Adelaide Gaol - AGPS

19/06/2024

🌟 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 🌟

Don't miss out - these tours are filling up fast!
SLOTS are LIMITED so book your tour now!

See you there!

17/06/2024

𝐆𝐀𝐎𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒:

𝐁𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐬 - 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐧

Ben Ellis was the Adelaide Gaol hangman for 10 years, from the mid-1860s to the mid-1870s. He lived at Adelaide Gaol in a small apartment below what became the female dormitory.

Ben took pride in his work and approached each task with complete professionalism and never questioned the right or wrong of his profession until 30 December 1873, when he was required to hang a female prisoner, Elizabeth Woolcock. She was to be the first and only woman executed in South Australia. This event changed the way Ben viewed his profession forever.

Ben's restless spirit is said to appear often throughout Adelaide Gaol.

Source (www.adelaidegaol.sa.gov.au)

14/06/2024

𝐀 𝐆𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐍𝐨 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫

Experience Adelaide’s most exciting ghost tour with expert tour guides to take you through the most haunted areas of the old Adelaide Gaol in the dark of night.

As the first and original Ghost Tour operator, we’ve been running Ghost Tours at Adelaide Gaol for over three decades, so you’re sure to get an incredible and authentic tour experience. We know the most haunted locations to visit to give you the best opportunity to encounter the ghosts, apparitions and inexplicable phenomena that take place here inside the walls of one of Adelaide’s oldest buildings.

𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗼𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 & 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀

Our ghost tours include a visit to the Gaol’s horrific ex*****on sites and the famed Hanging Tower. Here you can see and explore the ex*****oners’ room and holding cell where the prisoners were confined whilst awaiting ex*****on.

𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞? 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚 𝐆𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐨𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲!

Adelaide Gaol Ghost Tours are the original & best. Visit the most haunted areas in the Goal & learn about its paranormal activity & history.

12/06/2024

𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐆𝐀𝐎𝐋 𝐆𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒

Frederick 'Fred' Carr was hanged at Adelaide Gaol on 12 November 1929 for the murder of his wife, Maude. He protested his innocence, even up until the final moments before his death.

Carr is said to have exclaimed, while in the condemned cell, '𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙬 𝙧𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡, 𝙖𝙨 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩."

Fred is said to appear regularly near the stairs leading to the upstairs cells of the New Building. He is reported as a happy spirit, always neatly dressed in dark clothes and taking a polite interest in visitors wandering through his former 'home'.

(source: www.adelaidegaol.sa.gov.au)

10/06/2024

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐨𝐥?

The Adelaide Gaol Preservation Society (AGPS) sell a wide range of books about the Adelaide Gaol which will provide you with a detailed history of the Gaol.
These books can be purchased directly from the AGPS by sending an email to [email protected]

Check out our collection of books and explore the history of Adelaide Gaol!

07/06/2024

𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘

𝙀𝙓𝙀𝘾𝙐𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝙊𝙁 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙍𝘼𝙄𝙉𝘽𝙄𝙍𝘿 𝙈𝙐𝙍𝘿𝙀𝙍𝙀𝙍𝙎.

The four natives, Warretya alias Kapunda Robert, Warretya alias Goggle-eyed Jemmy, Tankawortya alias Jemmy Alick, and Pilta Miltinda alias Bobby,
condemned for the murder of Mrs. Rainbird and her two children at Hamilton on
07th June 1861.

(Source: National Library of Australia)

05/06/2024

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐨𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬

Construction of the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital adjacent to the historic Adelaide Gaol has begun. As a result, there are some changes to how visitors can access the site.

𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐨𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧: Despite the nearby construction, Adelaide Gaol will continue to operate as usual. All scheduled visits, including OSHC and vacation care visits, school excursions, and events, will proceed as planned.

𝐕𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬: Please be aware that vehicle access and parking facilities at the Gaol will undergo changes during the construction period. Access is currently maintained via Gaol Road, with clear signage in place to guide visitors. Starting mid-May, changes to vehicle access routes will be implemented. We will provide updates as new information becomes available.



Source: adelaidegaol.sa.gov.au

03/06/2024

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐨𝐥?
𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮! 💯

Our Twilight Tours are a family-friendly journey into the dark and dangerous past of the Adelaide Gaol. Designed for the family and younger visitors, the paranormal content of our Twilight Tours is modified to a milder, friendlier look at our ghosts. Our Twilight Tours delve into the history of the Adelaide Gaol and some of the more colourful characters and their naughty deeds and exploits.

During a Twilight Tour, you will embark on a 90-minute adventure that covers approximately 1.3 km through the Gaol grounds, including the Induction Centre, Museum, Graves area, Remand Cells, the New Building, various ‘Yards’ and much more.

Our knowledgeable and experienced guides are your companions on this journey. They’re not just experts in Adelaide Gaol history but also storytellers who love to share tales passed down from ex-prisoners.

