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 Ghosts? 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.
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.
Pre-Purchase Tickets: Click here
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, plus access to hundreds of National Trust properties in Australia and abroad, learn more about the benefits and become a National Trust member.
Book Night Tours
Ghosts… What Ghosts? Night Tour: Operating Wednesday nights at 8.30pm from 30 December
Hangman’s Night Tour: Operating Friday nights at 8.30pm from 8 January
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.
