The Old Melbourne Gaol

When the Old Melbourne Gaol was built in the mid-1800s, it dominated the Melbourne skyline as a symbol of authority. Inside the Gaol, dangerous criminals were held alongside petty offenders, the homeless and the mentally ill.
Between 1842 and its closure in 1929 the gaol was the scene of 133 hangings including Australia’s most infamous citizen, the bushranger Ned Kelly. Today you can visit the Old Melbourne Gaol to find out was life was like for the men and women who lived and died here all those years ago.
The Old Melbourne Gaol Museum is now reckoned to be one of the most-visited tourist attractions in all of Australia. The three storeys of this remaining wing have been opened up to guests, its cells filled with letters and memorabilia, photo archives and death masks.

Step back in time and walk the road to the gallows in a 19th century prison, be arrested in a modern-day Police Station or put yourself on trial in court.Home to Melbourne's oldest prison, historic Magistrates' Court and former Police City Watch House, Russell Street has been at the heart of crime, law and order in Melbourne since the 1840s. Most of Australia’s infamous characters, including iconic bushranger, Ned Kelly and notorious gangster Squizzy Taylor have spent time within the walls of this amazing precinct. A ticket to the Old Melbourne Gaol grants you visiting rights to the past, present and future of crime and justice in Australia.

The Old Melbourne Gaol invites you to experience the Gaol by candlelight. Over many years, staff and visitors have experienced an unexplainable presence in the Gaol. Do ghosts still roam the cells? Discover for yourself with the 'Ghost, what Ghosts?' night tour. What stories would a hangman tell you if he was guiding you around the Gaol, where he was the master of the rope? Find out on the 'Hangman's Night Tour'. The tours run for a total of an hour and a half, including 45 minutes to one hour with the guide, and then you can explore the Gaol, with the lights on for 30 to 45 minutes. Tours are not recommended for children under the age of 12 and bookings are required.