Escape Artists Tour

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Escape Artists Tour

Cultural and Theme Tours
5 min guests
30 max guests

Highlights

  • Explore Melbourne’s Historic Crime and Justice Precinct while uncovering tales of daring escape artists.
  • Join knowledgeable National Trust guides to hear incredible stories that bring history to life for all ages.
  • Discover the intriguing escape attempts at Old Melbourne Gaol, where over 60 attempts unfold in fascinating detail.
  • Experience the thrill of the nearby City Watch House, a site of memorable getaways until its closure in 1994.

Step back in time to hear incredible tales of brave and clever escape artists. From Ann Miniver-Davis, who disguised herself as the Prison Governor’s wife, to Ronald Ryan, who spent six hours making a hole in the ceiling, the gaol is filled with fascinating stories of those who dared to break free.

Over its 79 years of operation, Old Melbourne Gaol saw more than 60 escape attempts. Even the nearby City Watch House, which only closed in 1994, had its share of thrilling getaways.

Join the knowledgeable National Trust guides on this exciting outdoor tour, perfect for all ages. Explore what remains of Melbourne’s Historic Crime and Justice Precinct and hear amazing stories of some of the gaol’s most creative escape artists.

Tour details

  • Cultural and Theme Tours
  • Customised
  • Small Group Tour
  • Basic
  • On demand

Features

Service facilities

  • Family Friendly
  • Non Smoking
  • Public Toilet
Accessibility

Disabled access available, contact operator for details.

Operation information

Old Melbourne Gaol Tours

Delve into the history and uncover the hidden stories of Old Melbourne Gaol by joining one of the immersive tours, led by a knowledge and engaging team of guides.

Step inside the former City Watch House on the ‘Life in the City Watch House’ tour. With a ‘Charge Sergeant’ as the guide, visitors are arrested and encounter what it is like to be locked.

Hear stories of some of the most daring escapes on the ‘Escape Artists Tour’ – from the cunning and clever to the sometimes foolhardy and downright dangerous, the gaol was the site of many escapes throughout its history.

Or brave the dark and experience Old Melbourne Gaol by night.

The gaol has long been one of the city’s most feared sites. The prisoners may be long gone, but those in the know say their spirits have never left. Over many years, staff and visitors have experienced an unexplainable presence in the Gaol.

Do ghosts still roam the cells? Discover for yourself with the ‘Ghost, what Ghosts?’ night tour.

What stories would a hangman tell you if he was guiding you around the Gaol, where he was the master of the rope? Find out on the Hangman’s Night Tour.

Tags

  • Family
  • History & Heritage

Accreditations

  • National Trust
  • Quality Tourism Accreditation
  • Sustainable Tourism Accreditation by ATIC

Memberships

  • National Trust

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