Adelaide Gaol Tours and Activities

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

• 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.