Fremantle Prison is one of Western Australia’s most fascinating and significant cultural attractions.
The history of Fremantle Prison dates back to the early beginnings of Western Australia and its role in the development of this State is unparalleled. It is the largest convict built structure in Western Australia and the most intact convict establishment in the nation.
In 2010, Fremantle Prison became the first building in Western Australia to be included on the World Heritage list. Its inscription on the World Heritage list was part of a serial nomination with ten other Australian Convict Sites.
The Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property is a series of eleven outstanding heritage places across Australia. Collectively they are representative of the global phenomenon of the forced migration of convicts. The Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 31 July 2010.
The Australian Convict Sites are of outstanding universal significance for their association with global developments in ideas and beliefs about punishment and reform of the criminal elements of humanity in the modern era.
Sites included in the serial listing are:
♦ Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area, Norfolk Island (1788–1814 and 1824–1855)
♦ Old Government House and Domain, Parramatta Park, New South Wales (1788–1856)
♦ Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney, New South Wales (1819–1848)
♦ Brickendon—Woolmers Estates, Longford, Tasmania (1820–1850s)
♦ Darlington Probation Station, Maria Island National Park, Tasmania (1825–1832 and 1842–1850)
♦ Old Great North Road, Dharug National Park, New South Wales (1828–1835)
♦ Cascades Female Factory, South Hobart, Tasmania (1828–1856)
♦ Port Arthur Historic Site, Port Arthur, Tasmania (1830–1877)
♦ Coal Mines Historic Site, Saltwater River, Tasmania (1833–1848)
♦ Cockatoo Island Convict Site, Sydney Harbour, New South Wales (1839–1869)
♦ Fremantle Prison, Fremantle, Western Australia (1852–1886)
Each site represents key elements of the story of forced migration of convicts and is associated with global ideas and practices relating to punishment and reform of criminal elements of society during the modern era. The eleven sites that form the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property are outstanding examples of this story in Australia’s rich convict history, however, more than 3,000 other convict sites still remain around Australia. This is unique in the world today.
The site is also recognised on the National Heritage List and State Register of Heritage Places. It is classified by the National Trust and is part of the City of Fremantle's West End Conservation Area.
Decommissioned as a maximum-security gaol in 1991, the Prison was continuously used as a place of incarceration for almost 140 years. With death row, solitary cells and gallows, it is a monument to a system of punishment that is uncomfortably recent.
Since opening to the public in 1992, Fremantle Prison has developed into a successful tourist attraction and welcomes thousands of visitors through its gates each year.
Entry to the Gatehouse is free of charge and includes access to the Visitor Centre, Convict Depot and Gift Shop. Our Prison Gallery & Cafe are currently closed for renovations, due to reopen in 2026.
Without doubt, the highlight of a visit to the Prison is the entertaining tours conducted by experienced tour guides who bring the rich folklore and stories of the Prison to life. With a choice of intriguing day tours, spine-chilling torchlight tours and ‘extreme heritage’ tunnels tour adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
To find out more about our tours and facilities download our 'Planning Your Visit to Fremantle Prison Guide'.
Ownership
Fremantle Prison is a State Government asset vested in the Minister for Heritage
Management
As of 01 July 2017 Fremantle Prison is a division of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage
