Australia > Western Australia > Perth Area > Fremantle & Rottnest Is. Attractions > Heritage

Fremantle Prison

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Complete your visit to the historic port city of Fremantle with a guided tour of Fremantle Prison, the largest and most intact convict-built cell range in Australia.

Originally known as 'The Convict Establishment', the Prison was built by convicts in the 1850's from limestone quarried on the site. It became a colonial prison in the 1880's and its inmates extended to include women from the 1890's through to 1970 and military prisoners and enemy aliens during World War II. Fremantle Prison was decommissioned as the state's primary maximum-security goal in November 1991 and the precinct is now recognised nationally and internationally as one of Western Australia's premier heritage sites.

Fremantle Prison is open to the public 7 days a week from 10.00am until 5.00pm (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day). Guided tours of the prison and precinct are available to visitors. Candlelight tours are held on Wednesday and Friday nights (bookings essential) and special tours and functions can be arranged.

Fremantle Prison

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Tours: Take a walk through the history of this fascinating place with one of our tour guides, some of who were prison guards whilst it was in operation. You will hear the stories of infamous escapologist and bushranger Moondyne Joe and see his escape proof cell, see the detailed artwork of 19th Century forger James Walsh hidden for decades beneath layers of whitwash and a wide variety of Aboriginal cell art. Other features include the Anglican and Catholic chapels, solitary confinement cells and the gallows that were last used in 1964.
Site Description: Museum