Photo of Old Dubbo Gaol in New South Wales1 / 3
Museums & Landmarks

Old Dubbo Gaol

📍 Dubbo, NSW

★4.6(1,862 Google reviews)💰$9-$24.50

Historic 19th-century gaol with theatrical costumed performances, guided tunnel tours, Gallows Gallery, and interactive exhibits exploring convict and prison life. After-dark school holiday tours run by booking.

✓ Costumed performances✓ Guided tunnel tours✓ School holiday tours✓ Educational and engaging✓ Well-preserved site✓ Great guides

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with school-age children who can engage with the historical narrative and follow a guided tour. The theatrical performances make the history visceral rather than dry, and the underground tunnels add physical excitement.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Book after-dark school holiday tours online in advance — they run in smaller groups with more detail
⏰Plan around school group visits if you want a quieter experience during weekday mornings
🎟️Allow 1–2 hours to take in performances, tunnel tour, and exhibits without rushing
🚗The women cell block is described as feeling lighter — useful context for sensitive children

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.6
★★★★★

1,862 Google reviews

5★
1,228
4★
492
3★
100
2★
27
1★
15

G Reviews from Google

C

CHOOKA

5 months ago

★★★★★

“I truly enjoyed the night tour. Lots more information on prisoners stories, more quiet to be able to hear and the two fantastic tour guides Chad and Milla. Enthusiastic, full of life and great sense of humour, excellence is my word for these wonderful young people. Thank you so much for an memorable and fun night. I did attend the day before and ended up leaving. Two groups of schools entered, at different times. Sadly it was so noisy we couldn't hear ourselves think. I feel the public could be informed of school visits to work around the school schedule, so the public can make a decision to whether to attend at that time. I feel the teachers, parents and dubbo jail have an obligation to teach our children some good old manners. This allows children to listen and respect others around them and some thoughtfulness to others. Constantly ringing the big bell was not only annoying but deafening. Never an issue or a problem on the kids having some fun, but not Constantly over and over. It was so bad we all left. But overall a fantastic experience.”

T

The Real Learning Experience

3 months ago

★★★★★

“Fantastic experience the kids LOVED the interactive performance, highly recommend - it was engaging, funny and educational. Was a great activity to do as we finished our week in Dubbo for cricket!”

L

Lucy Robson

3 months ago

★★★★★

“Very interesting and well presented and preserved. Well worth the visit. Evening tours in school holidays, book online”

💬 What parents mention

Engaging performances and toursEducational historical valueWell-preserved siteEvening tours standout

Overview

Old Dubbo Gaol has operated since 1882 and preserves the Male Cell Division, Gallows Gallery, exercise yards, and watch tower. Daily theatrical performances feature costumed characters depicting convict life. Guided tunnel tours run during opening hours with knowledgeable presenters. After-dark school holiday tours offer a quieter, more detailed experience. A museum shop is on-site. Parking is available nearby.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday09:00 – 17:00
Tuesday09:00 – 17:00
Wednesday09:00 – 17:00
Thursday09:00 – 17:00
Friday09:00 – 17:00
Saturday09:00 – 17:00
Sunday09:00 – 17:00

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