The main exercise yards, located behind the Main Cell Block, were excavated out of the hillside behind the prison between 1855 and 1857. Apart from the dividing walls between yards, bitumen paving and improved facilities such as the shelter sheds, the character of the yards has changed little since they were first built.
The yard amenities included open-sided shelters, fixed tables and bench seats, gym equipment, cold running water, toilets and sump for emptying night buckets into, notice boards, basketball hoops, televisions and reading material.
The exercise yards were the hub of prison life. Regardless of the weather, despite cold winds, drenching rain or burning sunshine, when prisoners were not locked in their cells or at work this is where they had to spend their time.
The yards in Divisions 2 and 3 are the largest at Fremantle Prison, and can be used for morning tea, lunch or cocktail parties.
