History Day at Adelaide Gaol
Explore the Adelaide Gaol and look a little deeper into the lives of some of the Female Felons that were at the Gaol.
Take your headphones along and listen to the newly released Elizabeth Woolcock Audio tour. It will take you through her last footsteps at the Gaol.
Learn about the Gaol’s most interesting characters including a fortune teller and the most incarcerated individual here in South Australia.
There will be lawn games for the kids to enjoy and local authors throughout the Gaol for book signings and sales.
Food will be available at the Mugshot Canteen throughout the day – hot pastries, sandwiches, bakery items, snacks, hot coffee and cold drinks.
Explore the gift shop and even pick up a piece of the Adelaide Gaol with the 1841 Heritage slate tiles.
Limited parking onsite – there are two tram stops close by for those travelling by public transport.
Online bookings essential.
Entry is only $5.60pp and children under 4 are FREE.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS
What Else to See and Do:
After you’ve checked out the records, explore further afield to learn more about this iconic site and the prisoners that were kept there.
Find out what landed them behind bars, the realities of prison life, and the ways they tried to escape.
Walk through the cells, around the exercise yard and into the hanging tower, or look at the official documents and artefacts of the prisoners and guards, such as mug shots and uniforms.
About the Adelaide Gaol
Built in 1841, Adelaide Gaol is one of the state’s two oldest public buildings, a title it shares with Government House (1839) on North Terrace.
The gaol finally closed its doors in 1988 when the last inmates were transferred to other institutions.
It had operated for 147 years, hosting more than 300,000 prisoners – and executing 45 of them.
Now the gaol is one of Adelaide’s most popular heritage attractions, with self-guided tours available seven days a week, as well as guided historical tours for groups and schools, and ghost tours.
Interested in South Australia’s rich history? Read our stories to learn about our naval history, River Murray shipwrecks, and built heritage captured in pictures.
Entry
$5.60 per person. Infants are free.
Online bookings are essential.
Parking
Limited free parking will be available on site. The use of public transport to and from History Day is encouraged. Bus stop 1 on Port Road is a short walk from the Adelaide Gaol. Nearby tram stops are located on the corner of West Terrace and North Terrace or adjacent to George Street, Thebarton. Please note there is no right turn into Gaol Road from the city.
Discover more SA History Festival 2023 events
For more information and all enquiries please visit the SA History Festival website.
What: History Day at Adelaide Gaol
When: Sunday 21 May 2023 | 10am – 4pm (last entry 3pm)
Where: Adelaide Gaol | 18 Gaol Road, Thebarton
Who: Everyone
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: Supplied
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