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Old Melbourne Gaol

Plan Your Visit

Visit

Visit Monday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
We recommended arriving no later than 3:30pm to have enough time to see everything

Buy tickets

Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Location

The Old Melbourne Gaol is located at 377 Russell Street, Melbourne

Get directions

Admission

Our all-day General Admission ticket means you can do just that – spend all day at the Gaol.  

Your ticket includes:

– Self-guided visit to the Gaol
– Audio-guide available in English and Mandarin
– Women & Children of the Gaol Exhibition 

Upgrade with experiences with: 

– ‘Escape Artists’ Tour
– Life in the City Watch House: Interactive Tour

Or brave the dark and purchase a Night Tour: 

– Hangman’s Night Tour
– Ghosts? What Ghosts? 

Prices (General Admission Day Pass):

$38 Adult
$30 Concessions
$22 Child (5 – 15 years)
$85 Family (2A + 2C)
$65 Family (1A + 2C)
$10 Extra Child (on Family Tickets)
National Trust members receive free general admission

Give your family and friends something you know they will love. National Trust gift certificates can be redeemed for entry to the Old Melbourne Gaol. Click here to purchase a gift certificate

Buy Tickets Online

Getting Here

BY TRAIN
The Gaol is a two minute walk from Melbourne Central Station.

BY TRAM
Catch the free City Circle tram no.35 to stop 7 on the corner of La Trobe and Russell Streets.

BY BIKE
There are separated bike lanes on Swanston and La Trobe streets. You’ll find bike racks on and near the corner of Swanston and La Trobe streets, Swanston and Little Lonsdale streets.

BY CAR
The Gaol does not have on-site parking but there is paid street parking on La Trobe Street and several car parks close by including Melbourne Central and QV. There are three parking spaces for people with a disability permit in La Trobe Street.

Contact

Old Melbourne Gaol
377 Russell Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

GROUP BOOKINGS & GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Phone: 03 9656 9889 (Monday – Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm)
Email: bookings@nattrust.com.au

MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Email: media@nattrust.com.au

FUNCTION ENQUIRIES
Email: functions@nattrust.com.au

Photography
Each Member of the National Trust or visitor to any of the National Trust Properties acknowledges and agrees that attending these properties or attending an event at these properties may include the taking of promotional photographs. Each Member of the National Trust or visitor to any of the National Trust Properties agree that by attending these properties, the National Trust may use all photographs without restriction or compensation and without further recourse to the Member or attendee in its advertising and promotional materials and official communications, forever and in any media whatsoever.

Note: If you are a professional photographer, or wish to have professional photos taken at the Old Melbourne Gaol, email functions@nattrust.com.au Fees and charges apply

Planning your visit FAQ

Tickets include access to the Gaol, Self-Guided Audio Tour and the Women and Children of the Gaol Exhibition. We would recommend 1.5 - 2 hours for your visit and a last entry time of 3.00pm.
The ticket is valid for the day of purchase only, re-entry throughout the day is allowed however tickets are non-transferable
The former Magistrates' Court building is owned by RMIT University and now houses their offices. The court is primarily open for Education Groups, and at select times throughout the year. Keep an eye on our website for upcoming tours and events in the former Magistrates' Court.
The Gaol is partially wheelchair accessible. The gaol is over 3 levels and due to the building's heritage status does not have lifts or ramps. Around 80% of the museum information is on the ground floor, and is displayed on the walls and in cells. Please note the cell doors are very narrow and may not be wide enough for some chairs. Read our Accessibility Information here (PDF).
The Gaol and Watch House present information that can be confronting for some children. To give a guide of appropriateness in regards to school tours we only take bookings for Year 5 and up due to the nature of the content displayed and discussed. There are displays of and reference to; punishment equipment, death masks and execution areas - which could possibly traumatise young children. Parental discretion regarding the content of the Gaol is advised and we would recommend doing some research before attending the site to decide if it is appropriate for your family.
The Gaol is self-guided and an hour is recommended to see the Gaol. On the weekends small group tours are available for an additional cost. Please note these tours are subject to availability and have limited capacity.
People who may be hearing impaired can also enjoy the information on the audio guide – a text box allows you to read what is being said.
Yes we recognise Companion Cards and provide a second ticket for the cardholder's companion at no charge.
Yes, we offer night tours at this venue regularly. Visit dates are advertised on our website two weeks before the event. You must pre-purchase a ticket to attend a Night Tour. Check out our night tours through the "What's On" page.
The Gaol does not have on site parking. There is paid parking at QV or Melbourne Central shopping centre as well as metered street parking. There is limited bus parking out the front of the Gaol on Russell Street.
Give your family and friends something you know they will love. National Trust gift certificates can be redeemed for entry to the Old Melbourne Gaol. Click here to purchase a gift certificate
The Gaol does not have an onsite cafe but there are plenty of options close by including food courts at Melbourne Central and QV. We have cold drinks and ice creams for sale but please note eating and drinking is not permitted in any of our heritage-listed buildings.
Yes! National Trust Members receive free General Admission. Tickets will need to be purchased or any add-on experiences or night tours. Membership to the National Trust give you access to hundreds of properties worldwide. Just make sure you have your membership card with you.
You can purchase membership on site at the Gaol and your membership starts straight away! Or you can join online here: www.nationaltrust.org.au/membership-vic
Tickets can be purchased on the day of your visit or online via our website. Call (03) 9656 9889 for inquiries
  • Old Melbourne Gaol
    377 Russell Street
    Melbourne VIC 3000
    03 9656 9889
    bookings@nattrust.com.au

    • We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Old Melbourne Gaol is located. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities.

    Copyright 2024. National Trust of Australia – Victoria. All Rights Reserved. All images copyright National Trust unless otherwise stated. Website by The Mighty Wonton