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👮🏻‍♂️ Melbourne’s Original Gaol. Est 1845.
🚨 Open 7 days 10am to 5pm
📷 Tag us @oldmelbgaol or @nationaltrustvic
📍 Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Country
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Did you know the City Watch House gained a reputation for being a tough, uncompromising place?

Opened in 1909 on the site of the original Melbourne Gaol cellblock, the Watch House was designed as a short-term lockup for people charged with criminal offences, arrested on warrant, or detained for drunkenness in a public place.

Until its closure in 1994, the City Watch House witnessed an endless procession of drunks, petty criminals, women of ill repute, and a regular who’s who from Melbourne’s criminal underworld. Among them were high-profile gangster Squizzy Taylor, his henchman Angus Murray, police murderer and escapee Ronald Ryan, Raymond Bennett and Leslie Kane.

Today, visitors to Old Melbourne Gaol can step inside this history through the Life in the City Watch House experience, exploring the original cells and learning what it was like inside Melbourne’s former central custody centre.

“Definitely do the watch house tour if you are going to Old Melbourne Gaol. The tour guide was absolutely fantastic - he was in character as a tough gaoler the whole time ans he made it so much fun for everyone. Five stars for sure!” Emma via Google reviews

Have you done the Life in the City Watch House experience? taken in Old Melbourne Gaol by @oldmelbgaol
1
5 months ago
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Which would you choose?

📿Hangman’s Night Tour
Stand beneath the gallows where 133 people met their fate and uncover the stories behind some of the prison’s most infamous inmates. Explore the history of crime and punishment, hear tales of notorious criminals, and come face-to-face with the Gaol’s collection of death masks, including Ned Kelly’s.

👻 Ghosts? What Ghosts? Night Tour
When the lights go out, a different side of the Gaol emerges. Explore the dark corridors after hours and hear chilling stories of unexplained encounters, mysterious happenings and the spirits said to linger within these historic walls.

Both tours run on select evenings at Old Melbourne Gaol.

Tell us in the comments: are you choosing Hangman or Ghosts? What Ghosts Tour? taken in Old Melbourne Gaol by @oldmelbgaol
1
3 months ago
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Billie B Brown’s mystery extended until Sun 11 Oct! Hunt for a long-lost treasure hidden inside the Old Melbourne Gaol. 

Using your activity map, you’ll follow a trail of clues through the historic cell block, meeting members of Billie B Brown’s Secret Mystery Club who will help guide you along the way. 

Whether you’re visiting from interstate on school holidays, or a local and it didn’t get to visiting, now’s your last chance to enjoy this experience.

🗓️ Daily 10am-5pm until Sun 11 Oct
📍377 Russell St, Melbourne
🎟️ Family tickets are free for National Trust members

➡️ Comment BILLIE and we’ll send you the details!

Based on the much-loved Billie B Brown book series by author and Australian Children’s Laureate Sally Rippin, with illustrations by Aki Fukuoka, in partnership with Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing. taken in Old Melbourne Gaol by @oldmelbgaol
1
13 days ago
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My favourite time of the year is officially here! Check it some of the spooky things Melbourne has to offer 🎃

Go on some rides and get your spook on at Luna Dark at @lunaparkmelb 👻

Be wowed by the Dracula Ballet at @hmt_melb 🧛

Get spooked at the @library_vic with their Haunted Library Tours 📚

Celebrate Halloween at Melbourne’s spookiest location @oldmelbgaol 👻

Brave enough to try a séance? Check @mrlawrenceleung out at @library_vic 👀

Go on an eerie walking tour with @lantern_ghosttours 💡

Save this post and follow for more Melbourne adventure ideas! ❤️ 

#melbourne #halloween #melbournetodo #melbournegirls #whatsonmelbourne taken in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia by @oldmelbgaol
4
17 days ago
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Looking for things to do with the kids these school holidays?

A National Trust Household Membership unlocks free and discounted entry to Victorian school holiday experiences and more for families.

