Fremantle Prison (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Fremantle Prison?
What makes it 68% Kids-Friendly: Convict and Behind Bars tours welcome children and offer family pricing, but Tunnels and some night tours bar under-12s, and many stairs demand close supervision and may tire younger kids.
Positives:
- Hands-On Learning: Interactive exhibits and convict databases engage kids in real history.
- Family-Friendly Tours: Guided tours use storytelling that suits children aged 4 and up.
Challenges:
- Steep Stairs and Uneven Floors: Historic cellblocks have narrow stairs and rough stone floors, which may tire younger kids.
- Limited Shade Outdoors: The prison yards offer little cover; prepare sunscreen and hats for sunny days.
What is Fremantle Prison?
- A 19th-century convict-built penitentiary and Western Australia’s oldest prison complex
- A UNESCO World Heritage–listed sandstone structure encompassing main cell block, yards and subterranean tunnels
- A decommissioned correctional facility that operated from 1855 to 1991, exemplifying colonial-era penal architecture
What is so special about Fremantle Prison for with kids?
- Free Gatehouse exhibits let kids explore art and convict stories.
- Guided Convict Prison Tour offers hands-on history for children aged 4+.
- No Escape Café provides a family-friendly snack break.
- Behind Bars Tour is pram-accessible and full of engaging tales.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This time lets you explore free exhibits, join a guided tour and enjoy a snack without rushing young kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Fremantle Prison
Explore Gatehouse Exhibits:
Walk through the Visitor Centre to see panels on convict life, art and colonial artefacts.
Tip: Start here to use baby-change facilities and get the kids’ activity sheet.
Join the Convict Prison Tour:
Take a 75-minute guided tour through cellblocks and learn how convicts built the prison.
Tip: Book the family pass online to save and choose a morning slot when kids are fresh.
Relax at No Escape Café:
Enjoy light meals and drinks in the former gatehouse building.
Tip: Arrive by 11 am to secure a table and use the nearby toilets and pram parking.
Take the Behind Bars Tour:
Discover maximum-security stories on a 75-minute guided walk through the main cell block.
Tip: This tour is wheelchair- and pram-accessible; ask staff where to leave prams.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Fremantle Prison
- Visit at Opening: Arrive right at opening to avoid crowds and find shaded spots for kids.
- Pick Up the Kids’ Sheet: Collect the free children’s activity sheet at the Visitor Centre to keep kids engaged.
- Use Pram-Friendly Tours: Choose the Behind Bars Tour for pram access and easier movement.
Reviews of Fremantle Prison
Beau Dabron
Highly recommend to make the time to visit. Worth every cent. Ang was an exceptional tour guide who makes the entire experience unforgettable; took up extra tours thanks to our initial experience with Ang.
Bruce Hardy
Visited yesterday and got to see and learn some more history of this great town of ours.. Was very interesting listening to the stories of early pioneers and convicts that shaped our city. Walking through the prison was thought provoking, certainly was tough on the occupants throughout the years.
Paige Chee
I joined two tours consecutively, True Crime and Behind Bars. The entire experience was great! From the moment we stepped in, all the staff were very welcoming and helpful. From the guy I assume was acting as concierge, the receptionist lady, all the way to the guides. They all made our experience seamless. Sylvia was our guide for the true crime tour and she was absolutely lovely! If you get the...
Carola Galletti
Super fun tour!! I did the combo Convicts tour (1.5 hours) and Tunnels tour (2.5 hours) with the YHA discount and I only payed 68$. The guides are hilarious and the prison itself is definitely worth exploring with multiple tours, but if you only have time for one I recommend the tunnels one. I enjoyed every single second of my visits!!!
Erin Clary
The tour with Nathan as our guide was informative and entertaining. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and we hope to go on a different tour there if time permits before we leave Fremantle. The souvenir shop has some great gifts for purchase.
When is the best time to visit Fremantle Prison (Perth, Australia)?
In Perth summer, bring hats and water for the outdoor yards. In winter, pack raincoats for outdoor sections. During school holidays, book tours early as slots fill fast.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Convict Prison Tour family pass | AUD 68 |
| Parking (3 hours) | AUD 7 |
| Café snacks and drinks | AUD 40 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 115 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Fremantle Prison
Address: 1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
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About Fremantle Prison
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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