Old Beechworth Gaol, Beechworth

Quite an impressive tour which happens at scheduled times. Numbers are limited due to COVID at 40 people so it might be sold out if you rock up 5 minutes before the tour starts. Tickets are 18.50 and can be purchased from a small cafe which sells cakes and reasonable coffee which is a good problem if you come early. During school holidays they had tours at 11, 12 and 1 with each tour taking a little under an hour. Some info on the Kelly gang is also included.

What a fantastic experience this was, we went here for a family day outing and we had explored the other small museums that were in the vicinity. We decided to book in online which was so easy and quick and was done with a tour guide. We ended up coming on a family open day which was a fun event although not a lot was going on, it was a cute and a light event. We went with our kids and nephew, we met out the front of the goal and listened to an informative talk about the history of the Goal, then went inside the rec yard where we learnt more about the Goal and some of the stories of the inmates. We went inside the cell blocks and the talk continued we were then given about 10mins to have a free look around the bottom floor, the top floor was not accessible due to safety regulations. But the second floor was apparently the same as the bottom floor. You don't get to go through the entire building, this is probably having a lot to do with that there are other businesses now occupying the Goal. It certainly was an interesting experience, i would have loved to see some other parts of the building, not just the cell blocks and parts of the yard. But the whole family really enjoyed the experience. Accessibility for aged and Disable: There are some minor steps into the goal, we had a lady with a pram, and they accommodated the mum to access the area, so I would assume that a wheelie walker or wheelchair would be accommodated for. It can be a bit hot during the warmer months as we stood outside listening to the talk which was a little uncomfortable, but at the time we went was tolerable. Maybe on hot days they change where they do the talk. Food and drink: I believe they have a cafe there that runs most days of the week, it seemed a permanent fixture to the place and also there is a cafe. I would recommend coming here and do the other museums as well as they support each other in the history of Beechworth. hope you enjoy it as much as we did. :-)

Great place to bring the family and learn about the area and the old jails history. The tour was great and you learn about some of the history of the inmates that spent time there including Ned Kelly.

I am only reviewing the cafe as I actually have not done the Gaol tour. It was in the middle of Covid and there was a challenge with staff and being forced to close sporadically so the range of food and cakes wasn’t standard. The food was ok but not the best. I think when Covid has passed the men range and food quality will improve. I would recommend a visit here as the grounds are spectacular and the trees and outdoor seating is relaxing and splendid.

Visiting hours are only 9 to 2 and you can only go through the gaol in guided tours and there are only 2 per day. It might be great but I'll have to reserve opinion. The old Court House almost next door is great.