Built by convict labour in the 1850s, Fremantle Prison housed convicts, colonial prisoners, Aboriginal people, enemy aliens, prisoners of war and maximum-security detainees in its time. It finally closed for the purpose of holding prisoners in 1991 after a royal commission recommendation.
These days, the imposing limestone structure has transformed into an archive of history and memory. Come in for a range of tours, including a 90-minute after-dark guided tour every Wednesday and Friday evening. The torchlight tour of the grounds is scary but compelling, giving you a (dimly lit) glimpse of the kinds of horrors prisoners endured during their captivity. Otherwise, there are seasonal exhibitions collating personal accounts and photographs, art showcases, and more.
If you or one of your group turns peckish on your visit, a café also operates on-site – and it promises to be a far cry from prison food.