Acacia Prison is located on Great Eastern Highway, Wooroloo WA 6558. Postal address: Locked Bag 1, Wooroloo WA 6558.
Contact Details
Phone: 08 9573 3300
Fax: 08 9573 3350
Official visits email: acacia.officialbookings@serco-ap.com
About the Prison
Acacia Prison is Western Australia’s largest prison, with an operating capacity of 1,525 beds. It is a medium-security facility for adult males, owned by the Department of Justice and managed under contract by Serco — making it the only privately-operated prison in Western Australia. The prison opened in May 2001 and is located approximately 55 kilometres east of Perth. Given its size and medium-security classification, Acacia holds a significant cross-section of the male sentenced prisoner population in WA, including prisoners serving sentences for serious offences across a wide range of categories.
Who Is Held at Acacia
Acacia holds sentenced adult males at medium-security classification. Because of its size, it accommodates prisoners from across the state, including those convicted of serious assault, sexual offences, drug trafficking, armed robbery, fraud, and other indictable matters. Men held here are typically mid-sentence — past the initial remand or early custody stage but not yet at the point of pre-release placement. The prison has a rehabilitation focus, with prisoners able to work in metalwork and woodwork industries and access various programs.
Legal Matters That Don’t End at Sentencing
A significant number of people held at Acacia have legal matters that remain unresolved or that require ongoing attention. These fall into several categories.
Appeals Against Conviction or Sentence
An appeal against conviction or sentence must be lodged within strict time limits following the date of the original decision — not from the date of transfer to a facility. If grounds exist to challenge the conviction itself, argue that the sentence was manifestly excessive, or raise fresh evidence that was not available at trial, those options must be pursued without delay. Missing the appeal window can permanently extinguish rights that would otherwise have been available.
Parole
Prisoners at Acacia serving non-parole periods will become eligible for parole consideration at a defined point in their sentence. The Prisoners Review Board assesses applications and has broad discretion. The quality of a parole application — how it addresses risk factors, presents rehabilitation evidence, and sets out a credible post-release plan — directly affects the outcome. An unsuccessful application means additional time in custody. A lawyer can advise on what the Board looks for and assist in preparing the strongest possible case for release.
Prisoner Rights and Complaints
As a privately-managed facility, Acacia operates under both its contract with the Department of Justice and the applicable legislation governing prisoner rights in Western Australia. If a prisoner has concerns about their treatment, classification, access to programs, or conditions of detention, there are formal complaint mechanisms available — including to the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services. A lawyer can advise on what avenues exist and assist where rights are not being upheld.
Visiting Acacia Prison
All visits are by appointment only. The maximum number of visitors per visit is six, with no more than three adults. New visitors must phone 08 9573 3300 Monday to Friday to register. Visitors must produce identification on arrival and are subject to personal and vehicle searches. The prison is closed to visitors on Good Friday and Christmas Day. A free bus service operates from Midland Train Station on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays — seats must be reserved when booking the visit.
Our criminal lawyers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1300 331 331 for a free first consultation.