Fremantle Prison marks major milestone

• Fremantle Prison marks three millionth visitor

• The prison is one of the State's premier tourist attractions

The world heritage listed Fremantle Prison has celebrated its three millionth visitor since opening as a tourist attraction in 1992.

The prison is the only building in Western Australia to be inscribed on the World Heritage List and is one of the State's premier tourist attractions.

Finance Minister Mike Nahan celebrated the milestone today, presenting the three millionth visitor with a certificate and gift.

Dr Nahan said Fremantle Prison was built by convicts in the 1850s and was used as Western Australia's maximum security prison until November 1991.

It is the largest convict-constructed building in the southern hemisphere.

The Minister said a record 187,000 people visited the prison last year.

"Fremantle Prison is a popular and internationally recognised tourist attraction that provides a number of unique tours including day tours of the prison, the night-time torchlight tour and the truly remarkable tunnels tour," he said.

"These tours give a real insight into the prison and its role in the history of Western Australia.

"Fremantle Prison is truly a unique place, especially with its fascinating link to the convict era."

Tourism Minister Liza Harvey said celebrating the three millionth visitor topped a period of outstanding achievement for Fremantle Prison.

Mrs Harvey said the prison won the Premier's Award in 2012 in the category of strengthening families and communities and the Inaugural Judges Award at the 2012 WA Heritage Awards.

"Fremantle Prison has become a drawcard for visitors to Perth and has made a significant contribution to the Fremantle economy.  It has also proven popular as a venue for social functions, school visits and special events such as art exhibitions," she said.

"Last month, the influential TripAdvisor website listed the Fremantle Prison in its top 10 tourist attractions in Australia - the only Western Australian landmark to make the list."

Fremantle Prison is administered by the Department of Finance, Building Management and Works.

       Fact File

• An average 14,725 visitors per month over the past five years

• The prison was added to the World Heritage List as part of a serial listing of Australian convict sites in 2010

• The prison was built by convict labour between 1852 and 1859 from limestone quarried on site

Finance Minister's office - 6552 5700

Tourism Minister's office - 6552 5900