Fremantle Prison is a fascinating place for families to explore what lies behind the massive perimeter walls. The convict-built prison is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth a visit. It only ceased to function as a maximum security prison in 1991!
Getting Started
Each visit to Freo Prison begins just as the prisoners’ did. You enter via the big limestone Gatehouse, choose a tour and pay.
You might have a few minutes to wait till the next tour. In the courtyard you’ll find a gift shop, convict exhibitions and a café. There are toilets and baby change facilities too, making it convenient for families with young children.
The Gatehouse area is free to enter and open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm, with the café serving from 9:30am to 4:00pm.
Family-Friendly Tours
The Prison now offers five distinct tour experiences, with several particularly suitable for families:
Convict Prison Tour
Discover how almost 10,000 convicts from Britain and Ireland built their own prison and helped shape Western Australia. This tour runs daily every hour from 10:00am until 5:00pm. Family passes are available, covering two adults and up to three children aged 4-15.
Behind Bars Tour
Step inside and explore the prison’s history as a maximum-security gaol from 1887 until its closure in 1991. Walk through the Main Cell Block and exercise yards while learning about prisoners’ daily routines. This tour is 90% wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for families with prams. Tours run daily every hour from 10:30am until 4:30pm.
True Crime Tour
For families with older children (recommended 10+), this tour shares real-life stories of the prison’s most notorious inmates. From bushrangers to escape artists, the guides bring 140 years of criminal history to life. Tours run daily every hour from 11:45am until 4:45pm.
We chose the most popular tour with first-time visitors “Behind Bars.” The tour lasts just over an hour and begins at regular intervals.
What to Expect
Your tour guide will ring the bell and each tour group gathers at the meeting point. You’re then on your journey to jail! Like prisoners in the past, you begin at the processing block. Here your guide gives an interesting chat on how the prisoners were strip searched, given their prison uniforms and then we’re taken through the shower block to the huge main cell block.
Our tour guide was really enthusiastic, knowledgeable and engaging, often asking the kids questions and involving them. He had lots of very interesting tales about how the prison was built, riots and general prison life up his sleeve.
First, we viewed cells that were decked out like they would be in the 1800s, early 1900s and more modern times. The first cells were tiny and contained just a hammock and bucket for their toilet. Real metal framed beds didn’t arrive till the 1950s. Conditions at Freo prison were pretty grim.
The Exercise yards are tiny for the amount of prisoners that must have been kept there.
Just before the prison closed its doors, some talented prisoners were allowed to paint murals on their cell walls, resulting in some beautiful artwork.
Other areas we were taken through were the prison kitchen and the chapel – where people still get married!
Capital punishment varied over the years. You’ll see where prisoners were flogged and where they were sent to be in solitary confinement. Lastly, there’s an eerie trip to the gallows. The last person to be hanged at Fremantle was serial killer Eric Edgar Cooke, executed in 1964. If this isn’t your cup of tea, you can skip this bit.
For the Adventurous
Families with older children (12+) might enjoy these more adventurous options:
Tunnels Tour
Don hardhats and overalls to explore the underground tunnel network, including boat rides through submerged sections. This tour requires participants to be physically fit, at least 12 years old, and accompanied by an adult if under 16. Available weekends at various times throughout the day.
Torchlight Tour
For a spookier experience, the evening Torchlight Tour explores the prison after dark. This atmospheric tour offers a different perspective on prison life and its notorious inhabitants.
Value for Families
If you’re planning to spend more time exploring, consider the money-saving tour packages that allow you to experience multiple tours at a discounted rate. If you choose to go on another tour the same day, there’s a heavily discounted fee for your second tour.
We liked the sound of the “Great Escapes” tour which has now evolved into the “True Crime” tour that tells real-life stories of the prison’s most notorious inmates and how their crimes gripped the WA community.
Practical Tips for Families
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as tours involve considerable walking
- Bring water bottles, especially during summer months
- Consider booking in advance during school holidays and peak periods
- Allow time before or after your tour to explore the free exhibitions in the Gatehouse
- Prams are welcome, though can’t access all areas, as the prison is laid out over a few floors
- The Prison Café offers refreshments and light meals if you need to refuel
We all found the tour absolutely fascinating. A trip to Fremantle Prison to uncover its rich history of convicts, bushrangers, thieves, murderers, bank robbers and escape artists is a must for Perth families.
Fremantle Prison is located at 1 The Terrace, Fremantle. For bookings or information, call (08) 9336 9200 or visit fremantleprison.com.au.
Discover more family friendly things to do in Freo here.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
