Old Melbourne Gaol

Old Melbourne Gaol


Visit the place where infamous outlaw Ned Kelly was executed and learn about the brutal system of law and order a century ago.

The Old Melbourne Gaol gives a full and often frightening insight into the severe Australian penal system as it operated through the course of the 19th century and on into the start of the 20th. Closed in 1929, it is the oldest surviving prison in the state of Victoria, and was converted into a museum by the National Trust of Australia in 1972.

Today, the body of the prison has been preserved, with different areas used to house displays on the harshness of everyday prison life, the often cruel punishment meted out to inmates, and the individual histories of celebrated prisoners. Shudder at the miscarriage of justice which saw Colin Campbell Ross executed despite evidence of his innocence, or take in the tale of the vicious and twisted murderer Frederick Bailey Deeming – after his execution it is said that 12,000 people cheered in the streets.

The most famous of the 133 inmates who met their end here was Ned Kelly, the most notorious of all Australian outlaws. Examine his celebrated homemade armour, worn during his final shootout with police officers. His death mask and pistol are also on display, and you can see the gallows where he was hung. Kelly’s skull was also in the possession of the museum until it was stolen in 1978.

Take in a reproduction of a legal trial in the Old Magistrates Court, or get some insight into what it was like to be a prisoner in the Watch House Experience, where you’ll be arrested and imprisoned before taking a fascinating tour of a life of incarceration.

Unexplained voices in the corridors and paranormal sightings have fed the belief in many that the gaol is haunted. Join a night tour to hear scary stories and learn about the dark past of the institution. This needs to be booked online before your visit.

The Old Melbourne Gaol is located in the city centre and is easily accessible via public transport. It is open daily, except for Christmas Day and Good Friday.

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Top Old Melbourne Gaol Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Dorsett Melbourne

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Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

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The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

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Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

4 out of 5
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Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

5 out of 5
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Old Melbourne Gaol

At Old Melbourne Gaol, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including day tours and night tours that delve into the captivating history of this iconic site. For those seeking a thrill, ghost tours are available to explore its spooky past. Nearby, the vibrant shopping, art, and theatre scenes offer additional entertainment, making the Gaol a perfect starting point for an exciting day or night in Melbourne.

Shopping

Melbourne Central is a vibrant shopping hub only 322m from Old Melbourne Gaol, offering a mix of entertainment and city vibes. Close by, Queen Victoria Market, just 805m away, is perfect for local produce and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out Chadstone Shopping Centre, about 17.7km away.

Recreation

Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere at Marvel Stadium, perfect for sports enthusiasts seeking excitement. For music lovers, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl offers a lively concert experience. If you're in the mood for family fun, the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre features a range of aquatic activities just a couple of miles away.

Adventure

Embark on the Merri Creek Trail for a scenic hike 3.2km from Old Melbourne Gaol, immersing yourself in nature's beauty. For a different experience, explore the Tan Track nearby, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For a unique adventure, take to the skies with Melbourne Seaplanes, located 8.0km away, offering stunning aerial views.

Nightlife

At Old Melbourne Gaol, immerse yourself in vibrant nightlife with nearby venues like the Princess Theatre and Her Majesty's Theatre, both 0.4 and 483m away, offering a mix of entertainment, culture, and romance. Don't miss the Comedy Theatre for a night filled with laughter and fun!

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Old Melbourne Gaol

When visiting Old Melbourne Gaol, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of Melbourne. Explore nearby urban parks for relaxation or stroll through historic colleges and universities for a taste of local education heritage. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover other Melbourne attractions, including the gaol itself, which offers a unique family experience steeped in history. Enjoy the blend of city life and historical exploration that this area has to offer.

  • Rod Laver Arena: Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Rod Laver Arena, a premier entertainment venue hosting world-class concerts and sporting events. With its family-friendly vibes, it's a perfect spot to enjoy thrilling performances just 1.6km away from the Old Melbourne Gaol.
  • Collins Street: Stroll down Collins Street, known as the Paris End of Melbourne. This iconic street, located 966m away, showcases stunning architecture, high-end boutiques, and a lively café culture, embodying the city's sophisticated vibes.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Situated a mile from the gaol, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is a hub for major events and conferences. Its modern facilities and business-focused atmosphere make it a key player in Melbourne’s dynamic event scene.

Best time to go to Old Melbourne Gaol

The best time to visit Old Melbourne Gaol can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Old Melbourne Gaol falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Old Melbourne Gaol falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
July48.9°F (9.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
September53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
December64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Old Melbourne Gaol

To save on your visit to the Old Melbourne Gaol, consider travelling during the cheaper months of May, June, or August, and aim to book your stay on a Monday for the best rates. Utilize Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodation by sorting listings from lowest to highest price. Look for package deals that combine flights and hotel bookings to save even more. For public transport, consider using trams or trains, which are cost-effective ways to explore the city, while also keeping an eye out for free activities in the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Old Melbourne Gaol are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Old Melbourne Gaol is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Old Melbourne Gaol is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Old Melbourne Gaol hotel reservation with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.