The Ghosts of Old Melbourne Gaol



In the heart of Australia’s cultural capital lies one of its darkest historical landmarks the Old Melbourne Gaol. Built in the mid-19th century, this formidable bluestone prison once held some of the most infamous and tragic figures in Australian criminal history, including the legendary outlaw Ned Kelly. But beyond its legacy of law and punishment, the gaol is infamous for something far more chilling, its ghosts.

With over 130 executions carried out within its grim walls and countless inmates dying from illness, suicide, or violence, the Old Melbourne Gaol is a hotspot of paranormal activity. Visitors, staff, and paranormal investigators have all reported strange phenomena from unexplained voices to sightings of spectral figures making it one of the most haunted locations in the country.

A Brief and Brutal History

Constructed in stages between 1839 and the late 1860s, Old Melbourne Gaol was designed to be a model prison based on British standards of isolation and reform. Inmates were kept in silence and solitude, many of them subjected to harsh discipline and inhumane conditions. Men, women, and even children were incarcerated here. Some were held for petty crimes, others for murder. Executions were carried out by hanging, and those executed were buried on site in unmarked graves often with a final hood and rope still marking their end.

These conditions, combined with the sheer number of deaths, have led many to believe that not all of the gaol’s inhabitants ever left…

The Ghost of Ned Kelly

Perhaps the most iconic and controversial figure associated with the gaol is Ned Kelly, Australia’s infamous bushranger and folk hero. Kelly was hanged at Old Melbourne Gaol in 1880 at the age of 25, and his final words reportedly “Such is life” have become legend.

His spirit is believed to linger, particularly in the wing where he was held before execution. Cold spots, flickering lights, and feelings of intense emotion are frequently reported in that area. Some visitors claim to have seen a shadowy figure in a long coat and hat eerily reminiscent of the way Kelly is often depicted.

The Crying Woman

One of the gaol’s most chilling apparitions is said to be a woman dressed in a long dress, often seen crying near the cells that once held female prisoners. Some believe this could be Elizabeth Scott, the first woman executed in Victoria, who maintained her innocence until her death in 1863. Others think she may be one of the many unnamed women who suffered brutal conditions and abuse within the prison walls.

Her ghost is often associated with sudden feelings of grief, whispers in the dark, and even phantom weeping that seems to echo off the cold stone walls.

The Children’s Spirits

One of the more heartbreaking aspects of the gaol’s history is the number of children who were imprisoned there some as young as three or four years old, often incarcerated with their mothers or for minor crimes. Paranormal teams have reported small footsteps, the sounds of laughter, and even toys moving on their own during overnight investigations. These child spirits are often described as mischievous but harmless tugging on clothes, hiding equipment, or peeking out from behind corners before vanishing.

The Execution Yard and the Gallows

The execution area, where hangings took place, is one of the gaol’s most active sites. Visitors frequently report oppressive energy, sudden dizziness, or feelings of being watched. The gallows themselves eerily preserved are said to be haunted by those who met their end by rope. Some mediums have claimed to hear names whispered into their ears, while others feel physically ill in the chamber. Apparitions of men in outdated prison uniforms have also been spotted here, staring blankly or walking slowly before fading into the shadows.

Modern Encounters and Paranormal Tours

Today, the Old Melbourne Gaol is a popular museum and tourist attraction, offering historical and paranormal tours. The after-dark ghost tours are particularly popular, with guides sharing spine-chilling tales and real reports from staff and visitors. Guests have recorded EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena), captured strange figures in photographs, and had unexplained equipment malfunctions. Some even report being touched, pushed, or hearing voices when no one else is near.

The gaol has been featured on numerous paranormal shows and remains a favorite location for both amateur and professional ghost hunters.

Final Thoughts

The Old Melbourne Gaol is more than a relic of colonial justice it’s a place where history lingers, not just in stone and steel, but in something deeper, something unseen. It is a reminder of a harsh era, where pain and punishment often outweighed justice, and where the spirits of the condemned may still walk the halls in eternal unrest.

Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or just a curious traveler, one thing is certain: a visit to the Old Melbourne Gaol leaves an impression that’s hard to shake.