Old Melbourne Gaol

The beautiful old bluestone buildings are such a part of Melbourne's history, it really is worthwhile visiting Old Melbourne Gaol at least once.

 

You can't help but shiver as you enter the Gaol, once home to some of Melbourne's most notorious criminals. You can almost hear the clang of the iron doors slamming and the shuffling of shackled feet. Or maybe that was just me...

Each of the three floors of the main Cell Block building can be accessed. Cells are open to the public with information boards and photographs inside, detailing the history of the many men and women that were housed here.

Our infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly, was among the 133 inmates to be hanged inside the Gaol. Kelly's death mask is on display, made just hours after his death in 1880.

It's only Mick Jagger playing Ned Kelly in a movie, but I like it.

These days, the Gaol is home to jailbirds of a different kind, as the local pigeons perch on the cell window sills. Get arrested and locked up yourself, at the City Watch House next door. The 40 minute interactive experience is included in the Gaol admission price.

What: Old Melbourne Gaol 
Where: 377 Russell St, Melbourne 
When: Open every day (except Christmas Day and Good Friday) from 9:30am to 5:00pm.

Why: Melbourne's history,  Ned Kelly
How Much: $25 (The Entertainment Book has a 2 for 1 offer)
* also nearby Old Treasury Building 
p.s. *get a coffee at:  65 Degrees