Old Melbourne Gaol 🇦🇺

Located on Russell Street in Melbourne, Australia, the Old Melbourne Gaol is a former 19th-century prison turned three-storey museum. Constructed starting in 1839 and operating as a prison between 1845 and 1924, this imposing bluestone building offers you an honest look at Victoria’s early justice system. You should visit to explore where 133 people were executed, including infamous figures like bushranger Ned Kelly and serial killer Frederick Bailey Deeming.

Inside, you will discover dark details about daily inmate life. You can view the actual cells where prisoners—ranging from hardened murderers to young children—spent 23 hours a day in solitary confinement, subjected to strict silence masks and thin mattresses over slate floors. As you step through the central hall and historical wings, you will see real prisoner memorabilia, including phrenological death masks taken from hanged felons before burial.

Highlights on display also include the pencil wrongly convicted Colin Campbell Ross used to write his pleas of innocence. By visiting this formidable skyline landmark, you get a direct, sobering connection to Australian history, folklore, and 19th-century prison life.

What to see at Old Melbourne Gaol

• Phrenological death masks of hanged criminals
• The historical gallows where 133 executions occurred
• Authentic cell blocks housing past inmates and children
• The pencil used by Colin Campbell Ross to protest his sentence

Visiting tips

Prepare for a sobering experience as you explore dark historical exhibits including real gallows and solitary confinement cell blocks.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Old Melbourne Gaol is easy to reach on Melbourne’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Melbourne Museum and Melbourne Zoo. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Melbourne travel guide.