Pentridge Prison Tours Melbourne
Step into Melbourne's notorious Pentridge Prison for a chilling historical tour. Explore cell blocks and hear stories of infamous inmates.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more atmospheric
Pentridge Prison Tours Melbourne
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more atmospheric
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into Melbourne's notorious Pentridge Prison for a chilling historical tour. Explore cell blocks and hear stories of infamous inmates.
"Damian and Austin led the tour with passion, knowledge and ease. A glimpse into our state’s history."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the prison grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets Online
Tours can sell out, especially evening or ghost tours. Book in advance! :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
H Division Cell Block
Pentridge Prison
Explore the chilling, gritty cells of H Division, once home to notorious inmates. Hear their stories brought to life.
B Division History Tour
Pentridge Prison
Uncover the complex history of Pentridge, from convict eras to modern prison systems. Informative and engaging.
Night Watch Tour
Pentridge Prison
Experience the prison after dark. A poignant and insightful tour focusing on the human stories and atmosphere.
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Tours
Choose Your Experience Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the prison grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets Online
Tours can sell out, especially evening or ghost tours. Book in advance! :admission_tickets:
Engage with Guides
The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions! :speech_balloon:
Consider the Night Tour
Experiencing Pentridge after dark adds an extra layer of atmosphere and spookiness. :flashlight:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the prison grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets Online
Tours can sell out, especially evening or ghost tours. Book in advance! :admission_tickets:
Engage with Guides
The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions! :speech_balloon:
Consider the Night Tour
Experiencing Pentridge after dark adds an extra layer of atmosphere and spookiness. :flashlight:
Combine with Local Spots
Finish your tour at the Boot Factory cafe next door for a unique post-prison experience. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Pentridge Prison tours for their historical depth, engaging guides, and atmospheric settings. The H Division tour, in particular, is noted for its immersive audio stories and the poignant way guides honor the memory of inmates. While the prison's history is somber, the tours are considered well-produced and informative, making for a unique and memorable experience, often recommended as a great date night idea.
"Stopped in for the H division tour, while at first I was concerned that it would be quite gimmicky, once into the block, it definitely levelled up.
The block was fitted with great audio stories that follow you as you move throughout the cells. The stories were interesting and it was quite unreal to hear what happened behind closed doors. Good length of tour and interesting."
Sixfoot & Salty
"Damien and Austin made the Pentridge Prison tour unforgettable.
Very knowledgeable, engaging, and shared great stories.
Highly recommend for anyone interested in history and learn about the stories and some
very interesting facts about this prison which was home to the last execution in Australia.
Great Date night idea as well ++++ Something unique and adventurous than same old boring dates.
Thank you"
Dilan PeREra
"Absolutely amazing tour, not only from a historical perspective, but an informative one also. Thoroughly enjoyed the stories from prisoners past and having the ability to walk around and take your time looking at the place. Glad they have retained many of the original fittings and fixtures and haven't modernised the entirety of the old girl. Well worth your time. If you get the opportunity to come back and walk around at night, make sure you do so. The Adina Apartments which are on the old grounds of Pentridge is well worth your stay. You won't be disappointed."
Jay Birchy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pentridge Prison is located in Coburg, a suburb of Melbourne. You can reach it by public transport, including buses and trams. Driving is also an option, with parking available on-site or nearby. Check public transport schedules for the most convenient routes.
Yes, Pentridge Prison is accessible via public transport. Several bus routes and trams service the Coburg area, making it relatively easy to get to from Melbourne's city center.
Parking is available at Pentridge Prison, though it can be limited during peak times. It's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date parking information or consider public transport.
The travel time from Melbourne CBD to Pentridge Prison can vary depending on traffic and your mode of transport. By car, it typically takes around 20-30 minutes. Public transport might take longer, around 40-50 minutes.
Yes, Pentridge Prison is part of a larger precinct that includes contemporary developments like apartments, shops, dining, and a cinema. The Boot Factory cafe is also a popular spot to visit after a tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for Pentridge Prison tours vary depending on the specific tour and time of day. Prices generally start from around $40-$50 for standard historical tours and can be higher for specialized evening or ghost tours. It's best to check the official booking website for current pricing.
Tickets for Pentridge Prison tours can be purchased online through the official Pentridge Prison tours website or the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) website. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular tours.
Most Pentridge Prison tours, such as the H Division and B Division tours, typically last around 90 minutes. Specialized tours or experiences might have different durations.
