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Old Melbourne Gaol

4.5
·4k reviews·Melbourne, Australia

Step back in time at the Old Melbourne Gaol, a historic prison turned museum, offering chilling tales of notorious inmates and executions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, spooky atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Inside the main building

Old Melbourne Gaol

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, spooky atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at the Old Melbourne Gaol, a historic prison turned museum, offering chilling tales of notorious inmates and executions.

4.5
(4k reviews)

"An unforgettable step back in time — eerie, educational, and deeply fascinating."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Night Tours Early

Popular night tours like the Hangman's tour sell out fast! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot. 🎟️

Choose Your Tour

Day tours are self-guided. Night tours (Hangman, Ghost) are guided and immersive. Pentridge is an alternative for a grittier feel. 🧭

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 3,659 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ned Kelly's Cell

Ned Kelly's Cell

Prisoner Cells

See where Australia's most infamous outlaw, Ned Kelly, was held before his execution. A chilling glimpse into a legendary past.

The Gallows

The Gallows

Execution Site

Stand beneath the original gallows where 133 people met their end. A somber reminder of the gaol's grim history.

Cell 17

Cell 17

Prisoner Cells

Explore the notorious Cell 17, rumored to be one of the most haunted spots in the gaol, with tales of paranormal activity.

City Watch House

City Watch House

Watch House Area

Experience what it was like to be locked up in the adjacent City Watch House. An interactive and eye-opening exhibit.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Night Tours

Night tours at the Old Melbourne Gaol are popular and sell out fast, especially the 'Hangman's Night Tour'. Book your tickets online in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. These tours offer a unique, immersive experience in the dark.

Choose Your Tour Wisely

Daytime visits are self-guided, but guided tours bring the gaol's history to life. Consider the Ned Kelly tour for a deep dive into Australia's most famous bushranger, or opt for a night tour for a more atmospheric, spooky experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, spooky atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Self-guided exploration
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Equal parts terrifying and facinating 🫣 #melbourne #melbournecbd #melbournetodo #datenight #experience #thingstodo #scary #scarytiktoks #viral #viralvideo #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp | invite
@girlaboutmelb
24.2K likes • 370K views

Book Night Tours Early

Popular night tours like the Hangman's tour sell out fast! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot. 🎟️

Choose Your Tour

Day tours are self-guided. Night tours (Hangman, Ghost) are guided and immersive. Pentridge is an alternative for a grittier feel. 🧭

Take a tour of the Old Melbourne Gaol! . . . . . #melbourneaustralia #coolfact #visitmelbourne #oldmelbournegaol #history #seeaustralia
nathsway
1K likes • 54.4K views
The Old Melbourne Gaol and it’s haunted cell 17 👻 #paranormal #haunted #oldmelbournegaol #ghosts
eeriedana
85 likes • 1.4K views

Embrace the Dark

Night tours are conducted in complete darkness, enhancing the eerie and historical atmosphere. 🔦

Ned Kelly Focus

The Ned Kelly tour is highly recommended for its informative and witty guide, bringing history to life. ⭐

I spent the day in gaol 🚨👇🏼 … at the Old Melbourne Gaol, built in 1842, and it was a chilling experience. Each room felt like stepping back in time – from the dimly lit cells to the haunting sight of the original gallows, where inmates were hanged, including an innocent man who was recently pardoned. The architecture, designed in the Victorian Georgian style, was inspired by British prison desig...
sugaryfancies
0 likes • 319 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Night Tours Early

Popular night tours like the Hangman's tour sell out fast! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot. 🎟️

Choose Your Tour

Day tours are self-guided. Night tours (Hangman, Ghost) are guided and immersive. Pentridge is an alternative for a grittier feel. 🧭

Embrace the Dark

Night tours are conducted in complete darkness, enhancing the eerie and historical atmosphere. 🔦

Ned Kelly Focus

The Ned Kelly tour is highly recommended for its informative and witty guide, bringing history to life. ⭐

Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the multi-level gaol. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Old Melbourne Gaol for its deeply fascinating and eerie historical experience. The guided tours, especially those focusing on Ned Kelly or the night-time ghost tours, are frequently highlighted for their engaging storytelling and atmospheric immersion. While the subject matter is somber, the gaol is considered a must-visit for those interested in true crime and Melbourne's darker history.

