Fremantle Prison

Fremantle Prison

　 Highlights Visit and explore one of Australia’s most formidable prisons from the 19th century. Introduction

Fremantle Prison is located in the city center, covering an area of 14 hectares, and is the oldest and longest-operating prison in Western Australia. Between 1850 and 1860, to build roads, bridges, ports, docks, and other public infrastructure in the Western Australian colony, the British government transported convicts from Britain to work here in harsh and labor-intensive conditions. From its opening in 1855 until its closure in 1991, Fremantle Prison was the most secure prison in all of Australia. After 136 years of use, it has now become one of the must-visit attractions for tourists traveling to Perth. The main construction material used in building the prison was locally quarried limestone, giving the expansive site a solemn atmosphere. The towering white walls and guard towers hint at the strict security measures of the time. The surviving prison complex retains its original structure intact, with dimly lit solitary confinement cells and narrow, eerie prison cells that tell the story of a century of incarceration. The prison features two churches that are key points of interest for visitors. At the time, prisoners of all religious denominations were allowed to pray in the churches. The prison gallows are another major attraction—43 male prisoners and one female prisoner were executed here. The chair on the gallows was designed for inmates who were too terrified to stand. The entire gallows chamber exudes a haunting and sinister atmosphere. Evening tours are also available, offering visitors a chance to experience the ghostly ambiance of Fremantle Prison in the dark—an exciting and unconventional experience. Today, Fremantle Prison also serves as an important venue for local events such as banquets, concerts, and theatrical performances. On weekends, the prison chapel is often chosen as a wedding venue by local couples, filling the historic site with joy and erasing its former aura of fear, sadness, and gloom. Transportation Address: 1 The Terrace, Fremantle

Phone: 9430-7177 Admission / Opening Hours Opening Hours: 10:00–18:00, Wednesdays and Fridays (10:00–19:00)

Fremantle, Australia