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To assist in maintaining social distancing the night tours will no longer be offered by torchlight. Instead lighting will be turned on inside the site to enhance visibility.
All Guided Tours must be pre-booked.
Immerse yourself in the history of Maitland Gaol on this 1½ hour tour, discovering stories of all sorts of heroes and villains.
Our expert guides are regularly undertaking and updating research to give you the most informed tour of this 150 year old institution. Delve into all parts of the site and learn of the changes that have occurred in prisoner treatment throughout the life of this oldest continuously operating correctional facility in Australia.
From the English Pentonville Model of the original cell blocks to the modern Maximum Security 5 Wing and the many ancillary buildings scattered throughout the site.
This tour is presented as a public night tour but is mainly presented for private groups where it may be adapted to highlight particular aspects of the facility at the request of the group organisers. It is suitable for children.
This tour has been specially designed and explores the various stories behind some of the documented escapes from Australia’s longest continuously operating correctional facility, Maitland Gaol.
Your guide will escort you around the site, delving into the ways prisoners were treated through various eras of prison management and how the Gaol was developed through its 150 year operational history.
Learn about the 'Magnificent Seven' which was the successful escape in September 1977 and Patrick McNamara, who escaped in August 1851, only to be recaptured four months later and face the hangman’s noose in March 1852.
This tour runs for approximately 90 minutes
Generally these tours highlight the historical features of the site and the social influences of law and order however the gaol is also an ideal tour location for Maths, English and Social Studies excursions. Talk to our staff about your school’s specific requirements today.
PRICES
Day tours- Monday to Friday 9.00am - 2.30pm ONLY
Per Group (maximum 20 persons): $234
Per Group (maximum 30 persons): $364
If group numbers are over 30 persons (including teachers) multiple groups may be booked. Please contact Maitland Gaol for more information.
Night tours- Monday to Thursday ONLY (from 8.00pm)
Per Group (maximum 20 persons): $558
Per Group (maximum 30 persons): $868
If group numbers are over 30 persons (including teachers) multiple groups may be booked. Please contact Maitland Gaol for more information.
Bookings essential.