PRISON FREMANTLE

Built between 1852 and 1859, this was the prison for convicts, the equivalent of French convicts, who were forced to play an essential role in the construction of the state of Western Australia. Closed in 1991, it remains one of the world's largest prisons. Depending on the theme of your visit, you'll learn about the prison's history, living conditions and the lives of the criminals who were locked up here. During your visit, the guides will share many anecdotes about the many escape attempts. Tours start at 10 a.m., depending on the theme chosen. The "Torchlight Tour" is also a must, as you'll visit the prison at night with a guide recounting the sordid and horrific stories that took place within its walls. It's sure to send shivers down your spine!

The Tunnels Tour takes you into the prison's underground passages, twenty meters below ground in tunnels dug by prisoners to pump out drinking water.

Parts of the prison have been converted into hotels and restaurants, making it a veritable tourist complex!

Despite its age, this is not the oldest prison in the region. That's Round House, on Captains Lane near the Shipwrecks Museum, which opened in 1831. Round House is the oldest public building in the state, and is free to visit. If you're in the area at 1pm, you'll probably hear the daily cannon fire.