Old Melbourne Gaol

Highly recommend the night tour. Llewellyn was an excellent tour guide and hit the perfect balance between evoking suspense and fear while cracking absolutely hilarious jokes to ease the tension at appropriate times. A really unique and interesting way to learn the history. Would have given 5 stars if there was more time at the end to explore the exhibit aspect, as this felt a little rushed and we would have liked to have learned more. Otherwise, an interesting and different night activity we would recommend when in Melbourne.

Unfortunately, most of the gates were closed during our Sunday visit. To see the original gates, we had to go around the outside of the prison.

I came across this place quite by accident while planning what to do in Melbourne. I personally recommend visiting as it is worth a visit. You have the option to choose a tour with or without a guide. It is better to buy tickets online and go right after they open. There won't be too many people here, so you'll enjoy it more. It is one of the most mysterious places in Melbourne. Upon entering you will be greeted by a wonderful and very friendly staff. You show your ticket or buy it on the spot. Then you'll set off on your way around the local prison. If you're lucky and have more time (I didn't). I recommend booking a night tour.

I have been here heaps of times through my life so far and I will keep going back as it feels like there is still more to see and take in.
It is a good place that shows you how things were back in the old days to try deter people from doing the wrong thing.
I love my countries history.

I don't know why it cost $35 since that's just some basic documentations plus an old building. Good for a visit but the price is high.

Wonderful tour of the Gaol! Tour guide was funny, knowledgeable and we got to see some wonderful bits of history! Could have spent hours there.

$29 concession for one cell block with mainly empty cells is way overpriced. Definitely not worth the money.

Australian history and/architecture. An interesting walk down a Melborne jail. Something historical life was hard for prisoaners in those days.

Was a very fun experience to go back to the Melbourne goal again after seeing as the last time was well before covid restrictions.

A fun but somewhat limited experience considering all the changes that needed to be made so that tours could be run. Because of the restrictions things felt rushed, less interaction with staff and tour leaders, activities such as being invited to be an inmate can't be done and you have everything timed. Which is a real shame considering how good it really can be.

*Cluedo is fun but you honestly you really need to only buy one booklet. As paying $5 each for a family of 6 for a tiny note pad seems pretty steep considering you can just share one book and work together. For the price it would have been nice for the kids to have a key chain, a pen or pencil.

Recommended you either choose to play Cluedo or choose to take your time and read the plaques (which have the most educational value) as doing both under current restrictions means you don't have enough time.

Overall still worth a visit but recommend to wait until covid restrictions ease and tours can operate as normal.

Interesting to see the old gaol. Quite harsh living conditions for the prisoners. I'd like to go back with my future children to scare them into behaving

There were no prisoners in the gaol, waste of time

this place was a great experience.would like to come back nearby.the exhibits were cool and creepy.super historical site.def come here.

We loved this place, was last here maybe 30 years ago and then as a kid. Creepy as ever but totally amazing. We did the watch house tour after, thought it was going to be corny but the guide was bloody amazing interacting with our family group. I cant remember her name but we were there 15/07/21. Recommend the extra tour just for the recent local history.

Knowledgeable and well run private tours through the Old Melbourne Gaol and Old Magistrates Court. Would recommend if you are interested in Ned Kelly or Melbourne's history. The nighttime ghost tour is well worth it and very fun for the price.

We went not knowing what to expect, the Sargent and Jimmy gave us great time. Thoroughly recommend it.

We did the Cluedo murder mystery at Old Melbourne Gaol. The kids (12 & 10) loved it. Was a great and inventive way to experience the Gaol.

Super creepy vibes, if that’s your piece of cake then this is the place for you.

Staff were really friendly and you can ask them any questions about the gaol. We did the cluedo game and that gave us a really good reason to go into every single cell. Try to avoid when schools are having excursions, staff get really busy trying to keep that all organised and going smoothly, understandably.

Th building is interesting but the visit could have been more interactive. The Cluedo experience is overpriced and should be included in the visit. Staff was just average and a bit rude. This place, with a bit of attention, can be improved significantly!

Even with Covid restrictions all the attractions and exhibits of the gaol and its gallery were accessible, lots of really fascinating and captivating stories of Australia's past including tales of bushranger such as Ned Kelley and Aussie soldiers breaking out of their cells at night during world war 2

Visited this prison back in January 2009 with my ex-girlfriend, and paid for our tickets early in the morning to enter this place. As I was taking photos of the prison cells I could see a small orb in one of my photos. We left the prison and then visited the courtroom where Ned Kelly was sentenced, and when the re-enactment had finished I took a photograph of the room. Then on my right side in front of a closed door there was a head of a spirit in profile looking towards my left side with no body with its mouth open, and a large orb behind a lady who was in front of me. Crown Melbourne also have these orbs either appearing near a column, or floating down the hall towards the shops. These spirits could only be seen on my photos. So when I remember my holiday in Melbourne I think about the supernatural.

A great part of Melbourne's history for all to enjoy. Great guided or self guided audio tours available.