Fremantle Prison
Built by convicts in the 1850s, the threatening Fremantle Prison was in use for an astounding 136 years. Coming from various backgrounds, ages and crimes, the prisoners were a colorful cast of characters. Enoch Pearson Barrett, sentenced 10 years for larceny, later became head Gardner of the city's public garden. Daniel Marsh, imprisoned for manslaughter, was later released and started a successful foundry business in town. With its colorful past, Fremantle Prison has become one of the most important heritage sites in Western Australia since its opening to the public in 1992.
Visitors can learn about the locations of the most infamous escapes, both successful and unsuccessful, on the Great Escapes Tour, or don a hard hat and boots to explore the labyrinth of underground tunnels where prisoners worked on the Tunnels Tour. For the truly brave, the nighttime Torchlight Tour delves into the supernatural side of the prison, still allegedly haunted by ghosts of its past.
Fremantle Prison is a dramatic venue for functions and conferences of 50 to 1,000 guests. Entertainment options, such as professional greeters dressed in prison warden uniforms, are available. Fremantle Prison is open Monday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Tour schedules vary based on type. Adult tour tickets range from AU$17.50 to AU$59. For more information: +61 8 9336 9200
