Old Melbourne Gaol — Attraction in Melbourne

A friend and I visited Melbourne Gaol, being able to walk around here and get a feel for the size of the cells and history of the prisoners is quite eerie! The death masks are so well detailed/preserved and in some of them you can see individual hairs on the face. Loved the availability of the history and interaction of this attraction. We then went next door to the police station which was fully functional at one point. We were taken in “as prisoners” and stood in the cell block. The “sergeant” was fantastic in his role play, was quite frightening and gave me sweaty palms. Divided men and woman and then into groups where you were locked in a cell with the lights out. You were then taken to the exercise yard for men and then a smaller one for women; during this the sergeant was very informative; fantastic how all the markings on the wall are original from the cell mates when the police station was open. Definitely an experience that makes me never want to be arrested!! Fantastic fun for all, not to be missed! This is a very well worth visit and if you are a english National Trust member free!! The tour is in two parts next door to each other, the Watch house where the guide plays a very stern sergeant who charges you and you are separated in to male and female and placed in a cell with lights out! Very sobering when you are told this was still used till 1994. The other part is the old goal and this is where the likes of Ned Kelly and other felons were locked up and hanged . Well worth the visit even if you...

The Old Melbourne Gaol is a historically rich and culturally significant site that offers visitors a profound glimpse into Australia’s colonial past. Built in the mid-19th century, this former prison stands as a stark reminder of Melbourne’s early days and the harsh realities of crime and punishment during that era.

Walking through its imposing bluestone walls, visitors can immerse themselves in the grim atmosphere of the gaol, which once housed some of Australia’s most notorious criminals, including the infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly. The cells, preserved as they were, allow people to see and feel the claustrophobia endured by its inmates, making history vividly tangible.

The gaol also provides educational value, hosting exhibits that detail the stories of its prisoners, staff, and the broader justice system of colonial Victoria. Through artifacts and guided tours, visitors can learn about the social and cultural conditions that shaped Australia’s development.

Moreover, the Old Melbourne Gaol goes beyond history; it offers an emotional journey that encourages reflection on the human experience, justice, and resilience. As a blend of historical preservation and interactive storytelling, the gaol is not just a site to visit but an opportunity to engage with Australia's complex past in an evocative and...

We didn’t get off to a very good start! We booked our tickets online with a 10am kick off! Arrived at the entrance right on 10am and they weren’t open! Both the ticket booth and the main entrance were closed. We waited about 10 minutes and then went to get a coffee. Came back just before 10.30 and they were open. When I mentioned this to the person in the entrance store, he shrugged and asked me if I was sure….yeah, I’m able to tell the time. He kept saying strange….So we checked in and asked about an audio tour. We were told that we had to download the app and just turn the volume up or use ear buds. Well we didn’t come with ear buds so opted for turning up the volume. That would have been great has the app actually worked! So back to the same person to ask why this isn’t working. Was told that it must be a glitch on my phone. Husband tried to get his to work as well to no avail. Was told it was probably because we had Apple phones and it was “strange”. Extremely frustrating! I found the whole attitude and experience very frustrating. Thankfully there was a volunteer, Martin, present who was able to give us some insightful and helpful information. Overall, the people who operate this attraction need to...