Old Melbourne Gaol

Frommer's Review

I love this historic old prison, with its tiny cells and spooky collection of death masks and artifacts of 19th-century prison life. Some 135 hangings took place here, including that of notorious bushranger (and Australian folk hero) Ned Kelly, in 1880. The scaffold where he was hanged still stands, and his gun, as well as a suit of armor used by a member of his gang, is on display. The jail closed in 1929. Profiles of former prisoners give a fascinating perspective of what it was like to be locked up here. Each Saturday, free performances of "The Real Ned Kelly Story -- Such a Life" are held at 12:30pm and 2pm (but be warned, when we attended a small girl burst into tears). Chilling night tours run every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, where you can experience the jail by candlelight with a "hangman," who will recount stories of the jail, its inmates, and his infamous art. Not for the fainthearted or children under 12. Tickets, available from Ticketek (tel. 13 28 49 or www.ticketek.com.au), cost A$25 (US$20/UK£10) for adults, A$17 (US$14/UK£6.80) for children under 15. Allow 1 hour or more.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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