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National Crime and Justice Museum – Geelong Gaol Tours
Things To Do Geelong, Greater Geelong, Victoria
Cultural and Theme Tours
Come and walk in the footsteps of history today with the Geelong Gaol tours. Housed in the 19th century Geelong Gaol, the National Crime and Justice Museum at the Geelong Gaol present a look back at the past criminal justice system and prisoner conditions of the 1800s through to the present day.
The Geelong Gaol first opened to prisoners in 1853 and the cell block remains much the same today. Small cells, freezing conditions and a bucket for a toilet are what greeted prisoners right up until 1991 when the goal closed. Over the years, it has housed male and female prisoners, functioned as an industrial school for young girls, was a hospital gaol for many years, and a military detention barracks. It was also the site of six executions.
Services
From $23.5 to $30
Thousands have entered the gates of the Geelong Gaol and many have tried to escape. Hear the stories of those who have tried to leave before their times was up – some succeeded and some failed.
Opening in 1853, the Geelong Gaol is one of Australia’s most intact 19th-century convict prisons.
For 138 years it was a place of incarceration for men, women, and children from all walks of life serving sentences imposed by the law of Geelong. Many tried to escape over the entirety of its history. Some succeeded but many failed. Hear the stories of some of these prisoners.
Tours are led by one of our character guides or historian.
Please note the cost of the tour is in addition to the Museum entry.
Disabled Access
Family Friendly Non Smoking Public ToiletFrom $23.5 to $30
For 170 years, the Geelong Gaol has overlooked the township of Geelong leaving its mark in history.
Deb Robinson is the general manager and historian of the Geelong Gaol. For the last decade she has researched the Geelong Gaol, her prisoners, and staff. Deb hosts the historical true crime podcast Locked Up With History and becomes Madam Murder for the Criminal Outsider performances. Deb is the author of In Her Words: Stories of the Executed Women of Australia and has co-authored Black Widow: Women Who Kill and The Hunt for the Australian Ripper.
Join Deb for 60 minutes as she regales you with tales of the building, prisoners, and staff that once worked or were incarcerated here.
Disabled Access
Non Smoking Public Toilet$40
Join the team at National Crime and Justice Museum for a night you will not forget, as you are guided through one of the most haunted Gaols in Australia.
Hear spine-tingling stories of life locked behind the walls of one of the most infamous and oldest gaols in Victoria, as you explore inside the building. It has been home to convicts, prisoners, men, women and children for 138 years. It has housed murders, rapists, thieves, lunatics, vagrants and has been the site of many of their deaths.
Some of them are perhaps still here, are you brave enough to find out.
This is a 90 minute walking tour through this three story building led by a costumed guide.
Tour departs from the front gate of the old Geelong Gaol on Myers Street, doors open 15 minutes before tour.
Tours are available seven nights a week.
School group bookings and private group bookings are available on request.
Disabled Access
Carpark Non Smoking Public Toilet
