Fremantle Prison Tours are designed to support learning outcomes in the Society and Environment learning area, particularly the Time, Continuity and Change, and Investigation, Communication and Participation strands. Specific focus tours, such as the Convict History Tour, will engage your group in an entertaining and educational manner.
General School Tour (Modern and Convict History)
| Departs |
9.45am, 10.15am, 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.00pm, 2.15pm, 3.30pm, 4.45pm, 5.15pm |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Prices |
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Step inside and explore Fremantle Prison from its convict origins in the 1850’s until its closure as a maximum-security gaol in 1991.
Take a visual journey back in time in the Main Cell Block where you can view life as it was for both convicts and prisoners. What type of cell would you prefer to be in?
Discover how time was passed in the yards, while marvelling at original prisoner works of art.
Pray for redemption in the Anglican Chapel and laugh as our entertaining guides show you the lighter side of Prison humour.
From shackles and isolation, to walls, gates, gun towers and razor wire, Fremantle Prison was designed and built as a place of incarceration. Join our experienced guides to see where many daring and dangerous escapes were attempted by convicts and prisoners alike. Become acquainted with bushrangers and escape artists, such as Moondyne Joe, and marvel at his escape proof cell.
Looking at providing your students with a longer sentence? General School tours can be extended into a Tour Package consisting of two 1 hour versions of our Convict History and Modern Prison tours. Please contact our group bookings officer on +61 8 9336 9210 or email groups@fremantleprison.com.au for more details.
Convict History Tour
| Departs |
9.45am, 10.15am, 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.00pm, 2.15pm, 3.30pm, 4.45pm, 5.15pm |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Prices |
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In 1850 the first of almost 10,000 convicts arrived at a colony on the verge of collapse. Mostly transported for petty crimes, and sent halfway around the world to a barren, inhospitable land, they first had to build themselves a prison.
- How did the convicts save the colony?
- What crimes did they commit?
- Did any escape from Fremantle Prison?
- What did they eat?
- What did they wear?
- How were they punished?
- What other landmarks in Perth did they build?
Explore the building and cells of Fremantle Prison and discover what life was like for a convict transported to the Swan River Colony.
Learn about famous convicts such as Moondyne Joe and his many escapes.
Engage with famous events such as the escape of the six Fenian convicts on the Catalpa.
Looking at providing your students with a longer sentence? Convict History tours can be extended into a Tour Package consisting of two 1 hour versions of our Convict History and Modern Prison tours. Please contact our group bookings officer on +61 8 9336 9210 or email groups@fremantleprison.com.au for more details.
Modern Prison Tour
| Departs |
9.45am, 10.15am, 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.00pm, 2.15pm, 3.30pm, 4.45pm, 5.15pm |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Prices |
|
Step inside, do time and explore Fremantle Prison’s history as a maximum security gaol from 1887 to 1991.
Find out how a convict built prison transformed into Western Australia’s primary place of incarceration for men, women and children.
Walk back in time through the Main Cell Block and exercise yards. Learn about the daily routine of prisoners and the realities of life on the inside.
Looking at providing your students with a longer sentence? Prison tours can be extended into a Tour Package consisting of two 1 hour versions of our Convict History and Modern Prison tours. Please contact our group bookings officer on +61 8 9336 9210 or email groups@fremantleprison.com.au for more details.
Tunnels Tour - *Weekends only or by special request
| Departs |
9.00am, 9.45am, 10.40am, 12.20pm, 1.40pm, 2.40pm and 3.25pm |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Prices |
*Students must be at least 12 years old and meet physical size/weight requirements |
| Wheelchair Accessibility |
Not available |
Do you need a prison adventure? Get into your hardhat, slip into your overalls and pull on your boots and charge your headlamps before locking into the ladder system and descending 20 metres into the depths below.
Trek through sections of the labyrinth of tunnels on foot, then board the replica convict punts to explore the submerged passageways accessible only by boat.
Discover original blast holes, bores, oil lamp recesses and artefacts from the days when working in the tunnels was hard labour for prisoners.
Tour Requirements
Minimum age is 12 years. Children between the ages of 12 and 15 must be accompanied by an adult (18+). People between the ages of 12 and 17 years must have the declaration form co-signed by an adult
- Participants must be physically fit and able. If you are an expectant mother or are recovering from a medical procedure, you are advised not to participate on this tour
- Visitors must be able to fit into the compulsory safety equipment provided. This includes helmet, life jacket, harness, coveralls and boots. A range of sizes is available. If you have any concerns please ask the Visitor Services staff at the time of booking
- Alcohol breath test applies (must have less than 0.05 reading)
- Long hair should be tied back
- Pants, jeans or shorts are recommended
- BYO socks
- A declaration form must be read and signed by each participant
Tour Warning
This experience involves climbing down and back up a 20 metre ladder. It is not recommended for those with a fear of heights. The tunnels are approximately 2 metres wide and as low as 1.5 metres high in some points. It is not recommended for people who suffer from claustrophobia. The tour involves ladder climbing, walking while stooping (not crawling) and paddling small boats. You must advise your guide of any health issues that may affect your ability to complete this tour.
Torchlight Tour
| Departs |
Wednesday and Friday evenings
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|---|---|
| Duration | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Prices |
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| Wheelchair Accessibility |
Approximately 70% |
Tour Warning
Are you feeling brave? Explore the darker side of the Fremantle Prison story at night on an eerie tour by torchlight. Cringe at the ghastly, the rotten, the wretched and the inhumane experiences and events in the prison's history. Featuring the Main Cell Block, solitary confinement, whipping post, the gallows and the morgue, these tours are not for the faint hearted. Be warned – there are a few surprises along the way
Children must be accompanied by an adult (18+). This experience involves a number of surprises and is not recommended for children under 10 or anyone with a weak heart or other health issues that may be aggravated by scares.
Please note: Torchlight Tours can be arranged on nights aside from Wednesday and Friday by request, and subject to availability. For tours on alternative nights there is always a minimum cost of $800.00. For more information about holding a Torchlight Tour on a different night, contact the Functions Officer on +61 8 9336 9205 or email functions@fremantleprison.com.au
Prison Tour
Convict History Tour
PLEASE NOTE:
- Prices valid until 30 June 2024
- Pricing applies to direct school bookings only
- All tour times subject to availability