CONCRETE floors, barred windows and steel furniture show that Borallon prison is anything but a cushy place to stay.

After entering several sealed doors and passing through a metal detector, visitors must sign in before making the final transition into the heart of the prison.

The myth that inmates are surrounded by life's luxuries while incarcerated is certainly one that was busted by touring through Borallon.

Images of wide screen TVs, couches and lounge chairs quickly disappeared upon entering the facility, which contains very few home comforts.

The first stop on the tour was the visitors' area.

The large room, surrounded by wire meshing, is reminiscent of a bird cage, but with steel chairs and tables inside, all bolted to the concrete floor.

Everything is built for a reason in Borallon prison. In the visitors area prisoners are allocated red seats, with three other grey, steel chairs for visitors or family members.

In a separate room, booths with screens of clear plastic are designed to separate more restricted prisoners from their visitors.

The next stop on the tour is the cells. At Borallon most hold only one prisoner with a select few being double cells.

The individual cells are small and contain only one raised rectangular platform as a bed, a small metal sink, a toilet and a basic shower. Everything is made of metal and bolted down so nothing can be removed by prisoners.

Bars cover the windows, with guards completing a "tap check" every night to make sure they haven't been cut or damaged.

Markings left by prisoners gone by can be seen throughout the facility, with names and symbols littering hallways and cell walls.

Inmates will spend 12 to 13 hours a day in their cells, with every other hour of their day being strictly regimented.

Once it is reopened the whole facility will be constantly monitored. Phone calls and letters in and out of the prison will be checked by staff and cameras will cover every movement.

Inmates will have to apply for jobs in the prison and go through an interview process just as they would in everyday life.

Jobs will include washing clothes, preparing food and even working as barbers, giving haircuts to fellow prisoners.

Just like in the real world if an inmate does not perform well, they can be demoted or even fired.