In 2010, Fremantle Prison became the first Western Australian building to be inscribed on to the prestigious World Heritage list. Due to the significance of the site Fremantle Prison cannot accept certain function requests. This includes, but is not limited to, birthday parties for 16 – 25 year olds; hen’s and buck’s parties; school and university balls and associated after parties; and some ticketed events.
Tentative Booking
A tentative booking can be held upon request for two weeks. We require a completed Function Enquiry Form to be submitted for consideration during this time, and we recommend booking a site inspection if you haven't held a function at Fremantle Prison before. Arrangements can be made to extend this two-week period upon request. Otherwise, if we haven't heard from you, your booking will be automatically cancelled.
Confirmation of Booking
Once your booking enquiry has been approved, you will be sent a Venue Hire Contract to sign. This must be returned with a non-refundable deposit of $250.00 in order to secure your booking. Confirmation should not be assumed until the deposit is received along with the signed Venue Hire Contract. Fremantle Prison will send you an e-mail and a receipt to confirm your function.
Payment
Final numbers and full payment must be provided to Fremantle Prison at least seven (7) days prior to the function. Fremantle Prison accepts payment by MasterCard, Visa, EFTPOS, cash or business cheque. Cheques should be made payable to 'Fremantle Prison - Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage'.
Cancellations
Please note that in the event of a cancellation the deposit is non-refundable. If cancellation or postponement is notified less than two weeks prior to the function, Fremantle Prison has the right to charge full fees.
Conditions of Booking
Below are some terms and conditions applicable for all functions held at Fremantle Prison. A more comprehensive list of terms and conditions can be found here.
Catering and Liquor
Fremantle Prison does not allow self-catering - all functions at Fremantle Prison must be professionally catered for. Fremantle Prison has no kitchen or refrigeration facilities onsite, and all tables, chairs, crockery and cutlery need to be hired in. Your caterer may be able to assist with your hire requirements. If alcohol is going to be sold to guests the function organiser will need to obtain a permit from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. A copy of the liquor licence must be supplied to the Functions Coordinator at least one week prior to the function. If alcohol is provided to guests free of charge no licence is required. The function organiser and the caterer should ensure patrons are served in accordance with all relevant laws. Alcohol is to only be consumed inside the booked function area.
You are welcome to choose any professional catering company for your function, or we can provide you with contact details for companies who have catered for functions at the Prison in the past.
Smoking
The Prison is a non-smoking and non-vaping site. Failure to comply with this rule may lead to immediate eviction.
Gas Bottles
Gas bottles and canisters are prohibited inside the Prison buildings. This includes, but is not limited to, barbecues, gas cookers and stoves. Catering companies wishing to use such equipment should contact the Events Coordinator to determine an appropriate outdoor location.
Decorations and Lighting
The following decorations are not permitted at the Prison: open flame candles, candelabras, ice sculptures, water features, confetti, rice, compressed confetti and streamer cans, glitter, sparklers, pyrotechnics, smoke or haze machines and other similar items.
Decorations, banners and the like may be affixed to some existing structures following written approval by the Events Coordinator. No nails, screws or similar fixings are to be used.
No person is to climb on or place any ladders on or against the balustrades or walls.
All sound and lighting equipment must be free standing. No lighting or cables are to be affixed to the handrails, balustrades, walls or other structures of or comprising the Prison.
The erection of temporary structures such as marquees, staging or lighting requires prior written approval from Fremantle Prison.
Advertising
Any planned advertising, promotion or media releases relating to the function must be provided to the Events Coordinator for written approval prior to distribution.
Security
Security personnel are required at all functions at the cost of the function organiser. The type of function and the number of guests attending will determine the number of security personnel required. Fremantle Prison will supply the security personnel.
The function organiser is responsible for the conduct and behaviour of guests and shall promptly comply with any directions given by employees of Fremantle Prison or its security personnel.
General Conduct
The organiser shall not do or suffer or permit the doing of anything which will or is likely to cause the Prison, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage or the State of Western Australia to suffer or incur loss, damage, liability, embarrassment, disrepute or public criticism.