Make room for
a little wonder.

Opening times

All times are local to Melbourne.

Old Melbourne Gaol

10:00–17:00 · Every dayLast entry 15:00

Closures

Good Friday and Christmas DayNight tours and special events are ticketed separately

Allow time to explore before closing. Your ticket shows your date and entry time.

Finding the gaol

The Old Melbourne Gaol is on Russell Street, between Victoria Street and La Trobe Street, in central Melbourne.

• By train: the gaol is about five minutes’ walk from State Library and Melbourne Central stations.
• By tram: routes 30 and 35 stop at Exhibition Street (stop 8), inside the Free Tram Zone.
• Before arrival: leave time for the journey and entry checks so you are ready for your booked slot.

Useful stops along the way

Facilities can change through the year. Visitors can usually expect:

• An audio guide app for the self-guided visit.
• Cold drinks and ice creams for sale; no food or drink inside the heritage buildings.
• Food courts nearby at Melbourne Central and QV.

Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours, and bring a phone and headphones for the audio guide. Ask staff about current arrangements when you arrive.

A visit that works for you

The Old Melbourne Gaol is partially wheelchair accessible. The cell block has three levels with no lifts or ramps, and some cell doors are narrow; about 80% of the information is on the ground floor.

• Check arrangements for your particular mobility or access needs before travelling.
• If you are bringing a stroller, confirm the current arrangements before arrival.
• Ask gaol staff for assistance or directions during your visit.

Enjoy the gaol thoughtfully

• Keep to the visitor paths, walk rather than run, and supervise children.
• Leave cell doors, displays and historic surfaces untouched, and take care on the iron stairs.
• Smoking and animals are not permitted on the site.
• Commercial photography and filming, including product promotion, need permission.
• Follow the signs and staff guidance, including any restrictions in the exhibition spaces.

A little care helps protect the gaol and its atmosphere for everyone.

Make time for a pause

There is no café at the gaol, but the food courts at Melbourne Central and QV are a short walk away.

• Stop for breakfast, lunch, a hot drink or refreshments nearby.
• Leave room in your plans to sit down and enjoy the setting.
• Check opening hours and menus on the day; food and drinks are purchased separately.

Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the heritage buildings.

A few details worth planning

• Book ahead: choose the date, time and places you want to visit before making other plans.
• Keep your QR ticket ready: save it on your phone or bring a printed copy, with any proof needed for reduced admission.
• Start in the right place: follow your ticket’s instructions for where to enter the gaol.
• Come prepared: comfortable shoes, a charged phone and headphones make the audio guide easier.
• Leave space to linger: allow about an hour for the cell block and more for the exhibitions.