The Old Castlemaine Gaol: uncover hidden secrets of the past
The Old Castlemaine Gaol is an old prison located in Castlemaine VIC, just a 30-minute drive from Bendigo VIC, a 1-hour drive from Ballarat VIC, and a 2-hour drive from Melbourne or Geelong.
🌟 Did you know? The Old Castlemaine Gaol was a prison built in 1861. It was once a reformatory boys' school (1909-1954) and has worn many hats, including being a prison again until 1990, a hotel and a local WMA FM/Main FM 94.9 radio station before turning into the awe-inspiring museum it is today!
In 2018, The Old Castlemaine Gaol was sold to artist David Bromley, an artist and sculptor who has transformed the Old Gaol with fantasy sculptures, artworks and more.
A journey from gloom to bloom:
Thanks to the artistic vision of David Bromley, The Bromley Collection Museum, which opened in April 2023, is a fantastical world where history meets art.
It's a love letter to creativity, showcasing stunning artworks from Australian and international artists, all nestled within the atmospheric 1860s building.
The Bromley team have transformed the space into a celebration of culture and creativity.
Plan your adventure:
Open on weekends (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
10 am - 5 pm.
Admission fees:
As of November 2023, the admission fees are as follows:
Adults: $20
Concession: $14
Children (8-18 years old): $10
Children (0-8 years old): FREE
Parking and accessibility - easy access for all:
Ample parking is available.
Gravel pathways in front of the museum and the courtyard.
Pram and wheelchair-friendly paths inside the Gaol
A note:
The Old Castlemaine Gaol is currently not offering food or hot drinks.
Join us for a weekend of discovery and inspiration. The Old Castlemaine Gaol is not just a museum; it's a portal to a world of wonder waiting for your family to explore!
What's next?
A visit to the Old Castlemaine Gaol is a fantastic school holiday activity. For more ideas, explore our local guides to make the most of your time:
In addition, you have an excellent opportunity to discover the beautiful Daylesford, Victoria. It is just a 30-minute drive from Castlemaine. Here are the best things to do in Daylesford during your visit.
Also, choose the best picnic areas in Victoria to enjoy a day out with family and friends or the most beautiful botanical gardens in Melbourne & Victoria.
