Old Melbourne Gaol

Where is the Old Melbourne Gaol?

Old Melbourne Gaol
377 Russell St
Melbourne VIC Australia 3000

When is it open?

Monday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

How Much Does It Cost?

• Adult – AUD $24.70 Adult 15 years and over
• Concession – AUD $19.70 Concession
• Child – AUD $13.20 Child 5 – 15 years
• Family 2+2 – Good for 4 – AUD $54.70 2 Adults and 2 Children
• Family 2+3 – Good for 5 – AUD $59.70 2 Adults and 3 Children
• Family 2+4 – Good for 6 – AUD $64.70 2 Adults and 4 Children
• Family 1+2 – Good for 3 – AUD $39.70 1 adult and 2 children
• Family 1+3 – Good for 4 – AUD $44.70 1 adult and 3 children
• Additional Child – AUD $4.70 Valid with Family ticket only

Bit of History

It was open on the 1st of January 1845 and was closed in July 1929. 133 prisoners were executed here. It use to have on display Ned Kelly’s skull up until it was stolen in 1978.  In 1870 the Jail slowed down its operations and parts were demolished between 1880 and 1924 when it was finally closed to prisoners.

In 1927 parts were re-pourposed for educational purposes.

Executed prisoners were buried headless in unmarked graves in the Jails burial grounds. The heads were used in phrenological studies.

In 1972 the Jail was re opened as a museum and is recognised as Victoria’s oldest surviving penal establishment.

What is there to see?

Various memorabilia including death masks, iron mask, leather gloves to prevent inmates from self abuse, head molds of former prisoners, gun pistols, replicas of suit of armor, Jail rooms, letters written by prisoners.

Is it Haunted?

In 2003 a parapsychologist  spent a night in the Jail. He claimed to have herd unexplained voices and detected electrical interference.