Old Melbourne Gaol was built in the mid-1800’s and dominated the Melbourne skyline as a symbol of authority. Today you can visit the Old Melbourne Gaol and find out what life was like for the men and women who lived and died here.
For those who want to experience a slice of Melbourne’s history, the Old Melbourne Gaol built in the mid-1800s and now one of Melbourne’s oldest surviving buildings is a must see. Explore where dangerous criminals were held and how they lived, and witness where Australia’s most infamous citizen Ned Kelly was hanged.
Tours at the Old Melbourne Gaol
Join The Hangman’s Night Tour and tour the gaol with a real hangman. Be prepared to hear grisly stories and witness where hangings took place, all in the spooky atmosphere of the night.
Or for those with a curiosity of the supernatural, experience the Ghosts? What Ghosts Tour. The gaol is a grim place with a dark history, the perfect spot for an unexplainable presence to reside. Although stories of the unexplainable presence have never been proved, do you still dare to join the tour?
A Night in the Watch House is an experiential tour set in the original cell block inhabited by the likes of Squizzy Taylor and other unsavory characters. Be immersed in the dark criminal world that was the Melbourne City Watch House, will you make it out?
Getting There and General Information
The Old Melbourne Gaol is located at 377 Russell Street and is accessible by public bus (numbers 200 and 207). Alternatively, take a 10-minute taxi ride from Metro Apartments on Bank Place or drive and park on La Trobe Street (paid street parking).
The Old Melbourne Gaol is open 9:30am-5:00 pm every day except Christmas Day and Good Friday. Current admission prices are available on the Old Melbourne gaol website.
Please note that the Gaol contains historical material that may be unsuitable for young children and some tours are age restricted.
Read more about the Old Melbourne Gaol here oldmelbournegaol.com.au
Image by Mertie/Flickr
