Old Melbourne Gaol : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to Old Melbourne Gaol, a landmark prison which was home to some of Australia’s most infamous criminals! For over 130 years, the gaol housed prisoners awaiting trial, execution or transport to distant penal colonies. Each story more haunting than the last, the prisoner tales heard within these walls has left an eerie legacy in the past. In this blog, you’ll discover interesting facts and information about Old Melbourne Gaol, as well as our very own travel guide so you can visit this historic site for yourself. Don’t forget to bring your camera, because you won’t want to miss out on this remarkable piece of Australian history!

Interesting Facts About Old Melbourne Gaol

1. The Old Melbourne Gaol is the oldest existing historical building in Melbourne, Victoria, dating back to 1845.

2. The gaol was built with only two stories, but later a third story was added in the late 19th century.

3. The Old Melbourne Gaol was originally built to house criminals, and many executions were carried out on site.

4. Inside the gaol is a memorial dedicated to Ned Kelly, an Australian bushranger who was hanged there in 1880.

5. The gaol was a central part of the city’s night life during the 1920s, when it hosted dances until it was finally closed in 1929.

6. In 1972, the Old Melbourne Gaol Museum opened and now visitors can take guided tours and even take part in a traditional prisoner role play experience.

7. The gaol is believed to be the site of multiple paranormal activity, including especially the “Hope Room” where some former inmates committed suicide as a source of dark energy.

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History & Information About Old Melbourne Gaol

Old Melbourne Gaol is a museum and former prison located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It was first opened in 1845 and served as Victoria’s primary prison for almost 150 years, until its closure in 1929. The museum displays a range of artifacts detailing the history of crime and punishment in Victoria, including a replica of the gallows used to hang the famous bushranger Ned Kelly and an elaborate, 19th-century lock-up used to cell Melbourne’s most notorious criminals. The jail is also home to some of the state’s earliest law enforcement documents and justice-related photographs, pertaining to some of the most famous cases in Victoria’s legal history.

Old Melbourne Gaol is one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations. Guided tours of the facility are offered in various languages, and the museum hosts a range of special events, including dinners and exhibitions, throughout the year. The building also hosts live music and theatre performances, and the on-site cafe serves traditional Victorian fare. Various ghost stories are associated with the site, and the gaol has been featured on many paranormal-themed television programs.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Old Melbourne Gaol

Melbourne Gaol is a historic landmark in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It was first built in the mid-19th century as a prison and housed some of the famous criminals of the time such as Ned Kelly, infamous bushranger and murderer. Today, it is open for visitors who can take a self-guided tour of the Gaol’s grounds and explore its dark history.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Old Melbourne Gaol is by car. Take the M1 freeway and take the Flinders Street exit towards Latrobe Terrace/Charlotte Lane. Follow the signs to Old Melbourne Gaol. Pay-and-display parking is available near the entrance.

Opening Hours

Old Melbourne Gaol is open year-round with its peak season running from October to April. The gaol is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm daily. It is closed on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and Christmas Day.

Tickets

Single entry tickets cost $20. Group tickets (up to 4 people) are also available for $65. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gaol gate on the day of the visit. Concessional discounts are available for those with health and pension cards.

Tours

Old Melbourne Gaol offers both guided and self-guided tours onsite. Guided tours operate on weekdays and give visitors the chance to view the gaol’s cells, explore its extensive history, and listen to stories of inmates’ experiences. The self-guided tour includes access to the public spaces in the gaol’s historical buildings.

Events

The Old Melbourne Gaol holds special events throughout the year, including ‘History Detectives’ programs for kids. Other seasonal events include music nights, paranormal tours, and candlelight tours.

Tips

• Old Melbourne Gaol is not suitable for young children.

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes as the gaol grounds are uneven and cobblestoned in some areas.

• Bring plenty of sunscreen and water on hot days.

• Audio guides are available for loan to enhance your self-guided tour.

• Photography and/or filming for personal use is permitted in all non-monitored areas.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Old Melbourne Gaol

Q: When was Old Melbourne Gaol established?

A: Old Melbourne Gaol was established in 1845.

Q: What type of exhibits can be found at Old Melbourne Gaol?

A: The museum at Old Melbourne Gaol offers a variety of exhibits and displays, including the Crime and Punishment Hall, the Capital Punishment Hall, the Hangman’s Room, and the Prison Life Hall.

Q: What famous criminals were held at Old Melbourne Gaol?

A: Notable prisoners at Old Melbourne Gaol includes the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly and a number of other criminals, as well as Madame Brussels, the famous madam.

Q: Is Old Melbourne Gaol open to the public?

A: Yes, Old Melbourne Gaol is open to the public and operates as a museum with daily tours.

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