"Spent 2 hours wandering around this history filled jail, had goosebumps for the entire time! Did the extra Ned Kelly tour with our tour guide Tom and I highly recommend as it really brings the jail to life. Highly recommend a visit and I can’t wait to return and do one of the night tours!"

Libby Fletcher

"My partner and I attended the 'Ghosts? What Ghosts?' guided tour, lead by a great storyteller Janette.

I loved the experience and stories told, as well as the images we saw along the way. Loved being guided in the dark, added to the atmosphere.

Overrall very very happy with our experience, loved it!"

Kadence R

"Very interesting. Plenty of history here to see. There are tours available. Plenty of information to see and read. Well worth the visit to see."

Christine Brandt

What People Like

Fascinating history
Eerie atmosphere
Engaging guides

What People Dislike

Can be intense

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Old Melbourne Gaol is conveniently located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD at 377 Russell Street. It's easily accessible by public transport, with numerous tram routes stopping nearby. If driving, there are several parking stations in the vicinity, though they can be pricey. 🚌 🚂

Yes, its central location on Russell Street makes it very easy to find. It's a prominent historical landmark in the city. :round_pushpin:

Absolutely! If you're coming from the suburbs, taking a train into Melbourne Central or Flinders Street Station and then a short tram ride or walk will get you there. 🚂 🚃

For night tours, public transport is highly recommended as parking can be limited and expensive. Trams run frequently in the city center. 🚃 :nightwithstars:

Yes, there are several paid parking stations nearby, such as Melbourne Central and Secure Parking. However, be prepared for city parking rates. 🚗

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary depending on the tour type and whether you're an adult, child, or concession holder. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing for day tours and specific night tours like the 'Hangman's Night Tour' or 'Ghost Tour'. :moneybag:

For day tours, you can often purchase tickets on arrival, but booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak times. For the popular night tours, booking ahead is essential as they frequently sell out. 🎟️ 📅

A standard daytime ticket typically grants you access to explore the gaol at your own pace, including the prisoner cells, the gallows, and the City Watch House. Guided tours may incur an additional cost or be part of specific packages. 📜

Look out for potential discounts on the official website or through third-party ticketing sites. Family passes or concession rates might also be available. :discount:

The gaol is generally open daily, but hours can vary. It's crucial to check the official website for current opening times, especially if you plan to visit on a public holiday or for a specific event. 🕐

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the historic prison cells, learn about notorious inmates like Ned Kelly, see the gallows, and experience the City Watch House. Guided tours, especially the night tours, offer a more immersive and spooky experience. :camerawithflash: 👻

Daytime visits are typically self-guided, allowing you to explore at your own pace. However, there are specific guided tours available, such as the Ned Kelly tour and various night tours, which are highly recommended for deeper insights. 🚶

The gaol can be a fascinating educational experience for older children interested in history and true crime. However, some content and the atmosphere, especially on night tours, might be too intense for very young or sensitive children. Parental discretion is advised. :child:

A self-guided day visit can take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Guided tours, especially the night tours, can last between 1 to 1.5 hours. You might want to allocate a bit more time if you plan to read all the exhibits thoroughly. :stopwatch:

While efforts have been made to improve accessibility, some areas of the historic gaol may present challenges for wheelchair users due to the nature of the old building. It's advisable to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility information. ♿

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted for personal use in most areas during the day. However, flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the exhibits and maintain the atmosphere. Always check for specific signage. 📷

Yes, the dimly lit cells, the gallows, and the overall architecture offer many atmospheric and historical photo opportunities. The night tours can be particularly challenging but rewarding for photographers. :iphone: 🎨

The corridors with rows of cells, the execution site, and the Watch House cells offer dramatic backdrops. Capturing the eerie ambiance of the night tours can also yield unique shots. 💡

Photography during night tours is often restricted or discouraged to maintain the immersive and spooky atmosphere. Flash photography is almost always forbidden. It's best to enjoy the experience without the distraction of taking photos. :noentrysign:

You can find many photos on Instagram by searching hashtags like #oldmelbournegaol, #melbournejail, and #melbournehistory. TikTok also features many visual snippets of the gaol. :globewithmeridians:

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