Fremantle Prison (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Fremantle Prison?
What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can join multiple daily guided tours, explore free exhibits at own pace, and the site is easy to reach, producing a rich, safe two-to-three-hour heritage experience.
Positives:
- Solo-friendly schedule: Hourly tours let you join existing groups without pre-booking
- Clear signage: Well-marked paths and info panels make self-guided areas easy to explore
Challenges:
- Uneven surfaces: Wear sturdy shoes on cobbled yards and inside cellblocks
- Constrained spaces: True Crime and Behind Bars tours include narrow corridors—avoid if claustrophobic
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 solo trip?
- Free entry to Gatehouse exhibits on convict art, artifacts and database
- Guided tours cover convict labor, maximum-security life and true crime tales
- Triple Tour Package bundles three tours for best value
- Hourly departures let solo travelers join groups easily
- On-site No Escape Café offers light meals between tours
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time for free exhibits plus one or two paid tours without rushing
Solo-Friendly Activities in Fremantle Prison
Gatehouse Exhibits:
Browse interactive panels on convict life, prisoner art and the convict database
Tip: Start here to get context and pick up a site map before heading into the cellblocks
Convict Prison Tour:
Guided walk through 1850s cellblocks explaining convict labor and daily routines
Tip: Book online in peak season to secure your spot at your preferred time
True Crime Tour:
Hear real stories of bushrangers, prison breaks and infamous inmates
Tip: Join the 11:45 am or 2:45 pm slot for smaller groups and more time to ask questions
Triple Tour Package:
Combine Convict, Behind Bars and True Crime tours at a discount
Tip: Buy the $44 adult pass at the ticket desk to save over individual tour prices
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Fremantle Prison
- Online booking: Reserve paid tours on the official site to avoid sell-outs in busy months
- Arrive early: Get through the Gatehouse by 9:30 am to explore free exhibits before crowds
Reviews of Fremantle Prison
Beau Dabron
Highly recommend to make the time to visit. Worth every cent. Ang was an exceptional tour guide who makes the entire experience unforgettable; took up extra tours thanks to our initial experience with Ang.
Bruce Hardy
Visited yesterday and got to see and learn some more history of this great town of ours.. Was very interesting listening to the stories of early pioneers and convicts that shaped our city. Walking through the prison was thought provoking, certainly was tough on the occupants throughout the years.
Paige Chee
I joined two tours consecutively, True Crime and Behind Bars. The entire experience was great! From the moment we stepped in, all the staff were very welcoming and helpful. From the guy I assume was acting as concierge, the receptionist lady, all the way to the guides. They all made our experience seamless. Sylvia was our guide for the true crime tour and she was absolutely lovely! If you get the...
Carola Galletti
Super fun tour!! I did the combo Convicts tour (1.5 hours) and Tunnels tour (2.5 hours) with the YHA discount and I only payed 68$. 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)?
Perth summer highs exceed 30 °C; join early morning tours and carry water. In winter, indoor exhibits stay comfortable and dry.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Gatehouse Exhibits | AUD 0 |
| Convict Prison Tour | AUD 24 |
| Snack at No Escape Café | AUD 10 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 34 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Fremantle Prison
Address: 1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Fremantle Prison (Perth)?
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.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 8 9336 920010 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇦🇺 Australia, solo trip
🇺🇸 United States, solo trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, solo trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities