Remand prisoners are allowed up to three visitors at a time, three times a week [Correctional Services Act 1982 s.34(2)]. Other prisoners are allowed one visit, of up to three people, once every fortnight. The manager of a prison can permit extra visits for special reasons (although this is very rare) and can also stop a particular person from visiting a prisoner [Correctional Services Act 1982 s.34(3)]. However, in Yatala, prisoners have been allowed two visits per week by family or friends. This is usually once on Saturday and once on Sunday as well as on any public holiday. Prisoners are allowed visits from their lawyers, which do not count as personal visits if they are for legal business [Correctional Services Regulations 2001 s.35].

A prisoner is entitled to send and receive mail but the manager can open any mail, whether it is sent from or to a prisoner, to check that it does not contain prohibited articles. Letters sent by a prisoner, can only be opened and read where there is some cause for suspicion or in the course of random checks. When a letter is opened and read, or a parcel is opened and its contents examined, the officer responsible must write a note on the envelope or wrapping paper stating that the letter or parcel has been opened. The manager has a discretion as to what goods prisoners may receive [Correctional Services Regulations 2001 s.33A].

Prisoners may not receive telephone calls, but may make a limited number of outgoing calls each week. The rules as to the number of calls that may be made vary from prison to prison. Prison officers can also disconnect telephone calls and prisoners are only permitted to telephone a limited number of phone numbers.