The Old Melbourne Gaol is a former jail and current museum located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It was first constructed starting in 1839 and operated as a prison between 1845 and 1924, holding and executing some of Australia's most notorious criminals, including bushranger Ned Kelly and serial killer Frederick Bailey Deeming. The three-storey museum displays information and memorabilia of the prisoners and staff, including death masks of the executed criminals. The gaol complex includes labour and exercise yards, male and female hospitals, a chapel, a bath house, and accommodation for staff. The place offers various tours, including night tours and interactive experiences, as well as children's school holiday activities, making it a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages
Plan your family visit to the Old Melbourne Gaol with these blog insights 👇
Activities: We went on a tour of the old jail and learned about the history of the prison and the people who were incarcerated there
Highlights: The kids loved the code-breaking activity and the stories about the different prisoners. It was a unique and interesting experience ✨
Activities: We visited the Gaol with the kids and learned about Australia's most famous bushranger, Ned Kelly. We also saw his death mask and visited the former City Watch House and Court One of the former Magistrates' Court
Highlights: The kids were fascinated by the history of the Gaol and enjoyed seeing the cells and the death mask. We enjoyed the live watch house tour, but it was a little scary for the youngest ✨