[2025 Carlton Attraction] Travel Guide for Old Melbourne Gaol (Updated Apr)

Got more to share from last year’s Melbourne trip. First up, Flinders Street Station. Seriously, that place is like stepping into a Victorian postcard. It's so grand! And get this – it's the busiest train station in the whole southern hemisphere! Imagine all the stories it could tell. I just loved watching the hustle and bustle, imagining all the journeys starting and ending there. Then, I dragged myself out of bed early (yes, me!) and headed to Queen Victoria Market. Best.decision.ever. The people-watching? Off the charts! It’s just so vibrant and real. Plus, the smells! Food heaven. Okay, now for something a bit heavier: the Old Melbourne Gaol. "Gaol" is just an old-timey word for jail, by the way. This place is intense. It's a real jail, and you can feel the weight of history there. It really hit me how many people suffered injustice during the gold rush. Definitely made me think. But then, to lighten the mood, I wandered into the State Library. Wow. Just wow. Melbourne really lives up to its rep as a city of literature. The architecture is stunning, the books are endless, and it's just a great place to hang out. You can tell it's a real social hub. And of course, no trip to Melbourne is complete without checking out the street art. Hosier Lane and ACDC Lane? Forget boring walls! These alleys are exploding with color and creativity. Some of the most vibrant street art I've ever seen, hands down. It's like the city is screaming its personality. #melbourne #australia

#favouriteitinerary Uncover Melbourne’s dark past with a visit to the Old Melbourne Gaol, a chilling yet fascinating glimpse into Australia’s colonial-era justice system. Built in the 1800s, this historic prison once housed some of the country’s most infamous criminals, including the legendary bushranger Ned Kelly. Wander through eerie stone cells, see the original gallows, and hear real stories of life behind bars. For an extra thrill, join a nighttime ghost tour, where the gaol’s haunted past comes to life. With its gritty history and atmospheric setting, the Old Melbourne Gaol is a must-visit for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike!

#australiatrip A small prison museum best enjoyed with a tour. The place may be small but it’s rich in history, if I had not joined any of their tours, I don’t think I’d appreciate or learn much of its history from just reading the signs in the museum. Plus, the tours were only an additional $5 each and you get way way more out of the experience. The escape artist tour has the guide bringing us around the perimeter of the prison, explaining each area and its history, like how some of the old prison buildings are now part of RMIT uni used for criminology and forensic science classes. Very cool. Everything tied in together so nicely with the exhibits inside. Highly recommend.

#melbournetrip The backbone of Melbourne & its history all explained and laid out for you to discover. The history and story's the Old Melbourne Gaol tells as you explore the cells and yards where the prisoners were kept. It's amazing. Sitting in a cell knowing that there were people kept there of very 150 years ago is amazing. The architecture of the 1845 building and the workmanship is astonishing. It's an excellent way to fill in a few hours while in Melbourne or ever just pop in for a quick squiz.

#melbournetrip An epic look back into our not-so-distant past, the Old Melbourne Gaol is well preserved and well presented. You can wander through on your own or join a guided tour for an extra $5. Souvenirs and snacks were reasonably priced. Check out the hanging area.. it's not singposted but there is a rope hanging from a beam above. I asked a National Trust volunteer and he told me the history; there were 51 people hung there including women, and 11 more after the beam was transferred to Pentridge prison. It was eventually moved back in place in I think 2002? The place is scrupulously clean and you can go into and spend time in the cells on your own. A must for history lovers.

#2024wish The Old Melbourne Gaol stands as a solemn testament to Australia's convict history, offering visitors a poignant journey into the past. Located in Melbourne, this historic prison operated from 1845 to 1929 and housed notorious criminals like Ned Kelly. Today, it serves as a compelling museum and heritage site. The gaol's stark bluestone walls and imposing cells provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the harsh conditions faced by prisoners during the 19th century. The museum showcases artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays, shedding light on the lives of both inmates and staff. One of the most haunting features is the site of 133 hangings, including that of the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly. The Old Melbourne Gaol is a window into Australia's penal past, offering a sobering reflection on justice, crime, and punishment in colonial times.

#timetotravel The Old Melbourne Gaol is an enthralling journey into Australia's convict history. My visit to this historic site was both educational and haunting. Walking through the imposing bluestone walls, I could sense the weight of the past. The highlight was stepping into the cells where notorious criminals like Ned Kelly were once incarcerated. The preserved gallows and haunting stories of inmates added a chilling authenticity to the experience. The interactive exhibits and knowledgeable guides provided valuable insights into the harsh conditions of 19th-century prison life. The recreated courtroom allowed me to witness the legal proceedings of the era. The Old Melbourne Gaol is more than a museum; it's a time machine that transports you to a darker chapter of Australia's past. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts, offering a sobering reminder of the country's convict heritage and the evolution of its justice system. #australia #trip