Where:

Old Melbourne Gaol

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

It is located on Russell Street, between La Trobe and Victoria Streets behind the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and opposite the old Russell Street Police Station.

Last Visited:

Last visited in April 2007

Why Go:

The jail was the setting for 135 hangings. It's most famous hanging was that of the bushranger Ned Kelly in 1880.

Highlights:

• Museum: displays include the death masks and histories of famous bushrangers and convicts.
• Tour: You should allow about an hour to explore the building on a self-guided tour. In the evening they host spooky 'Hangman's Night Tours'.

Eating & Drinking:

• not allowed

Other things you should know about:

• The Old Melbourne Gaol was established in 1841, and closed in 1924. Since 1972 it has been used as a museum.
• The building was a model prison and based on the current prison reform theories of the day.
• The head of Ned Kelly was stolen in 1978 and has never been recovered.
• It building was used as a USA military prison during World War II.
• The Old Melbourne Gaol is operated by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).
• Open Daily 9:30am - 5pm - 7 days
  

More information:

• more about Melbourne