Old Adelaide Gaol
Explore South Australia's longest-operating prison, a historic site filled with stories, eerie ambiance, and a chilling past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Old Adelaide Gaol
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore South Australia's longest-operating prison, a historic site filled with stories, eerie ambiance, and a chilling past.
"A hauntingly fascinating relic of South Australia's penal history, offering an insightful look into 19th and 20th-century prison life."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking a lot through historic cell blocks and yards. :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry and avoid queues, especially during peak times. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cell Blocks Exploration
Various wings of the Gaol
Wander through the historic cell blocks, seeing where inmates lived and the graffiti they left behind.
Execution Room
A Wing
A chilling reminder of the Gaol's grim past, this is where many executions took place.
Museum Exhibits
Various locations within the Gaol
Discover artifacts and stories detailing the Gaol's 140-year history and its impact on South Australia.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Fewer Crowds
Embrace the Self-Guided Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking a lot through historic cell blocks and yards. :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry and avoid queues, especially during peak times. :admission_tickets:
Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least two hours to fully explore and absorb the history. :clock1:
Consider a Guided Tour
Enhance your understanding with insights from knowledgeable guides. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking a lot through historic cell blocks and yards. :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry and avoid queues, especially during peak times. :admission_tickets:
Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least two hours to fully explore and absorb the history. :clock1:
Consider a Guided Tour
Enhance your understanding with insights from knowledgeable guides. :walking:
Ghost Tours Available
For a spooky experience, check out their evening ghost tours. :ghost:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Old Adelaide Gaol for its rich history and well-preserved state, offering a fascinating and eerie glimpse into South Australia's penal past. The friendly staff and self-guided tour are highlighted as positives, though some note the lack of air conditioning and the somber nature of the exhibits. It's considered a must-visit for history enthusiasts, though perhaps not a place for repeat visits for everyone.
"Another review I missed: Visited this historical place during the Easter break. The staff were really friendly and helpful — they gave us a map and a quick explanation of what to see. There’s so much history in one place, with many interesting stories. This is definitely a must-visit if you’re coming to Adelaide for the first time."
Sahani Palihawadane
"Adelaide Gaol locates at 18 Gaol Road where is not difficult to drive to.
Compare with other museums, it doesn’t have air conditioning exhibition halls and beautiful interior decorations. However, its real heritage and historical displays are worth enough for us to spend nearly two hours to walk through it (actually, multiple blocks joined together to form this museum).
After parking outside the prison, we walked to the admission counter to purchase our entry tickets. We started our self-guided tour after having a brief introduction given by the lovely staff 👍"
Richard Chieh
"It was certainly an interesting but eerie visit!
At the time we visited there was only a handful of other visitors so we could explore everything in peace which was nice.
The employees were lovely and helpful. At the entrance we got handed a map with a suggested path to follow to ensure you see everything which was very helpful. There was a lot of exhibits with many stories of past inmates to read. Most of the gaol has been well preserved; many graffiti’s from past prisoners are able to be observed within the cell doors.
Some areas were definitely spooky considering a fair few prisoners have been executed here and are buried within the outer wall.
It was interesting to have seen the gaol once and I would recommend it to others however it is not something I would re visit.necessarily."
Melisa Ak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Adelaide Gaol is located at 18 Gaol Road, Adelaide. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available outside the prison. Public transport options are also available; check local Adelaide transport schedules for bus routes that stop nearby.
Yes, there is parking available outside the Old Adelaide Gaol. This makes it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, you can visit without a car. Public buses service the area, and it's also a pleasant walk or bike ride from the city center for those who enjoy exploring on foot or by bike.
Driving is straightforward with available parking. Alternatively, public transport is a good option, or you can enjoy a scenic walk from the city.
The Gaol is generally accessible, though some areas may have uneven surfaces due to its historic nature. It's advisable to wear comfortable footwear.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees apply for the Old Adelaide Gaol. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing for self-guided tours and any special events.
Yes, you can purchase entry tickets at the admission counter upon arrival. However, booking online in advance is often recommended to guarantee entry, especially during busy periods.
The opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Old Adelaide Gaol website for the most up-to-date information on operating days and times.