A Twilight Tour at Adelaide Gaol offers an enchanting blend of history, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. Ideal for families and young adventurers, it’s a chance to explore the eerie side of history in a fun and educational way.

SECURE YOUR SPOT! BOOK A TOUR NOW!
SEE YOU THERE!

Booking your Adelaide Gaol tour is quick and easy with our online booking system.

31/05/2024

𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗝𝗨𝗡𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗥

June chills and historical thrills await at the Adelaide Gaol! This month, explore Adelaide's most fascinating (and haunted!) location with our captivating tours:

✅ Uncover the Gaol's secrets: Delve into the past with our in-depth Murder and Mayhem Tour, led by passionate guides.

✅ Face your fears: Embark on a chilling Ghost Tour and hear the spooky tales that haunt these walls.

✅ Feeling Extra Brave? Book our Paranormal tour for an extra dose of chills

Limited spots available! Book your June tour of the Adelaide Gaol NOW and prepare for an unforgettable experience! ➡️

P.S. Don't forget to check out our website for tour dates and times!

29/05/2024

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐨𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝

In 1836, when South Australia was first established as a free colony, it was decided that a Gaol was unnecessary. Free settlers being of good character would be unlikely to break the law. Within a few years, this attitude proved to be a ridiculous speculation. The first prisoners needed to be held on the HMS Buffalo, which was moored at the Adelaide seaside suburb of Glenelg.

When the Buffalo was recalled to the eastern states in June 1837, prisoners were transferred to a tent on the Torrens River. Prisoners were chained to logs to prevent them from escaping.

Later, in 1838, a temporary Gaol, called the Stone Jug, was set up in a wooden hut which was surrounded by a wooden fence. This enclosure was often overcrowded and escapes were frequent.

27/05/2024

𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐨𝐥 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 & 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫

This is a new and factual tour we have developed for your enjoyment and entertainment. It is a history tour with a difference. It covers the darker side of the more unusual characters and grisly events that have graced the Gaol’s precincts.

These are explained in detail. Ex*****ons and ex*****oners, foul murderers and serial killers, con men and loose women. The tragic tales of loss and grief are all explored. We explain how hangings are conducted and where the murderers are buried.

If you are looking for an exciting, darker and different take on South Australia’s history, this is the tour for you.

Book your tickets now to secure your spot!

Booking your Adelaide Gaol tour is quick and easy with our online booking system.

24/05/2024

𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐨𝐥! ️

Unveil the mysteries that lie within Adelaide's most haunted landmark this June. The Adelaide Gaol Preservation Society is offering a bone-chilling selection of tours perfect for history buffs and thrill seekers alike!

Venture into the unknown:

✅ Ghost Tours: Embark on a spooky journey through the Gaol's dark corridors, hearing tales of restless spirits and unexplained phenomena.️

✅ Twilight Tours: Perfect for families, these tours offer a spooky-lite experience, exploring the Gaol's history with a touch of intrigue.

✅ Paranormal Investigations: Perfect for those looking for an extra dose of chills and a truly intense experience!

Space is limited, so don't miss out! Book your Adelaide Gaol tour for June today!

22/05/2024

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐨𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟖?

The closure of the Adelaide Gaol was a pivotal moment in the evolution of South Australia’s correctional system, marking a change to ensure the dignity and welfare of prisoners.

In 1988, the decision was made to close the Adelaide Gaol primarily due to the lack of adequate conditions inside the facility.

✅ Outdated Facilities
One of the prime reasons for the closure of Adelaide Gaol was that over the years it was never adequately updated and the cells lacked essential amenities, such as heating, cooling, running water, and proper toilet facilities. These conditions fell significantly below modern standards for humane incarceration.

✅ Cost Prohibitive Upgrades
The need for comprehensive upgrades to bring the Gaol up to contemporary correctional standards was apparent. However, the cost of implementing these upgrades was deemed exorbitant and could not be economically justified.

Today, the Adelaide Gaol stands as a preserved relic, offering visitors a window into the past and a chance to reflect on the evolution of our justice system.

20/05/2024

𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙜𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 - 𝘼𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙂𝙖𝙤𝙡 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙡 𝙄𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚-𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧!

Step beyond the veil and into the world of the unknown. Our intense paranormal investigations take you deep within Adelaide's most haunted building, where restless spirits are said to linger.

Imagine:

✅ Using real paranormal investigation equipment to capture EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) and other chilling evidence.
✅ Feeling the icy touch of an unseen presence as you explore the Gaol's most notorious hotspots.
✅ Witnessing unexplained phenomena that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.

This is NOT for the faint of heart! But for those who crave a truly unforgettable paranormal adventure, the Adelaide Gaol awaits.

Book your Paranormal investigation TODAY and prepare to face the unknown!

Join a paranormal investigation at Adelaide Gaol. Uncover the secrets of this haunted location, document eerie phenomena and face the unknown if you dare.

17/05/2024

𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐀 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐆𝐀𝐎𝐋 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐓𝐘 🌟

We're thrilled you had a fantastic time exploring the Adelaide Gaol with our friendly and knowledgeable guide Steve! It's always rewarding to hear how much our tours resonate with visitors!

Looking for a unique and captivating way to experience Adelaide's history? 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐨𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐨𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲! We offer a variety of tours to suit all interests, from spine-tingling Ghost Tours to fascinating History Tours.

16/05/2024

Devlin's Ghost
Check this out!

The ghosts of cattle rustler Patrick Devlin is often seen on stormy nights near Overland Corner, in the Riverland.

14/05/2024

𝘿𝙤 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙒𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙗𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙂𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙗𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙨?

Have you ever felt a shiver crawl down your spine as you heard a story about a restless spirit? Do you crave a glimpse into the unseen world, a place where history and the paranormal collide? Then look no further than the Adelaide Gaol Preservation Society's unforgettable Ghost Tours!

Explore the chilling halls of Adelaide Gaol, one of Australia's most haunted locations. Our expert guides will lead you on a journey through time, uncovering the fascinating (and sometimes frightful) tales of prisoners, wardens, and restless souls who once walked these very grounds.

This isn't your average ghost story. This is a chance to experience history in a whole new light (or maybe even the absence of it!). So, gather your courage, grab a flashlight (just in case!), and join us for an unforgettable Adelaide Gaol Ghost Tour. Who knows, you might just become a believer!

Head over to www.adelaidegaol.org.au to book your tour today and see if you can separate fact from phantasm!

13/05/2024

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐨𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐨𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲?

We love hearing about your experiences! Whether you braved the chills of a ghost tour, learned fascinating facts on a history tour, or had a blast with the family on a twilight tour, please leave a review on our Google Business Profile page. Your feedback helps us share Adelaide's rich history and keep the stories alive!

We'd also love to see your photos! Tag us in your posts and use the hashtag


Your feedback helps us preserve Adelaide's history and create unforgettable experiences for everyone. See you on your next visit!

10/05/2024

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲!

The Adelaide Gaol is looking for volunteers to lead tours of this fascinating and historic site.

As a tour guide, you'll be sharing the stories of the people who lived and worked at the gaol, from the convicts and prisoners to the wardens and staff. You'll also get to learn about the gaol's history and architecture, and you'll be able to share your knowledge with visitors from all over the world.

Volunteering at the Adelaide Gaol is a fun and rewarding experience. It's a great way to learn more about South Australian history and culture, and it's a chance to meet new people and make a difference in your community. You'll have a lot of fun!

If this is you and you're interested in becoming a tour guide at the Adelaide Gaol, simply download and complete the Volunteer Application form from the website.
So what are you waiting for? See you soon!

𝐏𝐒: 𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐒𝐎 𝐖𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄

08/05/2024

𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞'𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐲: 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐇𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬 & 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞!

Tired of the same old, same old? This May, explore the captivating (and sometimes chilling) history of Adelaide Gaol!

𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐬: Guided History Tours are available either during the day or evening. We can tailor your tour to include morning or afternoon tea, a lecture on the history of the Gaol or specific aspects of the Adelaide Gaol site. Please note that we have a minimum of 10 people per guided History Tour. Group bookings only. Call 0434 115 952 for details.

𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬: Feeling brave? Embark on a chilling Ghost Tour or Paranormal Investigation at Adelaide's most haunted location! Check our website for tour dates! ➡️ [adelaidegaol.org.au]

Don't miss out - Book your Adelaide Gaol adventure today!

Select your tour from the marked dates.

06/05/2024

𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐎𝐢𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬

During its working life, the Adelaide Gaol produced a range of fruit and vegetables from the land around the Gaol.

In 1918 part of a paddock was planted with onions. The crop was used within the Gaol and one ton of onions was sold to the Government Produce Department. Other crops included potatoes, trombone and a variety of other vegetables.

Olive groves adjacent to the Gaol were maintained by prisoners for the City Council. In the 1880s, it was reported that the Sheriff, with untiring zeal, had carefully tended the plantations near the Gaol and they were aiding the City Fund with the proceeds of their oil sales.

By 1906, the plantation was flourishing and South Australia’s Premier, Tom Price mentioned that the only place he could obtain pure olive oil was at the Gaol. This brought some protest from other olive growers who believed their crops were also of high quality. As a result, the production of Adelaide Gaol olive oil was discontinued.

02/05/2024

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲?
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐞......

Experience the spine-chilling atmosphere of a ghost tour in one of Australia’s most actively haunted buildings in the dark of night. Feel just how frightening it is walking the grounds by torchlight and hearing the gruesome history of the Gaol, its characters and its proven paranormal activity.

