If you’re on the hunt for a seriously fun group activity that the whole family can enjoy, Prison Island Perth is well worth checking out. Located in Milligan Street in the heart of the CBD, this interactive indoor experience takes the concept of an escape room and cranks it up to a whole new level – think 35 individual prison cells, each hiding its own unique challenge behind the door.
Unlike a traditional escape room where your group is locked into one scenario, Prison Island gives you the freedom to roam. Your team works together to crack open as many cells as possible within 90 minutes, tackling a wild mix of physical, mental, and technical challenges along the way.
From whack-a-mole and basketball to waterfall and “the cage,” no two cells are the same, and the variety keeps things fresh and exciting from start to finish. Points are awarded for each successful challenge – between 50 and 100 per cell – and live leaderboards displayed on big screens around the venue mean the competitive spirit runs high throughout.
The way it works is simple and clever. When you check in, you’re given a fob alongside your locker key, and that fob is your key to the entire experience – you use it to access each cell as you make your way around. Outside every room there’s a light indicator: red means another team is already inside, green means you’re good to go. It keeps things moving smoothly without any awkward waiting around or confusion. And unlike a traditional escape room, the cells don’t need to be reset after each use, which means the whole experience flows seamlessly for everyone playing at the same time.
I recently headed along with my teens aged 14 to 17, and we had such a fantastic time. At one point, I was actually crying laughing watching them attempt one of the more physical challenges – it’s the kind of place that brings out everyone’s competitive side in the best possible way.
Some of the rooms were genuinely tricky, but that’s part of the fun. You can take as long as you need to work out what’s required, and if you don’t crack it first go, you’re welcome to retry the room as many times as you like. We decided to ditch the points strategy altogether and instead focused on getting through as many rooms as possible – and we managed an impressive 32 out of 35!
One thing worth knowing is that you can’t take water into the game area with you, and after some of the more physical rooms, you’ll likely need it. The good news is you can exit to the reception area at any time and the clock on your game play is paused while you take a breather – a thoughtful touch that means you won’t feel rushed or penalised for needing a rest.
The experience is designed for teams of 2 to 5 players, and Prison Island can accommodate up to 29 teams at once, making it a brilliant option for birthday parties, bucks and hens nights, corporate team building, or just a fun day out with the family. Groups larger than 5 are split into multiple teams, which actually adds a fun competitive element. Kids as young as 7 can join in the fun, and with challenges spanning physical agility and brain-teasing puzzles, there really is something for every age and skill set – as the tagline goes, it’s a game for ages 7 to 77.
On arrival, make sure you get there at least 20 minutes before your session time for the briefing, late entry isn’t permitted. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers suitable for light physical activity, and leave the high heels at home. There are lockers on site to stash your belongings, and a bar and reception area where you can grab food and drinks before or after your adventure, with vegan and gluten-free options available. Tickets can be purchased through the Fever app or website, and while there is a box office on site, booking in advance is strongly recommended to secure your spot.
For parking, we found the Wilson car park on Murray Street really convenient. When booked through the app and arriving after 6pm, it only cost $7 for the night, which is a great deal for the city.
Prison Island Perth is a genuinely unique experience that delivers laughs, teamwork, and a healthy dose of adrenaline. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for something different to do on a weekend, this one is hard to beat.
Prison Island Perth
36-40 Milligan Street, Perth WA 6000
Opening Hours: Sessions available — check the Fever app or website for current session times
prisonislandexperience.com/perth
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
