Australia Tourist AttractionsAdelaide Gaol
Adelaide Gael was the first permanent Australian prison in South Australia and was operated from 1841-1988. Now the heritage site prison serves as a tourist attraction, museum and function centre. When the British settlement that is now Adelaide was originally created, no jail was built or planned as there was only free people colonizing the area and it was assumed that there was no need for one. However, when residents were warned that convicts from New South Wales has escaped and could possibly reach the colony they decided that it was necessary to build a gaol. The Gaol was built in a radial plan that means all access to the exercise yards and the cellblocks is from one centrally located point. The point was named "The Circle" as all prisoners or delivered would have to complete a circle to leave the facilities. Adelaide Gaol is a large part of the heritage of Adelaide and one of the two oldest public buildings in the city. As a tourist attraction, the Gaol is very popular and offers several tours and workshops, including a History Tour, Ghost Tour and Paranormal Workshops. The Gaol has been reputed to be the most haunted site in South Australia and draws many ghost-hunters each year.
Adelaide Gaol Contact Information
Adelaide Gaol Preservation Society Inc.
Established 1989
Patron: Mr Michael Atkinson MP
The President
Adelaide Gaol Preservation Society Inc.
c/- Adelaide Gaol
18 Gaol Road
Thebarton
South Australia 5031
Phone: +61 08 8231 4062
Fax: +61 08 8231 8975
Email: president@adelaidegaol.org.au