Old Melbourne Gaol Guide: History, Tickets & Tours of Melbourne’s Most Haunted Attraction

The Old Melbourne Gaol was constructed in the period between 1842 and 1929, and it used to be the centre of the penal system in Victoria. More than 130 executions took place in the prison, including some of the most infamous personalities of the colony. Its high bluestone walls, secluded cells and gallows demonstrate its cruel justice system of early Melbourne.

The Gaol currently exists as a museum by the National Trust of Victoria, providing visitors with an interesting insight into the criminal history of Melbourne. The exhibits show original records of the prisoners, death masks, relics and artefacts that make the real historical accounts come alive.

Fun Fact: The Gaol was modelled after the Pentonville Prison in London; it was thought that solitude would make the party morally reformative.

• Ned Kelly Exhibit: Explore the legend of Australia’s most infamous outlaw through his original armour, letters, and life story.
• Watch House Experience: Participate in an interactive arrest and lock-up reenactment in the adjacent City Watch House.
• Ghost Tours & Night Experiences: Discover true stories and paranormal legends that haunt the cells after dark.
• Courtroom Reenactments: Step into history at the Old Magistrates’ Court for live storytelling sessions based on real cases.
• Crime & Justice Exhibits: Learn about Melbourne’s policing and punishment system from the 1800s to the early 1900s.

Every corner of the Old Melbourne Gaol tells a story, from dramatic escapes to tales of redemption, creating one of the most immersive Melbourne museums for visitors of all ages.

• Location: 377 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
• Phone: +61 3 9656 9889
• Opening Hours (2026): Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Suggested Duration: 2–3 hours

Nearby Attractions

• State Library Victoria – Explore exhibitions and heritage reading rooms.
• Melbourne Museum – Dive into Australia’s cultural and natural history.
• Royal Exhibition Building – UNESCO World Heritage site within walking distance.
• Chinatown Melbourne – Perfect for lunch or dinner after your visit.
• Queen Victoria Market – Great for souvenirs and local treats.

Day-Trip Tip: Combine your Old Melbourne Gaol tour with a stroll through Carlton Gardens or a visit to Federation Square for a balanced day of history and culture.

1. Self-Guided Museum Tour

Walk through authentic cell blocks, execution chambers, and crime exhibits.

• Highlights: Historical displays, prisoner graffiti, and original bluestone architecture.
• Experience Level: Ideal for first-time visitors and families.

2. Watch House Interactive Experience

Be “arrested” and locked up as part of a 30-minute theatrical experience.

• Feature: Realistic police procedures performed by actors.
• Tip: May not be suitable for children under 10 due to intensity.

3. Ghost & Night Tours

After dark, the Gaol transforms into one of the most haunted attractions in Melbourne.

• Experience: Candlelit walks, ghost stories, and firsthand paranormal accounts.
• Best For: Adventure seekers and fans of mystery.

4. Courtroom Dramas

Watch reenactments of historical trials in the Old Magistrates’ Court, complete with authentic scripts and costumes.

• Educational Value: Excellent for students and history enthusiasts.

5. Ned Kelly Story

Follow the real-life saga of Ned Kelly, from his youth to his final days in the Gaol.

• Must-See: Original death mask and replica armour.
• Cultural Insight: Discover why Ned Kelly became a national folk hero.

Pro Tip: Purchase tickets online from the official Old Melbourne Gaol website or reputable partners such as Klook and GetYourGuide to skip queues and secure preferred time slots.

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Recommended Duration: 2–3 hours

Visiting Tips:

• Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
• Visit early morning for fewer crowds.
• Winter adds atmosphere; spring and autumn offer pleasant walking weather.
• Ghost tours operate on select evenings; book early.
• Combine your Gaol visit with nearby attractions for a full cultural day.

From Melbourne CBD:

• Walk: 10 minutes from Melbourne Central or Parliament Station.
• Tram: Routes 1, 3, 5, 6, or 19 stop nearby on Swanston or La Trobe Streets.
• Car: Limited street parking; QV Melbourne offers paid parking nearby.

From Melbourne Airport:

• Taxi or Rideshare: ~30 minutes (22 km).
• SkyBus: To Southern Cross Station, then tram to Russell Street.

• Book combo tickets including the Watch House Experience for the best value.
• Bring a jacket as interiors stay cool year-round.
• Flash photography isn’t allowed inside certain exhibits.
• Join a guided tour for in-depth historical storytelling.
• Don’t miss the museum shop for unique historical merchandise and Ned Kelly souvenirs.

Nearby Restaurants:

• The Carlton Wine Room: Heritage ambience with modern Australian cuisine.
• Hochi Mama: Vibrant Asian-fusion restaurant close to Russell Street.
• Mr Tulk Café: Perfect for coffee or lunch near the State Library.

Shopping:

Explore QV Melbourne or Emporium Melbourne for retail, dining, and entertainment.

• Morning: Start your day at the Old Melbourne Gaol and experience both the museum and the Watch House.
• Afternoon: Have lunch at Chinatown or Lygon Street. Visit the Melbourne Museum or the Royal Exhibition Building.
• Evening: Return for the Ghost Tour or enjoy city views from Federation Square or the Yarra River precinct.

• Deep historical insight into Melbourne’s colonial justice system
• Immersive crime and punishment museum experience
• Central location near major Melbourne attractions
• Family-friendly exhibits and educational tours
• Unique night tours are among the most popular haunted experiences in Australia.

1. Visit the Ned Kelly exhibit and see his armour.
2. Join the Watch House Experience for a real arrest reenactment.
3. Take a ghost tour after dark.
4. Attend courtroom reenactments for historical insight.
5. Explore nearby museums and dine in Melbourne’s laneways.

The old Melbourne Gaol is one of the richest and most interactive tourist attractions of Melbourne, which combines education, ambience, and narrative in a single remarkable experience. The building, with its 19th-century architecture, compelling exhibitions and the spooky atmosphere, makes it a worthwhile visit to any person visiting the capital of Victoria.

Whether you’re fascinated by Australian history, intrigued by true crime, or simply looking to discover a heritage icon, the Old Melbourne Gaol deserves a spot on your 2026 Melbourne travel itinerary. Make sure to include it in your Australia tour package for a rich cultural and historical experience that adds depth and intrigue to your journey across the country.