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The Former City Watch House at Old Melbourne Gaol


Why you'll love this venue

  • Melbourne's most unusual and spectacular event venue.
  • Cluedo experience and a range of entertainment options available
  • Great filming and photography location.
This used to operate as Melbourne’s central custody centre or ‘holding place’ for people arrested and awaiting trial. For almost a century, every person arrested in Melbourne was lodged in this venue opposite the Russell Street Police Station. Today the cell block reverberates with the sounds of tourists walking where some of Australia’s most infamous prisoners were once held. Feel the etchings of prisoners past on the walls and experience a truly unique venue unlike any other. Great for cocktail events or sit down dinners in a space guests are unlikely to forget any time soon.

Contact Old Melbourne Gaol

4.5 (2975)
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Packages, Menus & Offers

Please note, that pricing and inclusions may be subject to change without notice. We recommend confirming with the venue prior to booking to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.


Room Layouts & Capacity

Standing150
Banquet80
Cabaret64

Amenities & Extras

$= Additional Cost

Food & Beverage

Bar Tab$
Coffee / Tea$
External Catering
Filtered Water
Venue Offers Catering$

Audio Visual Equipment (AV)

Microphone$
Projector
Speakers$
Stage$
TV$

Other Amenities & Extras

Accessible
Dance Floor$
External Music or DJ$
Flip Chart$
Lighting
Natural light
Receptionist
Restroom
Room Hire Only
Security$
Whiteboard$
WiFi

Google iconReviews for Old Melbourne Gaol

Debs A profile photo

Debs A

January 7, 2024

The Melbourne Gaol was a fascinating place to visit. Very interesting and full.of facts, we did the watch house tour and the Sargent she was really good in character and answered our questions. It's not fancy but a part of history, imagine what it was like in the 1800s and to think the last hanging was in the 60s!! CRAZY!! Staff were super helpful!!

Dylan Pukallus profile photo

Dylan Pukallus

November 25, 2023

Very interesting visiting the Old Melbourne Gaol, we started with the escape artist tour around the outside of the building. Interesting to hear about how much it's changed over the years up til present day. Then we walked around the inside, there's a lot of reading to do but all with interesting stories. Children may get a little bored. I would recommend doing a tour if you want to learn a little more

Hitesh Gupta profile photo

Hitesh Gupta

December 22, 2023

This is a cool place to visit, a lot of history and stories across the jail cells. A lot of good artifacts. I gave it 3 stars because I didn’t think it was worth $30+ per adult ticket. It would have been cool if they had a light and sound show. If you do visit, don’t forget to download the application which is free and listen to the voice guide along the way.

Carl Bronkhorst profile photo

Carl Bronkhorst

January 18, 2024

The backbone of Melbourne & its history all explained and laid out for you to discover. The history and story's the Old Melbourne Gaol tells as you explore the cells and yards where the prisoners were kept. It's amazing. Sitting in a cell knowing that there were people kept there of very 150 years ago is amazing. The architecture of the 1845 building and the workmanship is astonishing. It's an excellent way to fill in a few hours while in Melbourne or ever just pop in for a quick squiz.

Nicole Steck profile photo

Nicole Steck

February 18, 2024

Fascinating place and had a positive experience here. The history is interesting, and compelling stories are told without being over the top.


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120
250
Price on Request
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Venue Hours

Sunday-Saturday10:00am-05:00pm
Pricing Price on request

Event Types

18th Birthday Party21st Birthday Party30th Birthday Party40th Birthday Party50th Birthday PartyAwards DinnerBar MitzvahBirthday PartyChristmas PartyCocktail PartyConferenceCorporate FunctionDinnerEnd of Financial Year PartyEngagement PartyFunctionNetworking EventWedding