Between 1909 and 1994 the City Watch House was Melbourne’s central holding facility for people arrested and awaiting trial.
Countless people were held here, upwards of 50 people were brough in every day, and their stories can be told both through historical records and also can be seen in the fabric of the building.
The police charge room and cells remain almost unchanged since the 1990s when the police left, giving students a very special opportunity to be transported back in time.
Level 9-VCE
Discover 85 years of Melbourne’s crime history in the Watch House Unlocked tour. Students are invited into rarely seen sections of the Watch House to hear about its purpose, how people who were under arrest were processed, alleged crimes committed, and what life was like in the cells. Students will hear tales of people who spent time inside, learning about their crimes and what sanctions ensued. This tour is facilitated by a trained guide who can tailor the tour to your class’s specific area of study.
This is a 35-minute tour of the Old City Watch House. If you would like to also visit the Old Melbourne Gaol, please book a Gaol Tour as well.
| Subject | Strand | Sub-strand | Content descriptions | Students will… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civics and Citizenship | Knowledge and Understanding | Laws and Citizens | the key features and jurisdictions of Australia’s court system; the operations of courts and tribunals, including the roles of courts, judges, lawyers and juries in trials; and the rights of the accused and the rights of victims | Examine how the courts apply and interpret criminal law, and how the Watch House worked alongside the Magistrate’s Court next door. |
| VC2HC10K05 | ||||
| History | Historical Knowledge and Understanding | the contribution of significant movements for social and political change since 1945, such as independence, nationalist and conservative political movements, indigenous rights, civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQI+ rights and environmentalism | Juxtapose the experiences of men and women incarcerated in the Watch House, and infer why women’s rights could in turn explain stays in the Watch House. | |
| VC2HH10K04 |
| Subject | Unit | Area of Study | Key Knowledge and Skills | Students will... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Studies | Unit 1 | Legal Foundations | The role of individuals, laws and the legal system in achieving social cohesion and protecting the rights of individuals | Learn about the role of police officers within the lock-up facility. |
| Unit 1, 2 | The principles of justice: fairness, equality and access | Consider the key question: was the Watch House fair and equal? | ||
| Unit 2 | Sanctions | Types of sanctions such as fines, community correction orders and imprisonment | Learn what the purpose of the Watch House was, as a holding facility for people who had been arrested in Melbourne, and as a holding place for prisoners awaiting trial and as a punishment in itself. | |
| Unit 2, 3 | The purposes of sanctions: punishment, deterrence, denunciation, protection and rehabilitation | Understand the purpose of the Watch House as place of protection, punishment and deterrence. |
Further Program Details
| Available: | Monday-Friday during school terms. |
| Duration: | 35mins |
| Numbers: | 15-30 students |
| Teacher/carer:student ratio: | 1:12 |
| Cost: | $10 per student |
| Safety: | Click here to access the Old Melbourne Gaol Task Risk Assessment document. |
| Accessibility: | The Watch House is fully accessible through a side door. |
| Bookings: | To book in: Online booking form For enquiries: Email bookings@nattust.com.au Phone: (03)9656 9889 |
Levels 9-VCE
What was it like to be arrested and processed at the police lock up? In this interactive experience, students will be guided through the Old City Watch House by an acting ‘Sergeant’ who will admit them, ‘search them’ and lock them up. After this experience, students will have the opportunity to explore the male and female exercise yards, while hearing stories of some of the infamous characters who spent some time in this historic building.
This is a 30-minute tour of the Old City Watch House. If you would like to also visit the Old Melbourne Gaol, please book a Gaol Tour as well.
| Available: | Monday-Friday during school terms. |
| Duration: | 30mins |
| Numbers: | 15-30 students |
| Teacher/carer:student ratio: | 1:12 |
| Resources: | Social script for parents and teachers of students on the autism spectrum. |
| Cost: | $10 per student |
| Safety: | Click here to access the Old Melbourne Gaol Task Risk Assessment document. |
| Accessibility: | The Watch House is fully accessible through a side door. |
| Bookings: | To book in: Online booking form For enquiries: Email bookings@nattust.com.au Phone: (03)9656 9889 |
345/355 Russell Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Simply fill in our online booking from with your details to make a booking request
"Both presenters were fantastic. They were able to keep the attention of VCAL students. Treating the students as if they were arrested, with the line up, checking for contraband and putting them in cells in the dark was great. Taking photos for line up was also a fun experience for them all."