Yes, Pentridge Prison offers a variety of tours including historical tours of B and H Divisions, 'Night Watch' tours, and potentially ghost tours. Each offers a different perspective on the prison's history and atmosphere. +1
Generally, access to the historical divisions of Pentridge Prison is only permitted via guided tours. The surrounding precinct has public areas, but the core prison experience requires booking a tour.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect to walk through historic cell blocks, hear compelling stories from knowledgeable guides, and learn about the prison's notorious past. Some tours use audio guides to enhance the experience. It can be an emotionally resonant and sometimes eerie experience. +1
While the prison has a dark history, the standard historical tours focus on factual accounts. Evening or 'Night Watch' tours can be more atmospheric and potentially unsettling due to the setting and storytelling. Ghost tours would be the most 'scary' option.
Pentridge Prison housed many infamous figures, including Ned Kelly and Mark 'Chopper' Read. The tours often recount stories and details about these and other significant inmates.
The suitability for children depends on the tour. Historical tours might be suitable for older children interested in history, but the content can be mature. Evening or 'ghost' tours are generally not recommended for young children due to the atmosphere and themes.
Photography policies can vary, but generally, personal photography is allowed in most areas during tours. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain sensitive areas. It's always best to check with your guide on the day.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the tours themselves don't include dining, the Pentridge precinct has a variety of dining options, including restaurants and cafes. The Boot Factory cafe next door is a popular choice for a post-tour meal or coffee.
It's generally recommended not to bring food and drinks into the historical prison areas during tours. Water bottles might be permitted, but it's best to consume food and beverages before or after your tour in designated areas.
The Pentridge precinct offers a range of dining experiences, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants. You can find various cuisines to suit different tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
The imposing bluestone architecture, cell interiors, and the overall atmosphere of the prison grounds offer many photographic opportunities. Focus on the textures, light, and shadows to capture the mood.
Yes, personal photography is generally permitted during Pentridge Prison tours. However, always check with your guide for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography or sensitive areas.
Given the historical and somewhat somber nature of the prison, moody, atmospheric photography works well. Consider black and white shots, or focus on details like cell bars, old fixtures, and the architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to avoid the 'Night Watch' or any explicitly 'ghost' themed tours with younger children, as the atmosphere and storytelling might be too frightening. Always check the recommended age guidelines for specific tours when booking.
👻 Ghost Hunters & Paranormal Enthusiasts
Some Reddit users mention that other locations like Aradale Asylum offer more intense paranormal experiences, but Pentridge's 'Night Watch' tour provides a significant dose of historical spookiness within a well-known Melbourne landmark.
🏛️ History Buffs
Guides are noted for their extensive knowledge and passion, bringing the history to life with engaging stories and facts. The preservation of original fittings adds to the authenticity, allowing visitors to truly connect with the past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Pentridge Prison
+1Over its operational years, Pentridge housed some of Australia's most notorious criminals, including Ned Kelly and Mark 'Chopper' Read. The prison's walls have seen countless stories of hardship, rebellion, and reform. Today, the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) offers guided tours through key divisions like B and H, allowing visitors to step back in time and understand the realities of life within its formidable bluestone walls.
The precinct has undergone significant redevelopment, blending its historical structures with modern apartments, retail spaces, and dining facilities. However, the tours focus on preserving and sharing the prison's heritage, offering a chilling yet informative glimpse into a crucial part of Victoria's past.
Choosing Your Pentridge Prison Tour
For those seeking a more immersive and potentially spooky experience, the Night Watch Tour is highly recommended. This tour takes place after dark, leveraging the prison's inherent atmosphere to tell poignant stories of former inmates and significant events. It's described as a perfect blend of historical insight and chilling ambiance.
While not directly run by Pentridge Prison tours, some third-party operators or related venues might offer 'ghost tours' or similar themed experiences in the vicinity, capitalizing on the prison's eerie reputation. It's crucial to check the official Pentridge Prison tours website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on available tour types, schedules, and booking details.
The 'Alcatraz' Experience in Melbourne
These 'Alcatraz' bars are about fun, cocktails, and a unique night out, rather than historical accuracy or a deep dive into penal history. Visitors are encouraged to play along with the prison theme, adopt aliases, and enjoy the interactive show. While entertaining, this is a very different experience from the factual and historical tours offered at the actual Pentridge Prison.
If you're looking for a historical and educational visit to a real prison, Pentridge Prison tours are the way to go. If you're after a themed night of cocktails and entertainment, the 'Alcatraz' style bars offer that unique, albeit fictional, prison adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit