Along with the gold rush of the 1850s came a wave of crime to the region, and soon the local police station was bursting. This gaol was built in 1861 and housed men, women and children. In the early 1900s it was remodelled as a reformatory school for boys, before reopening as a male prison in the 1950s. These days you can take a guided tour on Fridays through Sundays to learn about the prison’s history, or come of an evening for live music. In summer, these performances are joined by a pop-up bar in the outdoor courtyard. In winter the post-gig festivities move into the indoor Mess Hall.
Along with the gold rush of the 1850s came a wave of crime to the region, and soon the local police station was bursting. This gaol was built in 1861 and housed men, women and children. In the early 1900s it was remodelled as a reformatory school for boys, before reopening as a male prison in the 1950s. These days you can take a guided tour on Fridays through Sundays to learn about the prison’s history, or come of an evening for live music. In summer, these performances are joined by a pop-up bar in the outdoor courtyard. In winter the post-gig festivities move into the indoor Mess Hall.
34–48 Bowden Street, Castlemaine
(03) 5470 6222
Old Castlemaine Gaol
