Old Melbourne Gaol was founded as a prison in 1839 and is now a museum on the Victorian Heritage Register, a short walk from State Library and Melbourne Central stations. The visit is self-paced with the audio guide, and since re-entry is allowed through the day, you can step out for lunch and come back: there is no café on site, but the food courts at Melbourne Central and QV are close by, and eating and drinking are not allowed inside any of the heritage-listed buildings anyway. That heritage status also shapes how you get around. The gaol is only partially wheelchair accessible, spread over three levels with no lifts or ramps, although most of the museum information is on the ground floor; the cell doors are very narrow and may not fit some chairs. The gaol recommends arriving by mid-afternoon if you want to see everything, as advice rather than a fixed cut-off. It is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Family FAQ
How much does Old Melbourne Gaol cost?
Adults AUD 38, children aged 5–15 AUD 22; family tickets are AUD 85 (2 adults + 2 children) or AUD 65 (1 adult + 2 children), plus AUD 10 per extra child.
Do you need to book Old Melbourne Gaol in advance?
Tickets can be bought on the day of your visit or online.
What are the opening hours of Old Melbourne Gaol?
Open 7 days a week, 10am to 5pm.
