[Visit Accommodation]Experience Jail Life: Australia’s Former Women’s Prison Transformed into a Hostel

Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported
 

In recent years, backpacking has gained popularity, allowing travelers to plan their itineraries freely and find joy in every aspect. Especially among the many accommodation options, unexpected experiences can often be discovered. Recently, in Australia, there is a youth hostel that was renovated from a 19th-century old prison. In addition to revitalizing and repurposing the prison space, it also retained the historical traces of the prison, offering guests a unique “imprisonment” experience.

The Fremantle Prison YHA, which officially opened in 2015, was converted from the Fremantle Prison, a well-known World Heritage Site in the area. During the 19th century, it housed over 350,000 prisoners, most of whom were incarcerated for offenses such as drunkenness, prostitution, or causing disturbances in public.

The Fremantle women’s prison is located in the urban area of Fremantle City, covering an area of 14 hectares. After the prison was abandoned, it was once planned as a cultural heritage site for visitors, including galleries, museums, and conference centers. Now, the once-notorious building has been transformed into a youth hostel. The formerly dark cells have been painted in fresh, bright colors, and the hammocks inside have been replaced with soft, comfortable beds and carpets. Even the outdoor concrete exercise yard where prisoners used to get fresh air has been replaced with neatly trimmed green lawns, allowing guests to comfortably lie in the sun. Additionally, an open kitchen and bar have been added, enabling travelers from around the world to interact and socialize with each other.