Old Melbourne Gaol: Ned Kelly & Gallows Admission Ticket

Inside the Prison Where Ned Kelly Faced Execution

You get self-guided access to three levels of Melbourne's oldest prison, the gallows where over 100 executions took place, and Ned Kelly's death mask. The audio guide walks you through the criminal history and the lives of the men, women and children held there. Your ticket includes the app, admission and a souvenir, and you move at your own pace with no group schedule to follow.

Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants to explore Melbourne's criminal history at their own pace without a guide or group schedule—the self-guided format and audio app mean you spend as much or as little time as you want on each story.

What’s included

Your admission includes self-guided access to all three levels of the original gaol, download access to the Audio Guide App that narrates the history and stories, and a National Trust souvenir (tote bag, keyring, or stuffed toy, subject to availability).

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Melbourne Gaol history

• Arrive at Old Melbourne Gaol
• Explore three levels of the gaol
• See the gallows site
• View Ned Kelly’s death mask
• Learn about Women and Children displays
• Use Audio Guide App
• Collect National Trust Souvenir

The Experience

The audio guide app wouldn't load on my phone the first time I tried it—typical—but the staff at the desk sorted it out in about two minutes, and then I was standing in front of the gallows at Old Melbourne Gaol, actually looking at the structure where over 100 people were executed since 1845. It's smaller than you'd think, and that's what makes it hit different. You walk through the three levels of the original gaol yourself, no rush, no group moving around you, and the app narrates the stories as you go—the men, the women, the children who were held here, and the ones who didn't leave alive.

Ned Kelly's death mask is there, and so is the actual gallows. The Women and Children displays are separate and detailed in a way that makes you stop and read instead of just moving through. The gaol is a short walk from Melbourne Central Station, or you can catch the free City Circle Tram to stop seven on the corner of La Trobe and Russell Streets if you'd rather not navigate on foot. The whole thing is self-paced, so if you want to spend an hour or three hours, that's on you—no one's herding you along.

Your ticket includes the audio guide app download, general admission to all three levels, and a National Trust souvenir (tote bag, keyring, or stuffed toy, depending on what's in stock that day). The gaol has partial wheelchair accessibility, though stairs and the upper levels will limit some access. Prams and strollers work fine on the lower sections, and there's no fitness requirement—it's a museum, not a hike.

Top questions

How long does it take to go through Old Melbourne Gaol?

There's no set duration—you control the pace. Most visitors spend one to three hours depending on how much you read and listen to the audio guide.

Is the audio guide included in the ticket?

Yes. Your admission includes access to download the Audio Guide App, which narrates the stories as you move through the three levels.

Can I bring a stroller or pram?

Yes, prams and strollers work on the lower levels. The gaol has partial wheelchair accessibility, but stairs and upper levels may limit access.

What's included in the National Trust souvenir?

The souvenir is either a tote bag, keyring, or stuffed toy, depending on availability on the day you visit.

Where is Old Melbourne Gaol located?

It's a short walk from Melbourne Central Station. You can also catch the free City Circle Tram to stop seven on the corner of La Trobe and Russell Streets.

Will I see Ned Kelly's death mask?

Yes. Ned Kelly's death mask is one of the key exhibits on display inside the gaol.

Is this suitable for children?

Yes, but the content is about executions and crime history. The gaol has special displays about the Women and Children held there, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller.

Do I need to book in advance?

The reference content does not specify advance booking requirements. Check the booking page for current availability and entry times.