Old Melbourne Gaol |
When the Old Melbourne Gaol was built in the mid-1800s, it dominated the Melbourne skyline as a symbol of authority.
The Old Melbourne Gaol is one of Melbourne's best historical places and truly worth a visit.
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 what life was like for the men and women who lived and died here all those years ago.
The Original 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 what life was like for the men and women who lived and died here all those years ago.
Old Magistrates' Court
Stand in the dock, sit in the Judge's chair or join in the crowd in the public gallery.
Many of Victoria's most notorious criminals stood here for committal and bail hearings including gangster Squizzy Taylor, Julian Knight and Chopper Read when the Court operated from 1911 to 1994.
The Old Magistrates Court sits on the site of the original Supreme Court of Victoria where Ned Kelly was sentenced to death by Judge Redmund Barry in 1880. The Kelly vs the Crown Case is one of many court cases that is available for school groups. Bookings are essential.
City Watch House
From 1909 until 1994, the former City Watch House operated as Melbourne's central custody centre or 'holding place' for people arrested and awaiting their court date. For almost a century, every person arrested in Melbourne was lodged in the City Watch House opposite the Russell Street Police Station.
The Watch House was built in 1909 and its original interior is complete in every respect.
National Trust of Australia
The Old Melbourne Gaol is operated by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). The National Trust is Australia's largest community conservation organisation: its aim to conserve Australia's heritage for future generations.
Ghost of Old Melbourne Gaol View Melbourne's hottest debate,
the Ghost Photo...
GETTING HERE
Old Melbourne Gaol is located at 377 Russell St (between Victoria and La Trobe St).
BY TRAIN
The Gaol is a two minute walk from Melbourne Central Station.
BY TRAM
Catch the free City Circle tram no.35 to stop 7 on the corner of La Trobe and Russell Streets.
BY BIKE
There are separated bike lanes on Swanston and La Trobe streets. You'll find bike racks on and near the corner of Swanston and La Trobe streets, Swanston and Little Lonsdale streets.
BY CAR
The Gaol does not have on-site parking but there is paid street parking on La Trobe Street and several car parks close by including Melbourne Central and QV. There are three parking spaces for people with a disability permit in La Trobe Street.
❊ What's On ❊
➼ Old Melbourne Gaol | Open Hours & Tickets
➼ Escape Artists Tour @ Old Melbourne Gaol
➼ Ghosts? What Ghosts?: Old Melbourne Gaol
➼ Hangman's Night Tour: Old Melbourne Gaol - Wednesday 27 November 2024
❊ Address ❊
℅ Naarm
⊜ 377 Russell Street, Melbourne 3000 View Map
✆ Telephone: (03 ) 8663 7228
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Old Melbourne Gaol
❊ Also See... ❊
➼ City Watch House
➼ Ghost of Old Melbourne Gaol?
➼ National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
➼ Melbourne Unlimited Attractions Pass
Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.
Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.
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Unlimited Attractions Pass
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