Fremantle Prison was built by convicts in the 1850s and operated until 1991. It is a great way to learn about the history of Australia and the people who lived there. The tours offer a unique perspective on life in the prison and you’ll get to see some of the cells and hear about the conditions that the prisoners lived in. There are several tours available at Fremantle Prison, so you can choose the one that interests you the most. A Fremantle Prison tour will reveal to you the history of the prison and its inmates. You will also get to see some of the cells and hear about the conditions that the prisoners lived in.
The prison consists of several buildings, including the main cell block, the hospital wing, and the gallows. Several exhibits tell the story of Fremantle Prison.
History of Fremantle Prison
Fremantle Prison was built in the 1850s and has been in use as a prison ever since. Prior to its closure in 1991, it operated as a maximum-security prison. Fremantle Prison reopened as a tourist attraction in 1995 after they closed it for a few years.
Prisoners in Fremantle Prison remained locked up in their cells for most of the day. For a few hours each day, they could exercise or work in the prison workshops. The cells were very small and there was very little space to move around. The prisoners were given a bed, a desk, and a chair. They were also given a Bible and a few personal items.
In 1988, a major riot took place in Fremantle Prison. The riot began on the night of January 4 and continued until the morning of January 5. About 130 prisoners took part in the riot which caused extensive damage to the prison. The prisoners burned down several buildings, smashed windows, and destroyed furniture. The death of a prisoner sparked the riots. An armed guard had beaten a prisoner to death, causing the riot. The prisoners were angry about the treatment of the prisoners and took revenge on the guards and prison officials. The riot lasted for about 12 hours before the authorities finally brought them under control.
Fremantle prison housed women for many reasons, including idleness, drunkenness, and prostitution. They even incarcerated pregnant unmarried women. The conditions in the prison were often harsh and women were subjected to various forms of abuse. In 1892, a report criticized the prison for its poor sanitation and lack of medical care.
Besides the 43 men, and one woman hanged at Fremantle prison, countless others suffered ill health, floggings, and brutality at the hands of other inmates. Fremantle Prison was a brutal place, and even today it is one of the most haunted places in Australia.
The Prison Tours
A prison tour is the best way to see Fremantle Prison, and there are several options. This gives you access to the prison’s cells, tunnels and yards. The tour also provides historical context and stories about the prisoners housed here. Those without a tour can only see a small part of the facility outside the main gate which has an elaborative exhibition.
Convict History Tour
The Convict History Tour is the perfect way to learn about the history of Fremantle Prison. On this tour, you’ll learn about the convicts who built the prison and the prisoners who lived there. The tour begins in the prison’s main courtyard, where visitors can learn about the daily lives of the prisoners. It then takes visitors through the cells, which housed both male and female prisoners. The tour finishes in the execution room, where visitors can learn about the grim fate that awaited many of the prisoners. You’ll also hear about the riots and escapes that took place at Fremantle Prison. This tour is a great way to learn about Australia’s dark past, and it provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of its convicts.
Duration: 1 hour
Price: Adults $22, Children $12
Behind Bar Tour
The Behind Bars tour gives visitors a unique opportunity to see what life was like for the prisoners. The tour takes guests through the different cell blocks and into the exercise yard. Visitors also have the chance to try on a jail uniform and have their mugshot taken. On this tour, you’ll see the prison’s cells, tunnels, and yards from a prisoner’s perspective. You’ll also learn about the living conditions in the prison and hear stories about the prisoners incarcerated here. It is an experience that is unlike any other, and it provides insights into one of Australia’s most interesting historical sites.
Duration: 1 hour
Price: Adults $22, Children $12
True Crime Tour
On the True Crime Tour, you’ll learn about some of the most notorious criminals who ever lived in Fremantle Prison. You’ll hear about their crimes and the punishment they received. The tour includes the cells of criminals like Moondyne Joe, an escape artist captured after six months on the run, and Ernest Day, a man sentenced to death for the murder of his wife. On the tour, you will also visit the gallows, which have seen over 40 executions in the prison’s history. The True Crime Tour is a great way to learn about crime and punishment in Fremantle.
Duration: 1 hour
Price: Adults $22, Children $12
Tunnels Tour
The Tunnels Tour is a great way to see Fremantle Prison from a different perspective. On this tour, you’ll explore the prison’s underground tunnels, which prisoners used as a way to escape. The tour also takes visitors to the prison’s water tower and workshop. The tour also includes a visit to the punishment cells, the exercise yards, and the solitary confinement cells. Visitors also have the opportunity to see how prisoners were transported from their cells to the gallows. It is a great way to see the prison’s hidden side and learn about its history.
When booking a Fremantle Prison Tunnel Tour, there are a few essentials you will need to remember. First, the tour is not suitable for children under the age of 10, and those under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Second, the tour lasts for approximately 2.5 hours and involves a fair amount of walking, so it is important to be reasonably fit. Third, you will need to be able to climb a few staircases, as there are no lifts or ramps in the prison.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (only on weekends)
Price: Adults $65, Children $45
Torchlight Tour
Discover the darker side of Fremantle Prison’s history on a special Torchlight tour. This tour takes place after dark, and it is only available for adults. Offered only on Wednesday and Friday evenings, the tour gives visitors the rare opportunity to explore the prison after hours. The eerie atmosphere of the corridors and cells, with countless inmates incarcerated here over the years. Hear stories of executions gone wrong, of prisoners who went mad from the isolation, and of those who were unjustly accused and left to rot in their cells. The tour offers a unique insight into one of Western Australia’s most iconic landmarks and is not for the faint-hearted.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Price: Adults $28
A visit to remember
If you’re looking for an interesting and unique way to learn about Australian history, Fremantle Prison is a great option. The tours provide a fascinating glimpse into life behind bars from the 1850s through to 1991. Whether you’re a history buff or just want to do something different, it is well worth a visit.
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