Story: Fremantle Prison
Episode: 9
Presenter: Tod Johnston
Air Date: 30 March 2025

Tod takes on the tour in Fremantle Prison!

• Fremantle Prison, located in Fremantle, Western Australia, was built by convict labour between 1851 and 1859, making it one of the oldest and most significant convict-built structures in Australia.
• The prison originally housed British convicts who were transported to Australia in the 19th century. It was operational as a maximum-security facility for nearly 140 years, from its opening until its closure in 1991.
• Designed by the British convict architect Henry Willey Reveley, the prison's construction was a remarkable feat, utilising limestone quarried from the site itself. Its design was based on a radial plan, with wings radiating from a central hub.
• In 2010, Fremantle Prison was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognising its significance as a site of convict history and its contribution to the development of Western Australia.
• The prison closed as a correctional facility in 1991 due to overcrowding and the outdated nature of the building. It has since been repurposed as a tourist attraction and cultural site.
• Fremantle Prison is one of Western Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. It offers a range of tours, including guided tours, historical tours, and ghost tours, giving visitors a glimpse into its dark past.
• Known for its eerie atmosphere, Fremantle Prison is considered to be one of the most haunted locations in Australia. Many visitors and staff have reported paranormal experiences, adding to the prison’s mystique.

For more information, head to:
Fremantleprison.com.au