Adelaide Gaol Ghost Tour
Date: May 04, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM - 09:30 PM

SEE YOU THERE!!!!

01/05/2024

The Society is always looking to recruit additional volunteers to assist with their important work. Opportunities currently exist for tour guides.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, simply download and complete a copy of the Volunteer Application

Please email us or phone 0434 115 952 if you would like more information.

𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝!

Do you love Adelaide's history and have a knack for bringing the past to life? The Adelaide Gaol is searching for passionate volunteers to join our awesome tour guide team! ️

Imagine yourself leading curious visitors through this incredible site, sharing the stories of the people who lived and worked within its walls. From the lives of convicts and prisoners to the wardens and staff, you'll become an expert on the Gaol's history and architecture. Plus, you'll get to meet fascinating people from all over the world!

If this sounds like your dream gig, head over to our website and download the Volunteer Application form.

See you soon, storytellers!

29/04/2024

𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖?

Laundry Operations: Bedding, Nappies and Contraband

In the later period of the Gaol’s history, prisoners worked in the laundry area washing nappies and bedding for hospitals and other Adelaide institutions.

Initially, the Laundry only washed Gaol items but by the mid-1950s it was processing tons of babies’ nappies from Adelaide’s maternity hospitals as well as large volumes of Army blankets.

Prisoners also operated the boilers which provided hot water for the Gaol. In 1958-9, a new boiler and ironing facility was installed to handle the growing prison workload.

The Laundry provided one of the best methods of smuggling contraband into the Gaol. Usually, illegal substances (often alcohol or tailor-made ci******es) were smuggled into the Gaol in a bag of soiled nappies with a prearranged knot. These special bags would be opened by the inmates when the officers weren’t watching and the contents shared around after lights out.

26/04/2024

𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘

Harold J Box
26/04/1944
Permanent gallows in A Wing (New Bldg)

Hanged at Adelaide Gaol for the murder of Albert Edmund (Lance) Brown at Gawler Place, Adelaide. (Wikipedia)

Box, who was a returned soldier of the last war, and father of eight
children, walked into the city office of Brown on February 17, and shot
Brown after a quarrel over hire purchase payments. Extraordinary last minute efforts were made to save Box from the gallows. Leaflets were distributed to soldiers on Anzac Day march, the day before, urging them to make efforts to secure a reprieve.

Source: trove.nla.gov.au

24/04/2024

Lest We Forget

On this ANZAC Day, the Adelaide Gaol Preservation Society remembers the bravery and sacrifice of all Australians and New Zealanders who have served our nation in times of war and conflict.

We encourage you to honor the ANZAC spirit in your own way.

24/04/2024

𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘

Percival W Budd
24/04/1919
Permanent gallows in A Wing (New Bldg)

MAN WHO KILLED FOR A CAR: Hanged at Adelaide Gaol for the murder of Harold Jacques at Crystal Brook (The Ex*****on of Budd, The Advertiser (Adelaide), 25 April 1919, page 7.)

24/04/2024

𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝!

Do you love Adelaide's history and have a knack for bringing the past to life? The Adelaide Gaol is searching for passionate volunteers to join our awesome tour guide team! ️

Imagine yourself leading curious visitors through this incredible site, sharing the stories of the people who lived and worked within its walls. From the lives of convicts and prisoners to the wardens and staff, you'll become an expert on the Gaol's history and architecture. Plus, you'll get to meet fascinating people from all over the world!

If this sounds like your dream gig, head over to our website and download the Volunteer Application form.

See you soon, storytellers!

22/04/2024

We're thrilled you had a Spooktacular Time at Adelaide Gaol!

A huge thank you Tracy for sharing your experience at one of our recent tours! We're so happy to hear you enjoyed learning about Adelaide Gaol's fascinating past (and maybe even encountering a restless spirit or two!).

Your feedback means the world to us and helps the Adelaide Gaol Preservation Society continue its mission of preserving history. We look forward to welcoming you back for another chilling adventure soon!

18/04/2024

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐨𝐥 𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝

Prior to the 1950s Gaol food was very bland. It consisted of beef on Sunday, mutton or rabbit with tea, bread, potatoes and porridge for the rest of the week. This poor diet often caused illness and diarrhoea among the prisoners.

After 1955, the prison diet improved markedly. Fresh fruit and vegetables were included and by 1976 the quality of food and general living conditions were impressive.

A new Kitchen was built in the mid 1970s at a cost of $100,000. At this time the prison routine was changed and prisoners ate their meals in communal areas to overcome the concern that they were losing their social skills by having to eat in their cells.

Food was prepared in the Kitchen and wheeled in stainless steel trolleys to each yard for distribution. No glass or metal cutlery was allowed following an incident in which stainless steel cutlery was used in an attempted escape.