Fremantle Prison

Photo provided by Tourism Western Australia
Fremantle Prison
Photo provided by Tourism Western Australia
Fremantle Prison
Fremantle Prison


The notorious prison where convicts were transported from Britain since the 1850s before housing local prisoners all the way up until 1991.

Built all the way back in the 1850s, Fremantle Prison has its origins as a gaol built to house convicts transported from England and Ireland. It was not until 1886 that it was handed over to local authorities for home-grown prisoners, with whom it remained until it closed over a century later in 1991. Today the building is a World Heritage Site, housing a museum containing all kinds of artefacts and artwork, and a great place to go and learn more about crime and punishment through history.

"Step inside and do time" with Fremantle Prison’s experienced guides on a range of fascinating tours, including Convict Prison, Behind Bars and True Crime. These Prison Day Tours highlight convict and prison life, daring escapes and colourful characters in tales laced with prison humour.

Visitors with a spirit for adventure can descend 20 metres (65 feet) below the prison to explorea 1 kilometre (0.6 mile) labyrinth of tunnels on foot and by boat on a Tunnels Tour or delve into the darker side of the prison's history at night on a spooky Torchlight Tour.

In addition to its guided tours Fremantle Prison also features an interpretive Visitor Centre, on-site cafe, award-winning Gift Shop and exhibitions in the Prison Gallery.

Located 22 kilometres (13 miles) south of Perth, Fremantle Prison can be reached via public transport. It is open year round except for Good Friday and Christmas Day, but it’s best toplan ahead and check the attraction’s website to find out more about all the tours on offer.

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Reviews of Fremantle Prison

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
20
5 - Excellent 51%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We did the convict tour and found it presented a good concise history of the early use of the gaol. Our guide was brilliant and kept us well entertained over the course of the tour.

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Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges

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Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges
Quest Fremantle

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Warders Hotel by Garde, Fremantle

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Norfolk Hotel

Norfolk Hotel

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YHA Fremantle Prison

YHA Fremantle Prison

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Be. Fremantle

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Tradewinds Hotel Fremantle

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Hougoumont Hotel

Hougoumont Hotel

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Australia Hotel Fremantle

Australia Hotel Fremantle

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Fremantle Prison

At Fremantle Prison, visitors can engage in a variety of activities such as guided tours that delve into the site's rich history. The area also offers charming shopping opportunities and scenic walking paths, allowing tourists to explore the vibrant surroundings while soaking in the local culture. Don't miss the chance to experience the unique atmosphere of this historic location during your visit.

Shopping

Visit Fremantle Markets, a vibrant public market just 322m from Fremantle Prison, brimming with local crafts and fresh produce. If you're up for a drive, Claremont Quarter Shopping Centre, situated 8.0km away, offers a mix of entertainment and family-friendly shopping.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant sports atmosphere at Perth HPC, only 11.3km from Fremantle Prison, perfect for fitness enthusiasts. Enjoy a round of golf at Royal Fremantle Golf Club, situated just 1.6km away, surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. Alternatively, visit Bendat Basketball Centre, 12.9km away, for exciting basketball activities.

Adventure

Embark on the Allen Park hiking trail, located 8.0km from Fremantle Prison, where you'll enjoy stunning scenery and outdoor adventure. The Bushland Nature Trail and Boodja Gnarning Walk, both 12.9km away, offer immersive experiences in nature with breathtaking views and a sense of exploration.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Tourist Wheel Fremantle, just 805m from Fremantle Prison, offering thrilling amusement rides. For a touch of culture and romance, enjoy a performance at His Majesty's Theatre or the Crown Theatre Perth, both within 17.7km, perfect for family entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Fremantle Prison

Fremantle Prison offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and outdoor adventures for visitors. Explore the historic prison itself, alongside nearby attractions such as the iconic Fremantle Market and urban parks. Enjoy the beautiful beaches and reserves in the area, making it perfect for those seeking a blend of history and nature. Whether you're relaxing at the beach or delving into the local culture, Fremantle promises an engaging holiday experience.

  • Cottesloe Beach: A stunning stretch of golden sand, Cottesloe Beach offers a quintessential Australian beach experience. With its vibrant atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunsets, it's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a picnic with friends and family.
  • Kings Park and Botanic Garden: This expansive urban park showcases stunning views of the Perth skyline and the Swan River. With diverse flora, walking trails, and picnic areas, it's an ideal spot for families to relax and explore nature amidst vibrant city vibes.
  • University of Western Australia: A historic institution, the University of Western Australia boasts beautiful architecture and lush gardens. The campus is steeped in culture, making it a delightful place to wander and appreciate art and history while enjoying the serene surroundings.

Best time to go to Fremantle Prison

The best time to visit Fremantle Prison is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January77.5°F (25.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
February77.4°F (25.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
March73.8°F (23.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
April68.0°F (20.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.5°F (16.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
August56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November68.9°F (20.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
December74.3°F (23.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Fremantle Prison

To save on your visit to Fremantle Prison, plan your trip between June and August when prices are generally lower. Consider booking your stay on a Monday for the best rates, while Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotel options and sort by price to uncover the best deals. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights and accommodation for added savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities in the area to make the most of your visit without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Fremantle Prison are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February and November to December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Fremantle Prison is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Fremantle Prison is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Fremantle Prison with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.