Old Melbourne Gaol, Melbourne (must see)
The Old Melbourne Gaol, situated on Russell Street in Melbourne, is a historical site that serves as both a museum and a former prison. It comprises a sturdy bluestone building, an adjoining courtyard, and is situated in close proximity to the old City Police Watch House and City Courts buildings. The construction of this facility commenced in 1839, and it operated as a prison from 1842 to 1929. During this period, it housed and carried out executions for some of Australia's most infamous criminals, such as Ned Kelly, a notorious bushranger, and Frederick Bailey Deeming, a serial killer.
A total of 133 individuals met their fate on the gallows here. Although it had a brief role during World War II, the gaol officially ceased to function as a prison in 1924. Some parts of the facility were incorporated into RMIT University, while the remainder was transformed into a museum.
This three-story museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the gaol, including information and artifacts related to both the prisoners and the staff who worked there. Among the exhibits are death masks of the executed criminals. At one point, the museum also featured Ned Kelly's skull, which was unfortunately stolen in 1978, as well as the pencil used by Colin Campbell Ross, who was wrongfully convicted, to assert his innocence in writing before his execution.
Additionally, there are claims by paranormal enthusiasts that the museum is haunted, with reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained voices in the vicinity of the former prison cells.
A total of 133 individuals met their fate on the gallows here. Although it had a brief role during World War II, the gaol officially ceased to function as a prison in 1924. Some parts of the facility were incorporated into RMIT University, while the remainder was transformed into a museum.
This three-story museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the gaol, including information and artifacts related to both the prisoners and the staff who worked there. Among the exhibits are death masks of the executed criminals. At one point, the museum also featured Ned Kelly's skull, which was unfortunately stolen in 1978, as well as the pencil used by Colin Campbell Ross, who was wrongfully convicted, to assert his innocence in writing before his execution.
Additionally, there are claims by paranormal enthusiasts that the museum is haunted, with reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained voices in the vicinity of the former prison cells.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Melbourne. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Old Melbourne Gaol on Map
Sight Name: Old Melbourne Gaol
Sight Location: Melbourne, Australia (See walking tours in Melbourne)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Melbourne, Australia (See walking tours in Melbourne)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Melbourne, Australia
Create Your Own Walk in Melbourne
Creating your own self-guided walk in Melbourne is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
St. Kilda District Walking Tour
A cosmopolitan seaside suburb of Melbourne overlooking Port Phillip Bay, Saint Kilda District is a charming and culturally rich neighborhood graced with a blend of historical landmarks and contemporary attractions.
One of its prominent sites is the Saint Kilda Town Hall, an imposing municipal building that serves as a hub for various community events and gatherings.
Eildon Mansion, another... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
One of its prominent sites is the Saint Kilda Town Hall, an imposing municipal building that serves as a hub for various community events and gatherings.
Eildon Mansion, another... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Melbourne Food Tour
Relatively small compared to the likes of New York City or London, Melbourne is quite big when it comes to food 鈥� standing tall among major international culinary destinations. The influence of multiple waves of immigration from Europe and Southeast Asia has rendered this Australian city's gastronomic landscape insanely varied and opulent.
Indeed, the local food scene caters to a wide... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Indeed, the local food scene caters to a wide... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Laneways and Arcades Walking Tour
With over 40 laneways and arcades found in Melbourne, one can easily traverse a good part of the city's Central Business District through them, without even setting foot on a street. Many of these laneways date back to the Victorian era and are packed to the brim with all sorts of retail establishments and eateries 鈥� each with its own distinctive character and charm.
One of the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
One of the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Melbourne's architecture is a rich cocktail of styles ranging from those practiced in the early years of European settlement of Australia to the more modern ones. Among the historical buildings particularly noticeable here are those from the Victorian era, forming an essential part of the city's heritage.
The Old Melbourne Gaol once served as a prison, from 1842 to 1929, and is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
The Old Melbourne Gaol once served as a prison, from 1842 to 1929, and is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Melbourne Introduction Walking Tour
Melbourne is the capital and largest city in the Australian state of Victoria. The metro area consists of 31 different towns spread around the bay of Port Philip. Indigenous Australians have lived here for more than 40,000 years. European settlement began in the 1830s when settlers arrived from Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania). The settlement, incorporated in 1837, was named for the British Prime... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Chocolate Indulgence Tour of Melbourne
Melbourne has a reputation for caf茅s and fine restaurants, and lately a chocolate fever has taken over the city. This tour takes you through the alleyways and arcades of the city center whilst stopping at selected chocolate indulgence points. Take your senses on a unique experience through six of...