Stay in a cell easy to sell

Governor of Western Australia Kerry Sanderson was on hand to conduct the opening, while staff led attendees through a walking tour of the block that once housed WA's dangerous women, learning the history of those prisoners who had once occupied the cells that tourists and visitors to Fremantle would now be sleeping in.

YHA WA chief executive Domenic Pimpinella said the 200-bed hostel had received good reviews since its soft opening in May.

"I am elated at finally getting to the official opening after more than five years of planning and negotiations," he said.

"It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in WA and now with the opportunity to actually stay in the prison will be hard to resist for international visitors looking for that unique experience."