Old Melbourne Gaol

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

Step back in time to Melbourne’s most feared destination since 1845, Old Melbourne Gaol. Shrouded in secrets, wander the same cells and halls as some of history’s most notorious criminals, from Ned Kelly to Squizzy Taylor, and discover the stories that never left.
Day and night tours, kids activities throughout school holidays and a chance to explore to the infamous City Watch House, the Gaol remains Melbourne’s most spell-binding journey into its past. To receive free admission to the gaol, learn more about the benefits and become a National Trust member.

 

PURCHASE TICKETS

 

Night Tours

Join us on a chilling night tour, if you dare!

Hangman’s Night Tour

What dark and grisly stories will the hangman tell you? Join this exclusive guided tour through every corner of the Gaol with the master of the rope, and hear bone-strumming tales straight from the gallows, with no stone left unturned. Book the Hangman’s Night Tour, and stay brave.

This night tour is conducted in the dark and not recommended for children 16 years and under. Appropriate footwear is recommended.

 

Ghosts? What Ghosts?

This gaol is a grim place with a dark history. 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!

This night tour is conducted in the dark and includes confined spaces.  Appropriate footwear is recommended. This night tour is not recommended for children 12 years and under.

 

BOOK A NIGHT TOUR

 

Plan 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

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

What we offer:

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

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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!

More
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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.

More
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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.

More

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School Programs

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.

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Night Tours

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.

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The 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.

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Venue Hire

Venue Hire

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

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Call for Participation

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.

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VR headsets for Mobility Impaired Visitors

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.

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