison’s entrance building for free and without a tour. It is not very large but still nice to see if you don’t want to commit to paying for a tour. This area includes the visitor’s centre, the prison gallery and museum, a little tourist shop and a cafe.

However, you won’t be able to access any of the cells or prison buildings without a guided tour. The prison complex is very large and it’s definitely worth seeing.

THE BEHIND BARS TOUR

The  Behind Bars Tour  aims to give you an insight into prison life. It guides you through the prison as if you were an inmate yourself and shows you all parts of a prisoner’s daily routine. By showcasing different time periods visitors can truly see how the prison changed over the years and what convicts were subject to.

Most of the tour takes place in the cellblocks and you get to see the prison kitchen, recreational areas, cells and yards. You can see both the male and female prison facilities as well as the areas of racial segregation.

This tour also takes you to the execution chambers of the prison where many inmates were hanged over the years. It is definitely not for the faint of heart, however, you can choose to opt-out of seeing these places if you wish.

HOW MUCH ARE THE TICKETS?

A regular adult ticket for the  Behind Bars Tour  costs $22 AUD. A concession ticket or a group ticket for more than 10 people costs $19 AUD. A ticket for children under 15 years old costs only $12 AUD. Family tickets are available for $62 AUD which includes 2 adults and 3 children.

If you show a valid student ID you can get a student discount so you only have to pay $10 AUD for a ticket.

There are combination tickets available for multiple tours which will make prices cheaper. Check the prison’s website for  more information.

SHOULD YOU BOOK IN ADVANCE?

It’s usually sufficient to book a tour at the Fremantle Prison a few days in advance. You can also book tickets on arrival, however, since tour spaces are limited you might not be able to get on the tour you want. Try to book online if you’re visiting on a weekend since the tours will be significantly more popular then. Usually, it’s harder to get tickets for the afternoon tours than the morning options.

If you want to visit the prison on a specific day with a time constraint then book your tickets online or over the phone in advance.

WHEN DO THE BEHIND BARS TOURS RUN?

The  Behind Bars  tour runs every hour from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The prison is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.

HOW LONG ARE THE FREMANTLE PRISON TOURS?

The Behind Bars tour lasts for around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

WHAT TO BRING

The prison offers lockers where you can leave any items and bags that you do not want to take with you into the prison. This is optional, however. You should definitely bring your camera on the tour as well as a water bottle. Anything else is not really necessary to bring.

WHAT’S THE BEST WEATHER TO GO?

The majority of this tour takes place inside, although there are some parts where you will be standing in the various prison yards. While it is still enjoyable to do this tour during a rainy day it will be a better experience when the weather is dry so you can take a better look at the outside areas of the prison.

ACCESSIBILITY

The  Behind Bars  tour is 100% wheelchair accessible.

MY EXPERIENCE: THE FREMANTLE PRISON BEHIND BARS TOUR

At the beginning of the tour, you are welcomed at the reception of the prison where inmates would first arrive and be registered. You are lead through the prison showers, the kitchen and offices which were all conserved to show exactly what prison life was like. With original artefacts such as cooking equipment or office documents, this area was really interesting in my opinion. There are little gadgets such as original soundscapes from the dining hall which make the experience truly come alive.

Next, you get to see two different prison yards where the inmates spent most of their time. In the past, these yards were racially segregated and it was powerful to see the paintings made by aboriginal inmates who were often incarcerated unfairly.

THE CELLBLOCK

After seeing the yards we were lead into the cellblock itself and could look at a variety of cells from different points in time. It was fascinating to see how these cells changed over time. Some only had a makeshift hammock while others were equipped with TVs, toasters and even bathrooms.

The tour guide was very knowledgable and did their best to engage the audience by asking questions and giving small interactive tasks. The stories of prison uprisings and how they were started were especially popular.

One of the most fascinating parts of this tour were the paintings in many of the cells in my opinion. Some inmates were allowed to paint the interior of their cells and the artwork was stunningly beautiful but also disturbing. Again I appreciated the acknowledgement of the suffering of aboriginal inmates.

The tour lead its visitors to the execution rooms of the prison at which point we had the choice to opt-out and skip this part. It was a disturbing experience but conducted in a respectful and educational manner.

