We finally made our way to Fremantle and our first order of business was to check out the World Heritage Fremantle Prison. One of the most striking things about this prison is that it was in full operation until 1991. Bear this in mind as you see some of the photos of the facilities and amenities.

Fremantle Prison Clock
The clock over the entrance to Fremantle Prison marked the time for both British convicts and Australian prisoners since 1856. Construction of the prison started in 1850.

We took the time to take a couple of tours through the complex which was well worth it. “The Convict Prison” and “Behind Bars” tours provided an excellent insight to the history and life in this, the most intact convict establishment in the southern hemisphere.

Cell Block
One of the original four cell blocks in the prison. Complete with the suicide net hanging overhead to prevent jumpers.
Convict Cell
1.2 x 2.1 metres with a hammock. Breakfast and dinner were eaten in your cell and you had a bucket as a toilet during the night. Some of the conditions until 1991.

There were some larger cells near the end of it’s tenure, but the primitive nature of the conditions was amazing.

Solitary Confinement
The view from and into a daytime solitary confinement cell. At night prisoners were moved across the hall to nighttime cells which had wooden floors for comfort. The double doors cut off any sound to the prisoners and the windows could be shuttered to eliminate any light if prisoner behaviour dictated that.
Condemned Man's Cell
This is the view into the cell used to house condemned prisoners before they were executed. The bucket on the left is the same type found in every cell as a toilet. The last man to be executed was in 1964.
The Gallows
43 men and one woman were put to death by hanging in the time the prison was in operation. This is inside the gallows showing the door the prisoner would enter through and the rope they faced. The handle for the trapdoor can be seen in the foreground.

This is truly one of the must see locations in Fremantle and Perth. Now, on to explore some of the lighter sides of the region.

Welcome to our travel blog. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to say, "I'm out of here?" Well we did, and in 2013 we made it a reality. We sold or gave away all of our possessions other than what fit in our luggage and we set off on an endless adventure. Part of our goal is to share our experiences with others and hopefully provide some information, motivation, or just a moments escape. The general idea was to look for a place that would be ideal to settle down in. However in the meantime it is about experiencing life in different countries amongst different cultures and learning how to understand and appreciate each other. A large part of our time is spent housesitting which provides an excellent opportunity to experience more of the "normal" neighbourhoods as opposed to the tourist locales. Though we make sure to enjoy those as well. So through plenty of photographs and a running commentary come and share with us our life on the road.

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