Old Melbourne Gaol

Place VIC

Since 1845 until its closure in 1924 the Old Melbourne Gaol has held Melbourne's most dangerous criminals. Open daily 9.30am to 5pm.

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 or join our Ghosts..What Ghost? evening tour. 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.

THE OLD MELBOURNE GAOL IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Following the Government’s announcement regarding the COVID-19 response efforts, all National Trust properties in Victoria, including the Old Melbourne Gaol are temporarily closed to the public.

The Old Melbourne Gaol will be closed to the public as of 12pm Monday, March 23. Bookings have been cancelled for all night tours until May 1 and ticket holders have been fully refunded. If you have any questions regarding your upcoming booking please email bookings@nattrust.com.au.

The National Trust has a duty to protect the safety and well-being of our visitors, staff, volunteers and community. The Old Melbourne Gaol is taking these steps as part of Australia-wide action to contain the coronavirus.

At this stage we don’t have a scheduled date for reopening, but will continue to monitor the situation and all government advice and provide regular updates through our website and our social media, Facebook and Instagram.

While we are closed, our staff will continue to protect the museum and collection as we prepare to reopen.

Our goal is to do everything we can to help curb the spread of this outbreak in Victoria.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Planning your visit

Address:

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

Open:

Open every day from 9.30am 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:

Adult: $28
Concession: $23
Child (5 - 15 years): $15
Family (2 Adults + 2 children under 15 years): $65
Single Family (1 Adult + 2 children under 15 years): $48
Additional Child: $5
Audio Guide: $5

Prices effective as of 1st July 2017

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

What we offer:

"Such is Life!" - the last words of Ned Kelly as he stood on the gallows at the Old Melbourne Gaol, 11 November, 1880

A Night at 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.

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.

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.