Whilst we were recently in Melbourne, we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit the Old Melbourne Gaol. Situated in the heart of Melbourne on Russell street, we found parking there was very easy, and within no time we were in the doors. To enter you need to go through the gift shop, and pay for entry there. We found prices to be reasonable for the four of us, so we went in to take a look.
The site has voted as the Best Heritage and Cultural Tourism Attraction in Australia three years in a row, and before long it was easy to see why.
When we got inside we had a look in a couple of cells and then had one of the staff explain many things about how things used to be in the prison. Some of the facts that we were told were quite amazing. Listening to stories of the prisoners and executions that took place there was quite incredible. When you walk around the gaol you can see and feel how much history this place has. Walking in and out of the cells, you get a real feel for what the prisoners would have had to endure in their day to day lives.
Lower Level Of The Old Melbourne Gaol
Between 1842 and 1929 the gaol had 133 hangings. The most famous hanging out of these would have to be Ned Kelly, Australia’s most infamous bushranger. There is also a lot of stories of Ned Kelly and many of the other prisoners that were held in the prison over the years.
Dress up as Ned Kelly
The prison goes up three levels and on the second level you can see the gallows where the hangings took place. There are also lists of the executions that took place there in the gaol. When looking from the top level you really get a sense of the amount of people that were held in this prison.
Upper Level Melbourne Gaol
Whilst we were at the gaol, we decided to do the watch house experience, which takes you through what it is like to be arrested. It was made a little difficult because I had a camera bag on my back, however it was a very exciting experience, and my children were able to get through it without any issues as well. Being locked in a cell in the dark was quite an experience. The guide for this was exceptional and really played the part well, and amde it feel real.
The Old Melbourne Gaol also runs many programs which you can see on their web site. It is quite a fun filled day out, which teaches you a lot about the history of the crime in Victoria. Check their site out at http://www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au
List of Executions Melbourne Gaol
Old Melbourne Gaol Gallows
So make sure you check out the Old Melbourne Gaol
