The Old Goal

The old Melbourne Gaol can now be visited, they will even allow you back out. The oldest prison in Melbourne, the gallows here were used for 136 hanging executions.

There are tours that take you into the prison where Ned Kelly was hung, you can even see the gallows where he and many others were done.

There are a number of exhibits showing what life was like, about the criminals that were sentenced here and about those who were condemned to die. You can also see Ned Kelly re-enactments on Saturdays, or take one of the fascinating ghost or candlelit tours at night. One wonders if you were a ghost why you would hang around (excuse the pun) in a prison. Still, a visit here is an extremely fascinating look at early prison life and Victorian attitudes to crime.

Phone for more information about the Goal phone 03 9663 7228, or visit the website National Trust Melbourne Victoria.

See the Goal and other Melbourne places to visit on the City Center Map Map of Melbourne - Victoria Tourist Guide.

Photo: Condemned Prisoners passed through this door