Old Melbourne Gaol (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Old Melbourne Gaol?
What makes it 36% Baby-Friendly: Babies enter free, but three levels of stairs, no lifts, no change tables and narrow cells force carriers and quick visits. The loud role-plays and dark spaces can easily upset infants.
Positives:
- Free entry for baby: Children under 5 enter at no cost, easing family budgeting.
- Compact route: Guided path on one level works well with a baby carrier.
Challenges:
- No pram access: Tight stairs and narrow doorways prevent stroller use.
- No baby facilities: No changing tables or nursing rooms onsite; use public toilets.
What is Old Melbourne Gaol?
- A 19th-century bluestone prison in central Melbourne that operated from 1845 to 1924
- A heritage-listed complex retaining original cells, gallows and Georgian-style penal architecture
- A museum documenting Australia’s colonial justice system and notorious inmates such as Ned Kelly
What is so special about Old Melbourne Gaol for with baby?
- Free entry for under-5s
- Audio guide and kid-friendly exhibition
- Hands-on photo in Ned Kelly armour
- Compact route suits baby carriers
Note: Old Melbourne Gaol is 36% Baby-Friendly. You may want to consider other Baby-Friendly Things to Do in Melbourne for a more suitable experience.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: A brief visit covers key exhibits without tiring a baby and fits into nap schedules.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Old Melbourne Gaol
Self-guided audio tour:
Use the free English or Mandarin narration to learn stories at Ned Kelly’s cell and gallows.
Tip: Load the app before entry and pause for photos at video projection cells only on ground floor.
Women & Children of the Gaol Exhibition:
Browse panels about women and children’s lives in historic cells.
Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and use a baby carrier to navigate narrow doorways.
Ned Kelly armour photo op:
Pose in replica armour beside the hanging site for a memorable family shot.
Tip: Hold the baby close and let only adults lift the helmets and breastplates.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Old Melbourne Gaol
- Use a carrier: Bring a baby sling to keep hands free and move through cells easily.
- Plan breaks: Start with ground-floor exhibits near the toilets for quick stops.
Reviews of Old Melbourne Gaol
Toriie Jay
Tickets are a bit in the pricier side, however the overall experience is good. Throughout the Gaol, cells are set up with information about times from when the Gaol was operational, including inmate stories, stories of the Gaol staff and history relating to the building, operation and eventual closure of the goal. The overall general entry ticket allows you access to each of the 3 floors, with the...
Chang Guan
It’s a fantastic experience in the Gaol especially the City Watch House tour. You get to experience being arrested and locked in one of those cells in the Watch House which is just next to the Gaol. As its closure (1994 I reckon) is relatively recent comparing to the Gaol which is basically operated during the Gold Rush, you get to feel the true jail vibe. The Gaol itself has a lot of history and ...
Amanda Marsh
Must go see adventure into the past. My husband and I visited the Gaol this morning. Our tour guide for Ned Kelly was very informative and witty. We also did the watch house where we all experienced what it was like being locked up! Highly recommended for anyone who wants to dive into history. The tour guides were absolutely fantastic and very informative.
sallyre74
Recently attended both the self guided gaol tour and watch house experience. Firstly the watch house experience was a great way to feel what it was like to be arrested and sent to gaol and then the gaol itself historically decorated with information and memoribilla of past criminals such as Ned Kelly making it a very informative educational journey. Having no time limits made it easy to take yo...
Jo Seaby
An eerie experience walking around the Gaol and reading about the inmates . The $5 extra to see the watch house was well worth it with Sergeant Pepper doing a great job and very informative. There is an app that you can download prior to your visit which gives you information on a self guided tour. Toilets available.
When is the best time to visit Old Melbourne Gaol (Melbourne, Australia)?
The gaol is open daily year-round; avoid peak school holiday afternoons to skip queues.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult general admission | AUD 76 |
| Audio guide (included) | AUD 0 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 76 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Old Melbourne Gaol
Address: 377 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
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About Old Melbourne Gaol
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
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+61 3 9656 9889Explore Popular Things to Do
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