geelong gaol museum, geelong
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Ok, let’s start from the beginning. This imposing old gaol, in the middle of Geelong first opened in 1853 and only closed its doors in 1991. Up until then it housed Victoria’s worst criminals and the shadiest of characters - including the likes of Chopper Read and bushranger Frank McCallum. There were 6 people executed here in the gallows that are literally in the centre of the jail.
It’s a harsh and cold prison, where there were tiny cells (often holding 3 men), a sliver of a window to the outside world, no toilets, and insanity-inducing solitary confinement.
It’s also one of Victoria’s most haunted buildings…
This 3 storey penitentiary - now turned museum - still has all its old features. You get a real feeling of what life was like locked up here, and it wouldn’t have been pretty.
There is of course all the cells, and also the surgery, hospital and gymnasium, and throughout you can read all about who was here, their stories, and also see heaps of artefacts.
There are certain spaces in here that will have the hairs prick up on the back of your neck - maybe it’s cells 44 and 45 where one of the last murders took place and where people have reported feelings of being pushed out…or pulled INTO the cells. Yup.
Maybe it’s the kitchen, opposite the morgue - where the most activity has been felt, where the young ghost Johnny lives...until he disappears and Mr Nasty shows up…
Mamma could only step one foot into this room.
The place is fascinating and manager Rod really knows his stuff - be sure to ask him to show you the creepy footage of entities that have appeared on the surveillance cameras late at night.
They do daytime tours here for more of an in depth history and also night time tours, only for the brave. Are you brave enough?
the nitty gritty
202 Myers Street,
Geelong
Open 7 days 12-5pm, other times by appointment (or tours)
Adults $20, Kids $12, family ticket $60
Ideal for tweens/teens
mamma’s special mention: You need some good vibes and pizza after that! Head to Barwon Edge Cafe, a short drive away