🪎Billie B Brown and The Case of the Missing Treasure at Old Melbourne Gaol: normally $90 for a family of four, FREE for Members.

🔐PrisonBreak Explorers 2 at Pentridge Prison: normally $80 for a family of four, FREE for Members.

🐴Gulf Station Open Day at Yarra Glen: normally
$30 for a family of four, FREE for Members.

And the adventures don’t stop when the school holidays do.

Enjoy 12 months of free or discounted entry to 1000+ National Trust places across Victoria, Australia and around the world. Plus, 10% off in Trust shops, 15% off venue hire and access to member-only tours, events and experiences. 

Household Membership is currently $120 for 12 months, covering up to 2 adults + 4 children or grandchildren (under 18).

Join by 30 September 2026 (before the price rise on 1 October) and use code TRAVELAUS2026 online to waive the $40 joining fee! 

Comment MEMBERSHIP and we’ll send you the details. taken in Old Melbourne Gaol by @oldmelbgaol
0
19 days ago
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Little detectives, this one’s for you!

Two mysteries. Two iconic Melbourne locations. And plenty of clues to crack these school holidays 👀

Swipe through to see what’s waiting 👉

#melbourne #mystery #familyfun #holidays ad 

Billie B Brown & The Case of the Missing Treasure

🔎 Can your kids crack the case?

This school holidays, little detectives can join Billie B Brown and The Secret Mystery Club at Old Melbourne Gaol to solve The Case of the Missing Treasure!
Follow clues, decode secret messages and piece together the mystery as you explore the Gaol on this fun, self-paced adventure.

Perfect for curious kids aged 6–12 and their families, and running daily from 10am–5pm throughout the Spring School Holidays.

🎟️ National Trust Members get free family tickets.

Not a member yet? Use code MELBPARENT when you join and your $40 joining fee will be waived.

🔎 Plan your visit:
 https://www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au/event/billie-b-brown-and-the-case-of-the-missing-treasure 

Based on the Billie B Mysteries series by Sally Rippin @sallyrippinauthor, illustrated by Aki Fukuoka @aki.art. Developed by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) in partnership with Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing @hardiegrantkids 

PrisonBreak Explorers 2 at Pentridge Prison

🕵️ Calling all junior detectives!

Looking for something different to do with the kids these school holidays? Head to Pentridge Prison for PrisonBreak Explorers 2, a hands-on family mystery set inside the infamous H Division.

Kids aged 6–12 will need to crack clues, solve puzzles and follow the evidence to uncover the real crook before time runs out!
It’s a school holiday adventure for curious kids who love a challenge, with plenty of mystery along the way.

🎟️ National Trust Members get free family tickets.

Not a member yet? Use code MELBPARENT when you join and your $40 joining fee will be waived.

🔎 Plan your visit:
 https://pentridgeprisontours.com.au/event/school-holidays-at-pentridge-prison-tours taken in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia by @oldmelbgaol
11
21 days ago
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Looking for things to do with the kids these school holidays?

Here are a few ideas!

🔐PrisonBreak Explorers 2 at Pentridge Prison: normally $80 for a family of four, FREE for National Trust Members.

🕵🏼‍♀️Billie B Brown and The Case of the Missing Treasure at Old Melbourne Gaol: normally $90 for a family of four, FREE for National Trust Members.

🐴 Gulf Station Open Day at Yarra Glen: normal $30 for a family of four, FREE for National Trust Members.

Plus, plenty more! Check out our full program linked in our bio.

Did you know, as a National Trust Member you can keep exploring National Trust houses, gardens, landmarks and experiences across Victoria for the next 12 months and enjoy free or discounted entry to over 1,000 National Trust places across Australia and around the world.

A National Trust Household Membership is $120 for 12 months and covers up to two adults and four children or grandchildren. It’ll pay for itself in no time!

Join by 30 September to lock in the current Membership price.

Plus, use code TRAVELAUS2026 when you join online and we’ll waive the $40 joining fee.

