Old Melbourne Gaol offers comprehensive and sometimes chilling insight into the criminal justice system in Australia in the 19th and early 20th century. Closed in 1929, the oldest remaining penal establishment in Victoria has since found new life as a popular museum. The gaol’s cells have been converted into mini-exhibits that cover prison life, punishment and stories about the institution’s notable inmates.
Learn about wrongly hung inmate Colin Campbell Ross, and be horrified by the gory story of serial killer Fredrick Bailey. Learn about the punishment methods and spirit-crushing solitary confinement that prisoners endured. Many of the cells contain death masks. These wax or plaster casts of deceased prisoners’ faces allow you to stare into the eyes of some of Melbourne’s most notorious criminals.
To really experience what the gaol was like, sit in on a reenacted trial in the Old Magistrates’ Court. Or, become a prisoner yourself during the Watch House Experience, where you’ll be formally arrested and locked up in a cell before taking an interactive tour of prison life.
Among the 133 prisoners hung at Old Melbourne Gaol was Australia’s most famous outlaw, Ned Kelly. Examine Kelly’s famous homemade body armor that he wore at his final shootout with police. You can also see his death mask and pistol, and the gallows where he and so many others were hung.
If you feel a strange presence while in the jail, you’re not alone. Many believe the gaol to be haunted. There are regular night tours where trained actors recount chilling stories of ghosts and explore the gaol’s dark past. Bookings are essential and can be made via the Old Melbourne Gaol’s website.
Old Melbourne Gaol is located in downtown Melbourne. It’s best to get there by public transportation the free City Circle tram stops nearby and Melbourne Central train station is a few minutes’ walk away. The gaol is open daily except Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Old Melbourne Gaol Tours

Visit Old Melbourne Gaol
Plan a trip to see Old Melbourne Gaol

YEHS Hotel Melbourne CBD
Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Aussie Escape Apartments
Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025
Browse tours and tickets to explore Old Melbourne Gaol
Tours & day trips
See all 336 activities
From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 102 activities
From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 68 activities
Private Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne Including Penguin Parade Pre...
Adventure & outdoor
See all 28 activities
Luxury Great Ocean Road Tour - Max 11 with Door to Door Pickup
Attractions
See all 21 activities
Peninsula Hot Springs: Entry Ticket with Bath House
Popular places to visit

RMIT University
Walk around the campus at RMIT University during your visit to Melbourne. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

State Library of Victoria
Delve into Melbourne’s fascinating heritage when you explore this cultural landmark and architectural treasure, containing over 150 years of state history.

QV Centre
Melbourne’s humming open-air retail precinct contains over 120 stores, including fashion boutiques, department stores, cosmopolitan bars and great dining venues.

Melbourne Central
You can enjoy some retail therapy when you visit Melbourne Central, a favorite shopping spot in Melbourne. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed theater scene in this vibrant area.

Emporium Melbourne
During your visit to Melbourne, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Emporium Melbourne. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed art scene in this vibrant area.

Carlton Gardens
These charming gardens and antique buildings are an ideal spot to relax within a gentle walking distance of the city.
Best Lodging Options Near Old Melbourne Gaol
Check availability on hotels close to Old Melbourne Gaol









Explore a world of travel with Expedia
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
- Vacations and getaways similar to Old Melbourne Gaol
- Other Hotels near Old Melbourne Gaol, Melbourne Central Business District
- Hotels near popular Melbourne Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Old Melbourne Gaol
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Crown Casino
- Melbourne Central
- Marvel Stadium
- Rod Laver Arena
- Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Queen Victoria Market
- University of Melbourne
- Princess Theatre
- Bourke Street Mall
- AAMI Park
- Monash University
- Chadstone Shopping Mall
- Flemington Racecourse
- St Kilda Beach
- Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne
- Rydges Melbourne
- Meriton Suites Melbourne
- Novotel Melbourne on Collins
- Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne
- Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
- Hyatt Centric Melbourne
- Mantra on Russell Melbourne
- Melbourne Marriott Hotel
- ibis Melbourne Hotel and Apartments
- Brady Hotels Jones Lane
- Mercure Welcome Melbourne
- Hotels near Crown Casino
- Hotels near Melbourne Central
- Hotels near Marvel Stadium
- Hotels near Rod Laver Arena
- Hotels near Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Hotels near Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Hotels near Queen Victoria Market
- Hotels near Collins Street
- Hotels near University of Melbourne
- Hotels near Princess Theatre
- Hotels near Bourke Street Mall
- Hotels near Monash University
- Hotels near Chadstone Shopping Mall
- Hotels near Flemington Racecourse
- Hotels near St Kilda Beach
- Hotels near St Kilda Road
- Hotels near Melbourne Zoo
- Hotels near Regent Theatre
- Hotels near Deakin University
- Hotels near Royal Melbourne Showgrounds