By the late 20th century, most prisoners were serving longer sentences, a higher proportion of them were violent, and Aboriginal people were present in large numbers.

Punishments varied over the years, with flogging and time in irons eventually replaced by lengthening of sentences and deprivation of visitors or entertainment.

[4] North of the main block is New Division, and west of that, in the north-western corner, is the former Women's Prison,[1] previously the cookhouse, bakehouse and laundry.

Although each cell initially had a basin connected to running water, the installation was before the advent of S-bends; the smells coming up the pipes led to their removal by the 1860s.

The Crimean War saw the Royal Engineers recalled, leaving only one of their number, Henry Wray, to oversee the building's construction, which was completed by the end of 1859.

[13]: 46–49  Three reports were made between December 1898 and June 1899, dealing with the most recognisable and prominent issues including classification, sentencing, punishments, and diet.

Unlike occupants of the earlier building, prisoners remained continuously in their cells except when exercising in separate yards, watched panopticon-style[28] by a warder in a central tower.

[29]: 4  However, there was a rapid change in prison policy, with the appointment of a superintendent, Hugh Hann, who had recent English and colonial experience, and the election of a Labor government with members interested in penal reform.

[27]: 57 a place for rehabilitation and re-education ... where people can retain their identity and, if necessary, create a new identityThe appointment of Colin Campbell as comptroller general in 1966 fostered substantial changes within Fremantle Prison itself.

A private company,[19] the Fremantle Prison Guardians,[39]: 111  organised the tourist operation for ten years under contract, until the end of 2001; subsequently, the state government took control.

During the initial years of transportation, convicts were generally young, from a rural background, and of good character, having only committed minor offences[47]: 60–61  – potential future colonists, after their sentence had been served.

[29]: 7  Breakfast was porridge, with a third of a pint of milk, a hot drink (tea, unless the prisoner bought[b] coffee or cocoa), and either Vegemite, honey, or margarine, depending on the week.

Both meals consisted of a meat dish – corned beef, sausages, or mince pie – as well as mashed potato and cabbage, although there was occasionally a roast dinner.

Typical activities included "quarrying, filling swamps, burning lime, constructing public buildings, roads and jetties"[47]: 61  around Fremantle and Perth.

Re-offenders and captured escapees, after corporal punishment and time in solitary confinement, would be placed on a chain gang undertaking hard labour, typically on roads near Fremantle.

[26]: 8  Even with these extra activities, by 1899, 60 to 70 men[27]: 156  were employed at the pump, each doing only a few minutes work per hour, and occupied the rest of the time with recreation such as draughts.

[d][27]: 161 In the convict era, particularly during Hampton's term as governor, misbehaving prisoners were punished with flogging, solitary confinement, and working in chain gangs at gunpoint.

Lesser transgressions could result in solitary confinement, or restriction from visitors, education, and concerts; serious offences were punishable by the cancellation of any remission earned and a bread-and-water diet, normally over a two-week period.

With hangings taking place on Monday mornings, at 8:00 am, condemned prisoners were woken three hours earlier, and provided with a last meal, shower, and clean clothes.

[56][57]: 41–43  He and another prisoner absconded from a work party in early November, and were on the run for nearly a month, during which time Johns adopted the nickname Moondyne Joe.

[57]: 54–56  Moondyne Joe formulated a plan to escape the colony by travelling overland to South Australia, but was captured on 29 September about 300 kilometres (190 mi) north-east of Perth.

[57]: 59, 66–67, 81 As punishment for escaping and for the robberies committed while on the run, Moondyne Joe received five years hard labour on top of his remaining sentence.

He was transferred to Fremantle Prison where a special "escape-proof" cell was made for him, built from stone, lined with jarrah sleepers and over 1000 nails.

Coordinating with local Fenian agents, the escape was arranged for 17 April 1876, when most of the Convict Establishment garrison would be watching the Royal Perth Yacht Club regatta.

Other factors that contributed were the rudimentary and deplorable state of sanitation and personal cleanliness facilities, tougher sentencing introduced with the Parole Act of 1964, and the overcrowding.

As division 3 prisoners were let inside at around 4 pm, a voice exclaimed "Let's take 'em",[13]: 59  and simultaneously, guards were splashed with boiling water, usually used for making tea.

The prisoners withdrew to the exercise yard, taking six[67] hostages, as flames quickly overran the building, spread into the rafters, and caused the roof to collapse.

[g] While the tourist experience is based on authenticity and heritage values, some details are concealed or de-emphasised, such as prison tattooing, riots, and graffiti portraying revenge, sexuality, or brutality.

[37]: 211 Attractions include guided tours, a visitors' centre with searchable convict database, art gallery, café, gift shop,[37]: 206–208  and tourist accommodation.

The Walmajarri artist Jimmy Pike started painting in Fremantle prison, having received tuition from Steve Culley and David Wroth.