Afterwards, we were lead to a more modern cellblock as well as the prison cinema which showed videoclips of actual prisoners exercising in the room. This was another favourite of mine as it gave you real-life impressions to take away from the experience.

Lastly, we visited the women’s quarters of the prison. It was shocking to see the differences between male and female treatment at the time. Again, I was pleasantly surprised at how the tour made sure to highlight these disparities.

The tour ended at the prison courtyard where visitors could see the impressive exterior of the cellblocks and chapel.

OTHER TOURS AT THE PRISON

If you want to see more of the prison you can opt to take other tours while you are there. These include the  Convict Prison Tour  which focuses on individual prisoners’ stories and the prison’s history or the  True Crime Tour  which highlights escape stories and legendary inmates. Lastly, the prison offers special  Tunnels  and  Torchlight Tours  which let you visit the prison’s impressive tunnel system or see the facility at night.

WHAT TO DO AFTER THE TOUR

If you haven’t done a lot of exploring yet you need to see more of Fremantle. This little town may or may not be the best part of Perth and there is so much to do. Don’t miss out! You’ll love the unique things to do in Fremantle we collected in this post.

If you’ve already seen Fremantle why not check out Rottnest Island? Find our complete backpacker’s guide  here .

Camping in Australia? Find out all you need to know  here .

Did we miss anything? If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post please leave a comment below or  contact us .

About The Author

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Fremantle Prison

Plan your visit

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Honest tourism information about Australia

What can I see on the Fremantle Prison tunnels tour?

• David Whitley
• Attractions

The Fremantle Prison tunnel tours go into the convict-dug tunnels below the historic, World Heritage-listed prison building. There’s a boat cruise through the Fremantle tunnels after an 18 metre ladder descent.

Fremantle Prison is one of the most important historic buildings in Australia. When convicts arrived in Fremantle , Western Australia in the 1850s, one of the most pressing tasks was to build a prison they could be locked away in.

Book your perfect Fremantle accommodation .

When convict shipping from the UK stopped, the Fremantle Prison housed the general population . By the time the prison closed in 1991 it was dangerously outdated and completely unsuited to task. The Fremantle Prison is now a World Heritage site, open to the public for a variety of tours. These are themed on prison life and escape attempts.

Fremantle Prison tunnels tour: Under the prison

The Fremantle Prison tunnels tour, however, goes deeper. Literally deeper – it takes visitors into the network of tunnels under the prison.

These underground passageways were dug out in order to tap into a fresh water supply. This was used first for the prisoners, and then for the whole of Fremantle.

The tunnel water is still used for the prison gardens, but the tunnels themselves are now a tourist attraction. Participants don paper suits, harnesses and helmets, then clip themselves to a safety ladder system.

The initial 18 metre descent on the Fremantle tunnels tour is down a series of ladders. This seems scary enough when you’re clipped on, but the original convicts just had a basic ladder and no safety equipment.

Things to book in Fremantle before you arrive

• Your Rottnest Island ferry tickets and bike hire .
• A best of Fremantle two hour walking tour .
• Whale-watching cruise tickets .
• A street art and beer tour .
• A half day sailing cruise to Carnac Island.
• A sunset sailing cruise .
• A four venue Fremantle bar tour .

How convicts dug the Fremantle Prison tunnels

Under the prison is a kilometre-long network of tunnels. Most of this was dug out by hand. Astonishingly, doing the digging for eight hours a day, six days a week, was seen as one of the better jobs. As long as the prisoners worked hard, they would be given time off their sentence in return. Far worse was standing at the top of the shaft, manually pumping out water all day long.

Once inside the tunnels, there’s a lot of bending over to do. They are not high. Tree roots sneaking through show that the tunnels go outside the prison boundaries.

DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅

• ✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package .
• ✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise .
• ✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience .
• ✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour .
• ✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise .
• ✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour .
• ✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour .
• ✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive .
• ✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour .

Fremantle Prison boat tour

Given that only around a quarter of the tunnel system is walkable, much of the tour is conducted by boat. Participants are loaded into a series of little wooden boats, only big enough for one or two people.

The paddling is self-propelled, and the boat ride goes past spider webs, well shafts and timber supports. It’s a disorientating experience, as there are no landmarks to go by and no maps to read. The lack of things to see make the tour so atmospheric, however. It’s a claustrophobic, underground experience that majors on the weirdness of the location.

