Old Melbourne Gaol

Since 1845 until its closure in 1924 the Old Melbourne Gaol has held Melbourne's most dangerous criminals.

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. Explore all three levels including the execution area and see Ned Kelly’s death mask. Rent our new audio guide and explore the original Gaol or join the Charge Sergeant on a tour of the cells when you visit the Watch House. Take a night tour with the Hangman, join our Ghosts…What Ghosts? evening tour or spend A Night in the Watch House. In the school holidays visit the former Magistrate’s Court and perhaps put yourself in the Judge’s seat to mete out justice. Performances of the Ned Kelly themed play ‘Such is life’ are available on most Saturdays – check the website for details. Find out more about the Gaol’s fascinating history, how to book the Gaol for a function or bring your school for an education program.

To ensure a safe visitor experience, we’ve introduced timed entry to maintain a maximum capacity of 30 visitors per session. Tickets must be pre-booked online in advance.

To receive free admission to the gaol, learn more about the benefits and become a National Trust member.

Cluedo Experience

The Old Melbourne Gaol Cluedo Experience is open for a strictly limited time.

Step back in time to solve a mysterious murder, in this world-first event that brings the iconic board game Cluedo to life. The Old Melbourne Gaol Cluedo Experience is an immersive adventure puzzle game for all ages. Dodgy lawyer Lionel Grey was found dead at the Gaol in 1924, but authorities never cracked the case. Now it’s up to you! Was it Warder White, in Cell 13, with the lead pipe?

Search the Gaol’s darkest corners for clues, studying alibis of colourful crims, examining physical evidence, and scanning weapons for DNA. Using your smarts and the help of modern technology, can you discover WHO killed Grey, WHERE he was killed, and with WHAT weapon? The murder may be fictional, but the fun is very real!

The Cluedo detective booklet is an additional $5 to your general admission ticket.

Your ticket will gain you self-guided entry to the Old Melbourne Gaol and the City Watch House, as well as access to download the new audio guide app.

BOOK CLUEDO TICKETS

Night Tours

Ghosts… What Ghosts? Night Tour: select nights at 6.30pm

Hangman’s Night Tour: select nights at 8.00pm

BOOK NIGHT TOUR

Planning your visit

Old Melbourne Gaol

Address:

377 Russell St (between Victoria Street and La Trobe Street), Melbourne 3000.

Open:

Open Wed - Sun, 10am to 5pm

Closed:

Christmas Day, Good Friday

Phone:

Call bookings office (03) 9656 9889 open Mon-Fri

Email:

bookings@nattrust.com.au

Website:

http://www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au

Entry Fees:

$30 Adult
$25 Concession
$17 Child (5-15 years)
$70 Family (2 adults + 2 children)
$50 1 Adult Family (1 adult + 2 children)
$7 extra child on family tickets

National Trust members receive free general admission
The Cluedo detective booklet is an additional $5 per general admission ticket.

A Virtual Reality headset is available for mobility challenged visitors courtesy of the State Trustees Australia Foundation.

What we offer:

Health & Safety

We have put measures in place to protect the health and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and volunteers. Facilities will be closely maintained and monitored, including the ongoing revision of hygiene protocols and the increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces.

Please note the following protective measures and Conditions of Entry which apply to all visitors and staff:

Updated conditions of Entry:
– Visitors over 12 years old must wear a face mask
– You must register your details with us upon entering by scanning the QR code
– Observe personal health and hygiene measures, as well as safe social distancing signage and contactless transactions
– Please note that areas may be partially closed off to implement safety protocols

Please stay at home if any of the following apply:
– You are experiencing any flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, runny nose, persistent cough, shortness of breath)
– You have been in close contact with a person who had tested positive for COVID-19 or one of your close contacts re awaiting the results of a test for COVID-19

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) has prepared a COVID Safe Plan to minimise the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission occurring to stakeholders, staff, volunteers, contractors and visitors. This plan is based on a review of risks to operations, both offices, gardens and spaces open to the public. View and download the document here.

"Ah, I suppose!" - the last words of Ned Kelly as he stood on the gallows at the Old Melbourne Gaol, 11 November, 1880

Ghosts... What Ghosts? Night Tour

Stories of the unexplained have been gathered over the years from visitors and staff alike. None have been proven, yet. Join this chilling night time gaol tour — if you dare!

Hangman's Night Tour

What dark and grisly stories will the hangman tell you? Join this exclusive guided tour with the master of the rope, and hear bone-strumming tales straight from the gallows. Book the Hangman’s Night Tour, and stay brave.

A Night in the Watch House

Immerse yourself in the criminal underworld that was the Melbourne City Watch House in an experience set in the original cell block inhabited by the likes of Squizzy Taylor, Chopper Read and other unsavoury characters.

School Programs

The Gaol offers challenging and engaging programs for junior and senior secondary levels in humanities and legal studies. Four Court Room Dramas encourage students to analyze text and evidence. Gaol and Watch House tours offer introductions to Melbourne's colonial history and concepts in crime and punishment.

Night Tours

Try one of three different night tours at Australia's most feared destination. Our night tours include taking you to the place of real ghost sightings, a tour of the Gaol with the hangman, and an introduction to the criminal underworld in the notorious City Watch House.

The Watch House

Tour the Watch House as part of your Gaol visit. The Watch House tour is a self guided experience which allows visitors to explore the old Watch House.

Venue Hire

The Gaol can be transformed into an unexpected and unique setting for corporate events, weddings and private functions.

Call for Participation

The National Trust is currently undertaking an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage survey of The Old Melbourne Gaol and City Watch House so that we can better tell the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

VR headsets for Mobility Impaired Visitors

Visitors who have difficulty navigating the stairs and narrow entrances of the Gaol can use a Virtual Reality Headset on request. These are provided courtesy of the State Trustees Australia Foundation.