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All 292 Melbourne Attractions »

Old Melbourne Gaol

377 Russell Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
03 8663 7228
Website
replica of Ned Kelly armour for kids (plus his head!)
View of gangway and cells
padded cell
inside the jail
42 visitor photos
Ranked #16 of 151 attractions in Melbourne
4.5 of 5 stars 174 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites
Owner description: Step back in time and walk the road to the gallows in a 19th century prison, be arrested in a modern-day Police Station or put yourself on trial in...... more » Owner description: Step back in time and walk the road to the gallows in a 19th century prison, be arrested in a modern-day Police Station or put yourself on trial in court.Home to Melbourne's oldest prison, historic Magistrates' Court and former Police City Watch House, Russell Street has been at the heart of crime, law and order in Melbourne since the 1840s. Most of Australia’s infamous characters, including iconic bushranger, Ned Kelly and notorious gangster Squizzy Taylor have spent time within the walls of this amazing precinct. A ticket to the Old Melbourne Gaol Crime & Justice Experience grants you visiting rights to the past, present and future of crime and justice in Australia. « less
Useful Information: Activities for older children, Stairs / lift, Bathroom facilities
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174 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    75
    70
    27
    2
    0
Date Rating
TeeganandBrent
Contributor
12 reviews
3 helpful votes
“Great”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 February 2012 NEW

This was great to step back in time and see what it was like. I really enjoyed this tour as it did teach me quite a few things I didn't know. More

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50_s0methings
Bedfordshire,UK
Senior Contributor
49 reviews
25 helpful votes
“Interesting”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 February 2012 NEW

An interesting place to go especially with children. More

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canwe
Perth, Australia
Reviewer
3 reviews
1 helpful vote
“terrific”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 February 2012

The gaol was interesting, but the best part was the Ned Kelly trial. My children loved being witnesses with parts to play (as did my husband and myself), while it also made them think about justice. An excellent trip. More

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kdjp82
Sydney
Reviewer
3 reviews
3 helpful votes
“Old Melbourne Gaol”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 February 2012
2
people found this review helpful

The Old Melbourne Gaol is a must when you come to Melbourne. Located in the centre of Melbourne the gaol has been around since the 1840's and is the oldest prison in the city. Learn about the notorious Ned Kelly (as well as viewing his death mask) as well as other criminals and how men and woman lived their live... More

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Pixienixie
Watford
Senior Contributor
21 reviews
2 helpful votes
“Great fun”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Had a really good afternoon here learining all about Ned Kelly and seeing the cells and where they hung him. More

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mrdriverAdelaide
Adelaide
Contributor
11 reviews
1 helpful vote
“History, history, history!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Really enjoyed visiting and being reminded of some of our infamous characters from history over the years. The guided tour and remand experience in the adjacent former remand centre was also good. More

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magz27
bayles, melbourne
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews
7 helpful votes
“very interesting”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Old Melbourne Gaol is very interesting, lots to see and good information, it shows you the harsh conditions many inmates suffered and the history of ned kelly was exciting. More

1 Photo
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Tommer67
Centennial, Colorado
Reviewer
5 reviews
1 helpful vote
“It's OK”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 February 2012

It's OK. Kinda interesting. A bit overpriced. It should cost about half as much. Interesting history lesson. Worth seeing, but not a must see. More

3 Photos
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TassieTravellers99
Launceston, Australia
Top Contributor
133 reviews
353 helpful votes
“Rehabilitation the old fashion way”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Its a self guided tour of the men’s jail building. It looked like a jail as you see in the movies. It was quite dark and dingy and was certainly designed for punishment and with less interest in rehabilitation. The ground floor was dedicated to the history of the jail and a number of its executions. An interesting fact in... More

2 Photos
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beanthereoz
Brisbane, Australia
Contributor
11 reviews
12 helpful votes
“Night tour a must”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Get your teens out of their comfort zone and do the night tour, it's brilliant. Make sure you book before you go! More

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Old Melbourne Gaol
377 Russell Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000
Australia
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