Explore one of Geelong's darker sides with a visit to the
old Geelong Gaol, which has recently been reopened, not for
prisoners but for tourists.
This bleak and scary building was built in stages from 1849
to 1864 and was designed on an English prison called
Pentonville. it was built by prisoners who slept on high
security barges on Corio Bay.
In today's terms the prisoners lived in appalling conditions
with freezing stone walls and iron bars.
Photo: The Geelong Gaol is open daily and hosts a
series of special events during the year
During the Second World War the
Geelong Gaol was used as an army barracks
This prison was used right up until 1991 when a new "hotel
style' prison was built near Lara.
The Gaol is open on weekends and holidays and markets or
special events operate regularly..
The three-storey central block is cruciform with east and
west wings serving as cells (some featuring interesting
graffiti), north wing as administration and the south wing
as kitchen /hospital/ablution rooms and tailoring workshop.
A tour takes in all elements of the complex including
security points, prisoners' murals, muster and exercise
areas, watchtowers, and a
gallows setting depicting the 1863 hanging of James Murphy
for beating a constable to death with a hammer in the
Geelong courthouse.
GEELONG