$120. 12 months. So much to explore. Comment MEMBERSHIP and we’ll send you the details. taken in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia by @oldmelbgaol
0
a month ago
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Billie B Brown returns to Old Melbourne Gaol for the final time these Spring School Holidays!

Step inside Melbourne’s historic Old Melbourne Gaol and join Billie B and the Secret Mystery Club for an exciting self-paced mystery trail.

A mysterious treasure has been missing for years. Long ago, a guard lost it during his rounds inside the Gaol, and it was never found. Now, Billie B and her friends are determined to uncover the truth and solve the mystery once and for all.

Using your activity map, follow a trail of clues through the historic cell block, meeting members of the Secret Mystery Club along the way. Search for hidden clues, decode secret messages and uncover pieces of the story as you explore the Gaol.

 🗓️19 September to 4 October 2026, 10am–5pm
📍Old Melbourne Gaol, 377 Russell St, Melbourne
🎟️ Comment BILLIEB and we’ll send you the details and how to get free entry! taken in Old Melbourne Gaol by @oldmelbgaol
7
a month ago
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Scary. Terrifying. Fun! 👀

What’s it actually like to play Call of Cthulhu inside a real prison cell? Our last players know…

Cell of Cthulhu is a three-hour immersive tabletop role-playing experience where cosmic horror, dark worlds and unsettling mysteries come to life inside the historic City Watch House at Old Melbourne Gaol. 🔐

With a professional @mastersofalchemy Game Master guiding the story, you’ll work together to unravel a complete one-shot adventure. And yes, you’ll be playing from inside an authentic Melbourne prison cell.

📍 Old Melbourne Gaol – City Watch House, 377 Russell St, Melbourne
🗓️ Wednesday 23 September
🕡 6.30pm–9.30pm

Love tabletop games, dark history or immersive experiences? Or just looking for something completely different to do on a Melbourne weeknight?

Tag your gaming crew and get your tickets! 🎲

Comment GAME and we’ll send you the link to find out more. taken in Old Melbourne Gaol by @oldmelbgaol
2
a month ago
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Dress rehearsal complete! The space and the music is sounding and looking delicious. Come and hear Josh Dema's chocolaty cello tones and be enveloped by the voices of Alchemy in Out of The Deep. Tickets selling fast!!
____________________________⁠
🎟️ Ticket link in bio⁠
🗓️ Sat 12 September| 7pm⁠
📍 Old Castlemaine Gaol⁠
🗓️ Tues 15 September| 7pm⁠
📍 Old Melbourne Gaol⁠
⁠
📸 @dominicsteelecreative 💕⁠
⁠
#alchemyconsort #Outofthedeep#choralmusicmelbourne #ChoralMusic⁠
#Melbournearts by @oldmelbgaol
1
a month ago
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Visiting Melbourne for the NFL? The game’s just the kick off. 🏈

From the CBD to beautiful houses and gardens just outside, there are so many things to explore beyond the stadium. Check out Old Melbourne Gaol, Rippon Lea Estate, Como House, Tasma Terrace, and more. Perfect for visiting before or after the game. Hope you enjoy your time! 

#nationaltrustvic #visitmelbourne #nflmelbourne taken in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia by @oldmelbgaol
0
a month ago
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Put on some gloves and become a Dress Detective in the Old Magistrates’ Court. 👗

If you missed out on our previous fashion and costume collection events, here’s another chance to get up close with the National Trust’s Fashion & Dress Collection.

Led by one of our expert education facilitators, this hands-on experience invites you to examine garments dating from the 1830s onwards, looking closely at changing styles, silhouettes, materials and manufacturing techniques. Discover what these details can reveal about women’s lives, freedoms and identities through time.

🗓️ Saturday 12 September 2026
🕙 10am–11.30am
📍 Old Magistrates’ Court, Old Melbourne Gaol

🎟️ Book your place via the link in bio, and share this with a friend who might have missed our previous collection events! taken in Old Melbourne Magistrates’ Court by @oldmelbgaol
2
a month ago
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