Old Melbourne Gaol

If you have time and possibility to join the giuded tour with "watchman" it is definitely BONUS! Museum itself has a lot of information you better have good time to absorb.

Interesting and unexpected place to visit in the middle of Melbourne.
We joined the guided tour of the gaol and learned many interesting facts. The watch house and court visits nice addition.
In addition, children get an activity sheet and prize at the end of the tour.

An interesting but disturbing look into Melbourne's judicial system. I wonder who the real criminals, the warders, hangmen, flogger and judges or criminals of necessity

We did the evening tour (hangman's tour) and it was great! You have the jail all tp yourself as a group and the tour was done by an actor who realy got into it. It was packed with information but because of the way the actor did the tour, it felt like you are reliving timea in the prison.

We really enjoyed visiting the Old Melbourne Gaol. For a small extra we joined a guided tour and the guide -Troy- was amazing. He is not only extremely knowledgeable, but also he was great with my 4 & 8 years old girls. There was also an interesting activity for the kids (and their parents) available in the end of the tour. The lady at the Watch house was hilarious.)

A bit pricey compared to comparable experiences but the interactive bits are enjoyable and the staff are very friendly and helpful. You can easily spend several hours here.

Worth a visit to the Gaol to see the old prison cells, police station and the courts. Try to go on the different tours as they are really interesting and well presented.

Love the Watchman experience, we are "caught" and "lock" in the jail.the other self guided walk around the gaol is also very educational.great for adults and kids

Absolutely fantastic! Went here with some friends from WA yesterday and we had the best time. Peter our guide was so knowledgeable and kind considering some of the stupid questions we asked. He was also very sensitive towards the younger hoomans which was lovely to see. We calculated it yesterday and Peter has done over 6500 tours since working at the goal. He is better than any book for knowledge. After a tour of the goal we went to the watch house! WOW.that’s all I can say. You must do this tour. I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard in years. Left a massive smile on my face. I highly recommend.

I went here in 1997 for a Christmas Party and it was very spooky and creepy after dark. I recall the food was really good. Old Melbourne Gaol as the name suggests showcases some of the gruesome history of Melbourne. Not for the faint-of-heart, be prepared to be horrified.

Soooo interesting! Many fascinating characters (not just Ned Kelly) to read about so make sure you have set aside a couple of hours to visit. Also do the Watch House before the Gaol. The guide did a great job performing the role of a cranky police constable (with visitors ‘taken into police custody’).

In the old days if you were after some cheap long term accommodation, this was the place. Fresh air, good food, kindness were available on the other side of the wall, but Hey, a daily kick in the gutz never hurt anyone.

Female staffer on Friday 30/11,3pm is more suited for a real prison. Aggressive and unfriendly and certain to put visitors off the 'tourist' attraction. Other staff were great.

Did the watch house experience which was brilliant, then took a tour of the goal. Very informative and authentic. Good displays. Lots to read but very interesting. Very enjoyable.

Really cool place full of facts. Its just I experienced a ghost on the very top level at the end where the entrance is. A 7-ish year old girl dressed in a lovely-puffed sleeves dress. On the left of the stairs, watch out.