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New South Wales
Dubbo
Things to do in Dubbo
Old Dubbo Gaol
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Old Dubbo Gaol

See all things to do
See all things to do
Old Dubbo Gaol
4.5
#5 of 30 things to do in Dubbo
Historic SitesHistory Museums
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Old Dubbo Gaol is a state heritage listed must see. This remarkably complete and intact gaol operated for 119 years from 1847 to 1966 and is still nestled in the main street of Dubbo. This set of 19th and 20th century gaol buildings create a pocket in time, and the experiences within brings history to life. This regional gaol is representative of powerful, surprising and dark moments in Australian prison history. We house important collections such as the hangman's kit and gallows, and unforgettable experiences such as the dark cells and the bird's-eye view from the watchtower. With guided tours, night tours, and theatrical experiences on offer, the Old Dubbo Gaol is a rare piece of history open to explore.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,074 reviews
Excellent
500
Very good
445
Average
110
Poor
16
Terrible
3
Petra R
3 contributions
Easy place to explore
Oct. 2023 • Family
Overall it was a nice place to visit, I felt like a lot of the really history had been covered up because they only wanted to show some of it, specifically the graffiti
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Old Dubbo G
Thank you for the review Petra. Sorry to hear you think some of the history has been covered up. We would love to hear what parts you believe we have concealed to do our best to rectify the issue. If you would like to reach out to us at odg@dubbo.nsw.gov.au it would be great to hear from you! We hope you enjoyed the rest of your visit to the Dubbo Region. Kind regards, The Old Dubbo Gaol Team
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cate B
6 contributions
A Must
Sep. 2023 • Couples
An amazing place to visit. So much information to read and learn. The displays were wonderful and interesting. Had a fantastic time learning about our Criminal past. Can easily spend a couple of hours here as there is so much on display.
My only suggestion is that the young male staff member on the front desk needs a bit more experience. He struggled with our tickets that we had booked online.
Written 9 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Old Dubbo G
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! We are always happy to hear that visitors had a fantastic time Our appologies for our staff member at the front desk. It was only his 3rd shift and he should have had an accompanying staff member. We will investigate and pursue some additional training We hope you enjoyed the rest of your stay in the Dubbo Region and look forward to seeing you again Kind regards, The Old Dubbo Gaol Team
Written 11 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
S S
Nowra, Australia29 contributions
Live history show
Oct. 2023 • Family
Wow what an amazing experience highlighting the history of yesteryear. The live show was absolutely amazing. What a great experience 👍
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Old Dubbo G
Thank you so much for the review! It's fantastic to hear that you had an exciting and educational experience. We hope the rest of your time visiting the area was just as enjoyable and hope to see you again Kind regards, The Old Dubbo Gaol Team
Written 4 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Explorer516391
6 contributions
Make sure you do a Twilight Tour! Way better than expected. The staff are amazing!
Aug. 2023 • Family
We booked in for a Twilight Tour. We thought it would just be a bit of fun and a time killer. We were blown away! The staff/preformers were AMAZING. The gaol is interesting on it's own but the preformers made the experience so much fun and informative. The teenager loved it and was also blown away by how much better it was than she expected. Definitely worth doing!
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Old Dubbo G
Thank you so much Explorer516391! We're so glad you and the family enjoyed our Twilight Tour! Your kind words have been passed on to our brilliant staff - thank you. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your adventure in the Dubbo region! Kind Regards, Old Dubbo Gaol Team
Written 28 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
4inthefam
Sydney, Australia21 contributions
Informative and fun with the kids
Jun. 2023 • Family
This was a great way to spend the afternoon with the kids. The Escape tour was very informative and funny. The host Josh was very knowledgeable about the history of the site and kept us well entertained. The $5 puzzle book for the kids was a good activity to engage the 11 year old.
Written 28 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Old Dubbo G
It is wonderful to hear you had a great time visiting us! Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and we will be sure to pass along the praise to Josh for his Escapes Tour. We hope your visit to the Dubbo region was an enjoyable one and hope to see you again. Kind regards, The Old Dubbo Gaol Team
Written 29 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LEN3612
Brisbane, Australia193 contributions
Don't get locked in the Old Dubbo Gaol!
Nov. 2022 • Couples
An interesting piece of history without taking up your whole day and doesn't cost an arm or leg to see. It is not a very big place as jails go so great to check out for an hour or two. Interesting spaces with lots to read and some recorded commentary. A big focus on the inmates...maybe a bit too much. You really got to know them. If you want a bit of reallistic action be careful when you come because this is not everyday. We missed out unfortunately. Self guided with a map. Well done.
Written 9 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Old Dubbo G
Thank you for the kind review. It is great to hear you enjoyed the history of our site. We are sorry you weren't able to catch a performance during your visit. We run these over weekends and during NSW school holidays. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your visit to the Dubbo region. Kind regards, The Old Dubbo Gaol Team
Written 13 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leone M
Melbourne, Australia18 contributions
Dubbo Must See
May 2023 • Couples
Very interesting learning some of the history of the Gaol and its inmates. Well set out and I particularly enjoyed the characters in costume and the escape talk. It brought the history alive. Well worth the entry fee.
Written 21 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Old Dubbo G
We are very glad to hear you had a good time visiting the Old Dubbo Gaol. The performances and tours are our favorite part as well. We hope you had a fantastic time visiting the Dubbo region and look forward to seeing you again. Kind regards, The Old Dubbo Gaol Team
Written 21 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sivz
Sydney, Australia26 contributions
Good history lesson
Apr. 2023 • Family
Second time visiting after almost 10 years and agin not disappointed! Took 6 kids and 3 adults, locals get in for free and us visitors $22, look up for exhibition times cause their skits are so good and entertaining for the children. A fun interesting way for kids of all ages to learn history and to think this goal only stopped being used in the 60’s is crazy! Walking those paths and going into the rec yard imagining years back real criminals were once walking around there!
Written 22 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Old Dubbo G
Thank you so much for the review Sivz, It's so amazing to have visitors return after a long time and still love their visit to the Old Dubbo Gaol! The history within the walls definitely is interesting and putting yourself in the shoes of the prisoners is a great way to peek through the looking glass! We hope to see you and your family visit again soon, maybe our night tours are the next experience you're looking for! Kind Regards, Old Dubbo Goal Team
Written 23 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wayne
Sydney, Australia108 contributions
Popular with tourists
Apr. 2023
When I visited previously visited, only the self guided tour was available. This time there were two day time performances included in the admission price which added to the experience, especially as there was audience participation. I also did the night time tour, which provided a different perspective. If you book the night tour the cost includes day time admission as well. The Day time performances and the night tour are suitable for all ages.
Written 19 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Old Dubbo G
Thank you so much for leaving us a review Wayne! It's great to hear you enjoyed the Night Tour and performances during your visit. We're happy you were able to experience the Old Dubbo Gaol in a new light (literally!) and have a new memory to take home with you. We hope to see you visit again and that you had a great time on the rest of your adventure in the Dubbo Region. Kind Regards, Old Dubbo Gaol Team
Written 19 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
missbunny78
Penrith, Australia89 contributions
A great day
Apr. 2023 • Family
Amazing place to visit, the kids loved it and so did we. Great place if you are a history buff weather it be about the goal or the town. The little shows the staff do are great and involve the crowd.
Written 17 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Old Dubbo G
Thank you for the review! Glad to hear you enjoyed the show and had a good time. Kind regards, The Old Dubbo Gaol Team
Written 17 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Old Dubbo Gaol: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Old Dubbo Gaol
Old Dubbo Gaol is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm