old beechworth gaol

Old Beechworth Gaol in Beechworth is a fascinating step back in time for the whole family. Operating from 1864 until the 1990s, this imposing historic gaol is now open for public tours, where expert guides share tales of life behind bars as you explore exercise yards, narrow hallways, and tiny prisoner cells. The building is remarkably preserved, giving a true sense of the conditions prisoners—like the infamous Ned Kelly and his family—once endured. Some parts of the tour cover mature topics, such as the gallows and eight executions, but parents are warned and can choose to skip these sections, making it a memorable, educational experience for older kids.