TOUR THE SET!
ALL ABOARD! HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO SEE INSIDE THE BELOVED SOAP
Even though Prisoner first launched 36 years ago, it continues to boast a huge following – and there’s none more dedicated than Partners in Crime. The not-for-profit organisation run by Barry Parker, Maria Grande and Peter Strauss in Australia offers fans from all over the world the opportunity to visit the soap’s famous set and attend their exclusive Prisoner parties.
From The Freak’s own home or the eerie grounds of Blackmoor Prison, the Partners in Crime bus tours are the perfect way to explore the famous Melbourne filming locations with other Prisoner enthusiasts.
JOAN FERGUSON’S HOUSE
The quaint home of The Freak was seen in multiple episodes over the years, until the place is torched in a revenge attack against Joan Ferguson (Maggie Kirkpatrick) by Rita Connors’ (Glenda Linscott) bikie gang, The Conquerors. While today it is a private residence, its facade remains the same and fans get a real kick out of seeing it.
BARNHURST PRISON
Bea Smith (Val Lehman) is dragged to Barnhurst in the middle of the night, where we get our first look at the infamous Marie Winter
(Maggie Millar), as well as an early appearance of Gerda Nicolson as Officer Roberts – who later became Wentworth’s second Governor, Ann Reynolds. The building is a converted convent, and is now filled with cafes and various stalls.
WENTWORTH DETENTION CENTRE
The prison itself is actually the Channel 10 (Global Studios) in Nunawading, Melbourne. It was dressed on one external wall with the famous prison bar window boxes – and most are still attached to the building to this day! The studio is now used to film Neighbours, with some of the soap’s exterior scenes looking very familiar to Prisoner fans.
For more information about the Partners in Crime bus tour and tickets to the Prisoner Party 2022, visit facebook.com/ Prisonerfanclub
DRISCOLL HOUSE NO.1
This is the second halfway house seen in the series. Named after its first resident, Susie Driscoll (Jacqui Gordon), it is the first of two dwellings run by former inmate Judy Bryant (Betty Bobbitt). The building is now a private residence. Located directly opposite it is Logan’s Shoe Factory, where Doreen Burns (Colette Mann) briefly worked.
BLACKMOOR PRISON
The Blackmoor saga is known for being a huge storyline in the final year of the show.
Top dog Rita Connors is abruptly transferred to the prison run by the corrupt Governor Craven
(Ray Meagher). Here, Rita fights the top dog and starts a riot, which sees her brother, Bongo, murdered. A former pump station, Scienceworks resides there today. The courtyard is still in existence and was also a filming location in Mad Max!
BURVALE HOTEL
A slew of different characters stayed at the hotel over the series, including Colleen Powell (Judith Mcgrath) when she separated from her husband, and Judy’s daughter Lori Maynard (Susannah Fowle). Today, it is still a functioning hotel and even boasts its own casino. Since featuring in Prisoner, the premises has also been used in the filming of Kath & Kim.
WOODRIDGE PRISON
This is the men’s prison first seen when the women arrive to rehearse their concert and is seen again a few episodes later when the women are temporarily transferred there after ‘The Great Fire’. Now, the building houses private residential apartments, but it’s still recognised by fans.
MEET PRISONER’S BIGGEST STARS!
Val Lehman, Rowena Wallace and Patsy King – they’re just a few of the Prisoner stars attending the Partners in Crime two-day Prisoner Party this year! The dedicated group has organised the special event for Saturday, February 26 and Sunday, February 27, which will see fans offered the chance to meet the biggest names, share stories and even purchase keepsake, signed photos from their favourite actors.