Life in the City Watch House

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Life in the City Watch House

Cultural and Theme Tours
5 min guests
30 max guests

Highlights

  • Experience the stark atmosphere of the Old City Watch House, immersing yourself in Melbourne's gripping history.
  • Explore austere cells and exercise yards, gaining insight into the lives of countless detainees from 1909 to 1994.
  • Conclude your tour at the Bending the Bars Exhibition, delving deeper into the stories behind the Watch House.
  • Capture a memorable mug shot, creating a unique keepsake of your immersive journey through Melbourne's past.

Experience the gripping reality of being ‘arrested’ in this uniquely immersive tour guided by a ‘Charge Sergeant.’ From the moment you’re taken into custody, you’ll encounter the stark and sobering atmosphere of the Old City Watch House.

Operating from 1909 to 1994, the City Watch House served as Melbourne’s primary holding facility for individuals awaiting their court dates. During this near-century-long period, every person apprehended in Melbourne passed through its formidable doors, situated directly across from the historic Russell Street Police Station.

Accompanied by your guide, you’ll explore the austere cells and former exercise yards that once held countless detainees. Conclude your journey with a visit to the compelling Bending the Bars Exhibition, and don’t forget to snap your very own mug shot as a memorable keepsake of your time in the Watch House.

Tour details

  • Cultural and Theme Tours
  • Customised
  • Independent / Self-guided Tour
  • 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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