The Adelaide Gaol: In the Adelaide City region of South Australia

The Adelaide Gaol, just out of the city at Thebarton, gives the general public the opportunity to understand the life of a prisoner. The gaol only closed in 1988 and is one of the oldest remaining colonial public buildings in Adelaide. By August of 1988 the gaol opened again as one of SA's most unique tourist attractions.

Manager Deanne Hanchant-Nichols, says she was very excited to be offered the position at the gaol. "It's a very interesting place," said Deanne. "It's a part of South Australia's history." The gaol's preservation is important to Deanne. The 19th century gaol architecture, cells, yards and honeycomb brickwork walls with razor wire are still in place and well maintained. Homemade weapons, tattooing equipment, bombs and knotted bed-sheets that prisoners used for escape attempts are on display.

During the gaol's 147 years of operation 48 people were executed. The bodies of these victims are buried at the gaol. The numbers, names and dates of the hangings are written in various spots between the walls marking the place of burial. The only woman ever hanged in South Australia was Elizabeth Woolcock in 1873, and her body too, is buried at the gaol.

"People with a macabre interest find this particularly fascinating," said Deanne. "However, I had one lady leave the gaol after 15 minutes because she felt very uncomfortable knowing prisoners had been hanged here. The eeriness was too much for her."

General Tours and Fees

Guided tours are run every Sunday and selected public holidays at 11am, 12 noon and 1pm. Self-guided tours can be taken weekdays between 11am and 3:30 p.m and Sundays after 1pm. Admission for adults is $8, concession $6.50, children $5.50, and $20 for a family. Night tours, group tours for students and overnight visits, can be arranged (conditions apply).

Ghost Tours of the Gaol are also available. Individuals can join the Public Ghost tour on the first Thursday of each month. Tours start at 7 p.m. and cost $20 p.p, a light supper is included. No vouchers are accepted for the ghost tours. Groups of 6 or more can phone the Gaol to organise a tour.

Sleep-overs at the Gaol can be arranged for groups of 15 or more at a cost of $50 p.p. A night tour of the Gaol is included in the cost. Groups stay in original prisoner dormitories which sleep up to 48 people. B.B.Q. and Kitchen facilities are available.

B&B Cells - Why not spend a night in one of our Bed & Breakfast Cells ? Single, Double and Queensize cells are available at a cost of $150. per couple.

Functions - The function Centre at Adelaide Gaol lends itself to a variety of uses e.g. Weddings, Parties, Corporate functions. Just contact the Gaol for details.

Volunteers are also needed so feel free to contact the Gaol if you are interested.

Opening times are:
Weekdays 11am - 3:30 p.m.(last entry) (self-guided tours with an audiotape)
Saturdays by appointment (groups only)
Sundays and selected Public Holidays guided tours 11:00am, noon & 1pm, self-guided tours to 3:30 p.m. (last entry)
Night Tours, Ghost Tours & Groups by appointment

For more information phone (08) 8231 4062 or email hanchant-nichols.deanne@saugov.sa.gov.au or visit the Gaol website at www.adelaidegaol.org.au

Join Keith Conlon when he and the team explored the Old Adelaide Gaol.