Adelaide Gaol Tours and Activities
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One of the oldest buildings in South Australia, Adelaide Gaol is remarkable for its architecture, its history, and—allegedly—its ghosts. During its years of operation, 1841–1988, the jail housed over 300,000 prisoners, 45 of whom were executed on-site. Today it offers an interactive exhibition, a range of food options, and a shop.
The Basics
Explore the interactive exhibition at Adelaide Gaol, then wander the gloomy halls and cells on a self-guided tour, or book a dedicated history tour. Alternatively, visit the site at night for an atmospheric Adelaide ghost tour. More than 10 spirits are believed to haunt the jail, where 45 prisoners were hanged, while the prison’s graveyard is known as Murderer’s Row.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Adelaide Gaol stands just northwest of central Adelaide, around 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from Victoria Square. It’s about a 0.5-mile (1-kilometer) walk from the Royal Adelaide Hospital stop on the Glenelg Tram, which is free within the city center. A wealth of buses run to Stop 1 Port Road, a 5-minute walk from the jail, including the 286 and 288 from North Terrace.
When to Get There
Adelaide Gaol is open from late morning to early afternoon seven days a week, closing on Good Friday (the Friday before Easter) and Christmas Day. Visit midweek during the South Australian school summer vacation in late December, January, and early February. Adelaide Gaol ghost tours operate in the evenings: Join one that departs after sunset for a more atmospheric experience.
The Ghosts of Adelaide Gaol
Some consider Adelaide Gaol one of Australia’s most haunted places, and ghost sightings are common. Unquiet spirits include: Fred Carr, hanged in 1927 for murdering his wife, an act he denied to the end; William Baker Ashton, the jail’s first governor, who died under false suspicion of wrongdoing; and 19th-century hangman Ben Ellis, who hanged the only woman ever executed in South Australia.
The Basics
Explore the interactive exhibition at Adelaide Gaol, then wander the gloomy halls and cells on a self-guided tour, or book a dedicated history tour. Alternatively, visit the site at night for an atmospheric Adelaide ghost tour. More than 10 spirits are believed to haunt the jail, where 45 prisoners were hanged, while the prison’s graveyard is known as Murderer’s Row.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Adelaide Gaol is a must for history buffs and fans of the paranormal.
- With plenty of activities for kids, Adelaide Gaol is a great family option during the day. Ghost tours are only suitable for adults.
- Children aged 4 to 15, seniors over age 65, families, large groups, and Australian concession card holders enjoy discounted entrance to Adelaide Gaol.
- The jail has been adapted to allow visitors wheelchair access and offers free parking.
How to Get There
Adelaide Gaol stands just northwest of central Adelaide, around 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from Victoria Square. It’s about a 0.5-mile (1-kilometer) walk from the Royal Adelaide Hospital stop on the Glenelg Tram, which is free within the city center. A wealth of buses run to Stop 1 Port Road, a 5-minute walk from the jail, including the 286 and 288 from North Terrace.
When to Get There
Adelaide Gaol is open from late morning to early afternoon seven days a week, closing on Good Friday (the Friday before Easter) and Christmas Day. Visit midweek during the South Australian school summer vacation in late December, January, and early February. Adelaide Gaol ghost tours operate in the evenings: Join one that departs after sunset for a more atmospheric experience.
The Ghosts of Adelaide Gaol
Some consider Adelaide Gaol one of Australia’s most haunted places, and ghost sightings are common. Unquiet spirits include: Fred Carr, hanged in 1927 for murdering his wife, an act he denied to the end; William Baker Ashton, the jail’s first governor, who died under false suspicion of wrongdoing; and 19th-century hangman Ben Ellis, who hanged the only woman ever executed in South Australia.
Address: 18 Gaol Rd, Thebarton SA 5031, Australia
Admission: Varies
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Adelaide Gaol
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Adelaide Gaol Ghost Tour and Paranormal Investigation
13
Discover the supernatural side of the Adelaide Gaol on a 2-hour ghost tour of the historic prison. Rumored to be one of Australia’s most haunted locations, the Adelaide Gaol is also one of the oldest buildings in the city. Hear spooky stories of prisoners from the past and their ghosts who are rumored to still haunt the building. Learn about Adelaide’s history and its most notorious criminals as your guide shares informative and entertaining commentary on this spine-tingling evening tour.
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From
$31.13
From
$31.13

Torrens River Cruise in Adelaide
84
See Adelaide from the best seat in the house, by cruising along The Torrens River in the heart of the city in a heritage icon. Enjoy a 40-50 minute cruise with a running live commentary from our friendly skipper. Learn about the historical importance of the River Torrens surrounds and gain an understanding of how Adelaide is progressing as a city and why it's been ranked amongst the top liveable cities in the world!
The cruise will take you past the Festival Center, Adelaide's SAHMRI building, beautiful parklands, Adelaide University and more.
Questions are always welcome and picturesque photo opportunities a given.
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From
$18.61
From
$18.61
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More

High Tea Cruise on Popeye
9
See Adelaide from the best seat in the house, by cruising along The Torrens River in the heart of the city in a heritage icon. Join us for a one and a half hour cruise along The Torrens River for an authentic High Tea experience.
On the menu is a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, petit fours and a complimentary glass of South Australian champagne, beer, cider or soft drink on arrival and of course a bottomless cup or coffee or tea from T Bar’s Australiana collection.
Departing The Elder Park Landing, you will be served your refreshments and given time to catch up with friends and loved ones amidst a scenic tour of The Adelaide Riverbank on our very own Adelaide icon Popeye.
The cruise will take you past the Festival Center, Adelaide's SAHMRI building, beautiful parklands, Adelaide University and more.
Picturesque photo opportunities are a given.
…More
From
$50.39
From
$50.39
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More
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