The Fremantle Prison tunnels tour must be booked in advance.

The Fremantle tunnels tour costs $65 and lasts around two-and-a-half hours.

5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special

• Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
• Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
• Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
• Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.

The prison is a 24km drive or taxi ride from Yagan Square in Perth CBD . A visit can easily be combined with a browse around the WA Shipwrecks Museum and the Roundhouse , or dining at Bread In Common .

Other Fremantle activities include taking a ride on the Fremantle ferris wheel , going for a sunset cruise and a street art and beer tour by bike.

Fremantle accommodation recommendations

The best Fremantle accommodation options are:

• For distinctive character and a sense of history: Hougoumont Hotel .
• For gorgeous apartments: West End Warehouse .
• For location and cool factor: Warders Hotel Fremantle Markets .
• For a decent pool: Pier 21 Apartmentment Hotel .       
• On a budget: Fremantle Prison YHA .

More underground adventures

The show homes of Coober Pedy , South Australia .

Caving tours at Giants Cave, Margaret River .

More heritage buildings

What heritage buildings in Adelaide are worth seeing?

Explore the castle in the rainforest at Paronella Park near Innisfail .

Which are the best historic buildings on Collins Street , Melbourne ?

• Fremantle Prison

Step behind bars and be guided through history

• Attractions

Fremantle Prison stands as Western Australia’s premier heritage attraction delivering a diverse range of unforgettable visitor experiences. Embark on the Fremantle Prison Art Tour with a passionate guide, or explore the intriguing range of available tours, including True Crime,   Torchlight and the underground labyrinth of Tunnels , among others.

Built by convicts in the 1850s and decommissioned as an operating maximum security gaol in 1991, Fremantle Prison in Perth is the largest convict-built structure in Australia and the most intact convict establishment in the southern hemisphere. In recognition of its heritage significance it is currently the only World Heritage listed building in Western Australia.

Visitors can ‘step inside and do time’ with Fremantle Prison’s experienced Guides on a range of fascinating, educational and entertaining daily tours highlighting the daily life of convicts and prisoners, view museum displays in the Gatehouse complex or visit themed exhibitions in the Prison Gallery.

1 The Terrace Fremantle Western Australia

9.00am – 5.00pm Daily (later on Wednesday and Friday evenings)

Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day

• fremantleprison.com.au/
• +61 8 9336 9200

This is a premium experience developed with Cultural Attractions of Australia in mind.

Discover 140 years of prisoner art and explore the Fremantle Prison Collection.

Do time and explore Fremantle Prison’s history as a maximum-security prison.

Discover the convict history of Western Australia’s only World Heritage-listed building.

Explore the darker side of Fremantle Prison’s history.

Get inside the criminal mind.

Descend 20 metres below Fremantle Prison to explore a labyrinth of tunnels built by prisoners.

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Tour Conditions

Conditions of entry.

• Visitors to Fremantle Prison should note that the surfaces you walk on are not always even. Please watch your step.
• No shoes, no shirt, no entry.
• Fremantle Prison accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from a visit or whilst on the premises.
• It is a condition of entry that visitors observe all warning signs and follow instructions provided by the tour guide or other Fremantle Prison staff.
• Fremantle Prison reserves the right to alter, close or cancel any tour, exhibit or event. In this instance ticket refunds or exchanges are at the sole discretion of Fremantle Prison.
• Tickets must be retained by the holder until their visit to Fremantle Prison is complete.
• Fremantle Prison retains the right to deny access and / or remove visitors who are being a public nuisance, acting recklessly, or failing to observe directions from Fremantle Prison staff or signage.
• Tickets are non refundable and non transferable
• A valid concession card must be presented when purchasing or collecting tickets.

Tunnels Tour

Visitors are required to sign the following declaration form before participating in the Tunnels Tour. 

Minimum age is 12 years. Children between 12 and 15 must be accompanied by an adult (18+). Those aged 16 and 17 must have declaration forms signed by a parent or guardian

Participants must:

• be physically fit and able
• have the ability to climb independently
• have the ability to understand the conditions of tour and follow staff instructions
• meet physical weight requirements: Min 40kgs, Max 140kgs
• not suffer from a fear of heights or claustrophobia
• bring or wear socks
• arrive sober (mandatory breath test applies)