Fremantle Prison YHA

Coming to the WA was never a must do, always a maybe if it worked in my plans. When Bec’s and I planned our road trip here, I thought maybe I’d do a trip up north to Exmouth, stay until mid-November, then head back east to either meet up with Jo or spend the holidays in the Grampians.

Of course…plans change. When I arrived in Fremantle, it turned out that one of the housekeepers at the YHA had injured themselves the week prior. With my experience both in housekeeping and being trained in the reception computer system (thanks Kellie and Gary!), the managers made an exception to the typical 6 month contract rule and hired me with only 2 months left in my working visa. This meant free accommodation in addition to pay for every hour worked…COUNT. ME. IN.

The Fremantle Prison YHA used to be a women’s prison built in the 1850’s. The prison closed in 1991, then was later made into an art’s school before the YHA converted to a hostel, opening for business in 2015. The first few weeks I stayed in the dorm rooms before moving into my very own prison cell (not something I ever expected to say). Luckily I told my mom the hostel had been converted from a prison since this is what showed up on Find My Friends…

Once again, I expected to have plenty of time to pursue freelance design but instead my days were full of housekeeping, reception, hanging out on the couches in the kitchen, and watching the sunset. Time went by weirdly fast.

I know I continue to repeat myself in place after place, but I found a family in Freo. A more relaxed atmosphere than Perth combined with a weekly discount room rate made the perfect combination for longterm backpackers.  With the summer weather and the upcoming holidays, Freo provided a good base for people to work at cafes, restaurants, and construction jobs. 

Fremantle itself is an ideal type of place. Just a 15 minute walk from the water and a 30 minute train ride into Perth, I loved the combination of small town beach feel and easy access to city life. 

Nights out included Newport Wednesday’s where middies were $2 and the dance floor called our names.  Days off consisted of exploring the southwest and relaxing on the beach. We played lots of games, finding a few new favorites in Qwixx, Shhhh!, and JackBox on the Nintendo Switch. Sunday afternoons were spent at the Fremantle Market, where in the closing hours you could buy discount produce. I found a new love of boats, going on a few free boat cruises around the harbour and even went to a yacht party hosted by a local friend’s university.

Saying goodbye both to this place and the people was incredibly difficult. For my last night, we grabbed drinks at a local brewery, walked to the Rainbow Containers for sunset, and hung out in the kitchen eating chips, dip, and cake. I couldn’t ask for a better send off! 

From not expecting to even travel to the WA to being the longest I stayed anywhere in Australia, Freo holds a special place in my heart.