Typically, there are options for self-guided tours. Special events or guided tours might have separate ticketing. Keep an eye on their website for any unique offerings.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is a good idea to ensure your entry and potentially save time waiting in line.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic cell blocks, learn about the Gaol's history through museum exhibits, and visit the chilling execution room. Self-guided tours are popular, and ghost tours are available for a spooky experience.
The Gaol offers a historical perspective that can be educational for older children. However, the content can be somber, so parental discretion is advised. School excursions are common.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use within the Old Adelaide Gaol. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on photography, especially during special events.
While self-guided tours are the primary way to explore, special guided tours or themed experiences might be offered. Check their schedule for any available options.
The atmosphere is often described as eerie and haunting, given its history of incarceration and executions. It's a place that evokes a strong sense of the past.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Typically, the Old Adelaide Gaol does not have extensive food and dining facilities on-site. It's advisable to eat before or after your visit, or bring your own snacks and water.
Bringing your own water and light snacks is usually permitted, but it's best to consume them in designated areas and ensure you clean up after yourself.
Yes, there are various cafes and restaurants in the surrounding Adelaide area that you can visit before or after your exploration of the Gaol.
The Old Adelaide Gaol primarily focuses on its historical exhibits and tours, and usually does not have a full-service cafe.
You'll find a range of dining options in Adelaide's city center and surrounding suburbs, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed inside the Old Adelaide Gaol. It's a great place to capture historical architecture and atmospheric shots.
While personal photography is usually permitted, it's wise to check for any specific rules regarding flash photography or professional shoots, especially during events.
The cell blocks, the exercise yards, and the exterior architecture offer compelling photographic opportunities. The execution room, while somber, is also a significant visual element.
Tripod usage might be restricted to avoid obstructing other visitors or damaging the historic site. It's best to inquire at the entrance if you plan to use one.
While dedicated photography tours aren't standard, the self-guided nature allows you to take your time and capture the details that interest you most.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Focus on the history: Frame the visit as a journey back in time to understand how people lived and were treated in the past.
* Prepare them: Briefly explain what a gaol is and why it's important to learn about it.
* Wear comfortable shoes: Kids will want to explore, so ensure they have sturdy footwear.
* Consider the timing: Weekday mornings are often less crowded, making for a more relaxed experience.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
For paranormal explorers:
* Book a ghost tour: These specialized tours are designed to highlight the Gaol's most haunted areas and share chilling tales.
* Visit during evening hours: The atmosphere is often amplified after dark.
* Be open to experiences: Many visitors report feeling a strong presence or witnessing unusual phenomena.
🏛️ History Buffs
For history enthusiasts:
* Allow ample time: Dedicate at least two hours to thoroughly explore the various sections and read the informative displays.
* Focus on the details: Pay attention to the preserved graffiti, the architectural changes over time, and the stories of individual inmates.
* Consider the context: Research the historical period before your visit to gain a deeper appreciation for the social and legal context of the Gaol's operation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into South Australia's Penal History
The architecture itself tells a story, with various wings added and modified over the decades, showcasing different eras of prison design and security. Visitors can explore the cell blocks, where the stark reality of inmate life is palpable. Many cells still bear the graffiti left by prisoners, offering a raw and personal connection to the past. The exercise yards provide a sense of the limited freedom afforded to those incarcerated. A particularly somber area is the execution room, a stark reminder of the ultimate punishment meted out within these walls.
The Old Adelaide Gaol is more than just a historical building; it's a place that sparks conversation about justice, punishment, and societal change. Its preservation ensures that future generations can learn from this significant chapter of South Australian history. The site also hosts various events, including fundraisers and paranormal investigations, adding a contemporary layer to its historical significance.
+2Experiencing the Eerie Ambiance
For those seeking a more intense encounter with the Gaol's spectral reputation, ghost tours are a popular option. These tours delve into the darker legends and reported paranormal activity within the prison. Social media content often highlights the spooky nature of the Gaol, with some visitors even claiming to have experienced unexplained phenomena.
The dimly lit corridors, the echoing sounds, and the stories of former residents create an environment that is ripe for chilling tales and personal encounters with the supernatural. Even during a standard self-guided tour, the Gaol's history of hardship and confinement can evoke a somber mood. The preserved graffiti, the worn cell doors, and the overall preservation of the site contribute to an immersive experience that transports visitors back in time. It's a place that encourages contemplation and a deeper understanding of the human stories behind the bricks and mortar.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit