Old Melbourne Gaol (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Old Melbourne Gaol?
What makes it 68% Kids-Friendly: School-age children get code-breaking booklets, mock arrests and hands-on holiday programs, yet stairs, narrow cells and hanging stories can upset or tire kids under 12.
Positives:
- Hands-on learning: Interactive puzzles and role-play tours engage kids and adults.
- Multi-language audio: Audio guide with text captions keeps varied ages focused.
Challenges:
- Narrow corridors: Many doorways and stairs limit pram access—use a carrier for toddlers.
- Limited seating: Few benches inside mean you may need to rest in outdoor courtyards.
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 kids?
- Explore cells with engaging audio and video projections.
- Solve historic puzzles in the Crime Busters forensic activity.
- Role-play gaol life safely in interactive watch-house tours.
- Capture memorable family photos in Ned Kelly armour.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time for the audio tour, hands-on activities and photo ops at a relaxed pace.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Old Melbourne Gaol
Self-Guided Audio Tour:
Follow the kids’ audio map through cells with video projections.
Tip: Pick up headphones early and let children lead the treasure-hunt style app.
Crime Busters – Forensic Investigators:
Solve puzzles about historic escapes and Ned Kelly’s skull mystery.
Tip: Book daily sessions during school holidays; best for ages 5 and up.
Life in the City Watch House – Interactive Tour:
Role-play an arrest, experience a dark cell lock-in and explore exercise yards.
Tip: Bring a light jacket as cells can be cool; watch younger kids in tight spaces.
Ned Kelly Costume Photo Op:
Try on replica armour for a fun family photo in front of the gallows site.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid queues and let kids wear lighter armour plates.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Old Melbourne Gaol
- Arrive early: Grab headsets and maps before peak times to avoid waits.
- Combine nearby: After the Gaol, walk to Chinatown or Queen Victoria Market for lunch.
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)?
During school holidays, Crime Busters and kid tours run daily—book ahead. In summer, bring water and hats; in winter, dress warmly for chilly cell blocks.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family general admission | AUD 85 |
| Crime Busters activity (4 tickets) | AUD 20 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 105 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Old Melbourne Gaol
Address: 377 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Old Melbourne Gaol (Melbourne)?
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
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 3 9656 9889Explore Popular Things to Do
🇦🇺 Australia, with kids
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!