Fremantle Prison

This highly impressive landmark is notable for many reasons, yet the simple fact that it's the state's only World Heritage listed building speaks volumes about Fremantle Prison's significance. Decommissioned in 1991 and opened to the public in 1992, the prison offers one of the most detailed available insights into historic convict life, and its majestic yet slightly intimidating limestone facade belies the atmosphere to be found within. It's an interesting yet undeniably eerie place, with the recounting of the history of its various inmates of this former maximum-security facility and the conditions they were subjected to as punishment often chilling; there was definitely no TV and pampering of prisoners in these historic times. Different sections of the prison are explorable including the standard cells, chapel, prison yards, and the gallows where executions were carried out. There are various ways to tour the historic Fremantle Prison. The standard Doing Time tour covers all of the conventional highlights, while the adventurous Tunnel Tour descends further into the prison's depths. Additionally, evening tours by torchlight provide an even more sinister atmosphere, with the storytelling abilities of the prison's guides able to switch from entertaining to hair-raising in a matter of moments. After taking in all of its features, it's rather daunting to consider that this facility was in active use just over a mere 20 years ago! Perhaps Fremantle's top tourist attraction, the prison is a unique way to spend an hour or two gaining perspective on both historic life in jail as well as Fremantle's past as a whole and makes for a captivating experience.