Central Business District in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

Old Melbourne Gaol Trust Marker

— Old Melbourne Gaol —

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 16, 2026

1. Old Melbourne Gaol Trust Marker Marker

Inscription. Old Melbourne Gaol
Built in stages 1841-62
Cell block built 1852-54
by the Public Works
Department

Classified

Erected by National Trust of Australia - Victoria.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.

Location. 37° 48.469′ S, 144° 57.932′ E. Marker is in Melbourne, Victoria. It is in the Central Business District. It is at the intersection of Russell Street and MacKenzie Street, on the left when traveling north on Russell Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 357 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

Australasia,

the Pacific Ocean,

South Pacific,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bluestone Gaol Wall (a few steps from this marker); Gaol Arched Entrance (a few steps from this marker); Site History - Old Melbourne Gaol (within shouting

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distance of this marker); The Melbourne Gaol Men's Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); 2nd Cell Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Gaol Bluestone (within shouting distance of this marker); Ironstone Walls and Footings (within shouting distance of this marker); Western Gaol Wall Archway (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.

Also see . . . Old Melbourne Gaol. Victorian Heritage Database

The Old Melbourne Gaol was erected in stages between 1851 and 1864 by the Public Works Department of the Colony of Victoria, the design is attributed to Henry Ginn, Chief Architect of the Department. The oldest remaining section is the Second Cell Block (1851-1853) which serves as a museum and consists of a long block with three tiers of cells terminating in the central hall (1860), the site of the scaffold. The chapel, entrance block and the remaining walls date from the early 1860s. The Gaol Chapel is attributed to H.A. Williams, who worked for the Public Works Department. The north facade and bellcote of the chapel, which exhibit more Italian origins,
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 16, 2026

2. Old Melbourne Gaol Trust Marker at Museum Entrance Door
are attributed to John James Clark or Gustav Joachimi, both Public Works Department architects. All of the buildings are constructed in bluestone. As the oldest surviving penal establishment, it was the site where one of the most notable criminals, Ned Kelly was imprisoned, executed and buried, amongst many other criminals. The complex ceased to be used as a gaol in 1923 and a number of buildings were subsequently demolished to accommodate the City Watch House, Police Garage, Emily McPherson College and various buildings for RMIT.

(Submitted on June 24, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 24, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.