Watch House Unlocked After Dark 2024

Unlock Melbourne’s criminal past with an after-dark tour of the Former City Watch House. From 1909 to 1994, this was the holding place for those arrested in Melbourne, awaiting trial.  

Join a National Trust Guide as you explore the Charge Room, padded cell, and exercise yards, learning about the crimes and stories of those once locked up. Walk through cells left untouched since the 1990s, see prisoner graffiti, and take your own mugshot! 

As part of the tour, visit the Bending the Bars exhibition, marking 40 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Victoria, and reflecting on the evolution of justice. 

Help information: 

• Check-in is at Old Melbourne Gaol, 377 Russell Street. 

• The tour includes confined spaces, so appropriate footwear is recommended. 

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time. Late arrivals will not be admitted, and refunds will not be provided. 

• Filming and photography are not permitted during the tour. However, you will have time to take photos at the end of the tour. 

Tours will run with a minimum of 15 tickets booked.

Host or Publisher National Trust of Australia (Victoria)