Best For
History enthusiasts and families seeking a quick educational tour.
Old Alice Springs Gaol
AU
Museum·Quiet, Somber, Educational
The Old Alice Springs Gaol offers a compelling look into the Northern Territory's penal history. Located in The Gap, this historic site operated until the 1980s and now serves as a museum alongside the Women's Museum of Australia. Visitors can walk through the men's and women's sections, viewing the small cells where inmates were once held for up to 18 hours a day. Notable features include the uniquely colored walls—intended to provide a 'change of scenery' for prisoners—and original carvings and paintings left behind by those who were incarcerated here. The site is largely maintained by dedicated volunteers who operate the souvenir shop and provide historical context, making it a meaningful and educational stop for those interested in Alice Springs' local heritage.
The Old Alice Springs Gaol offers a compelling look into the Northern Territory's penal history. Located in The Gap, this historic site operated until the 1980s and now serves as a museum alongside the Women's Museum of Australia. Visitors can walk through the men's and women's sections, viewing the small cells where inmates were once held for up to 18 hours a day. Notable features include the uniquely colored walls—intended to provide a 'change of scenery' for prisoners—and original carvings and paintings left behind by those who were incarcerated here. The site is largely maintained by dedicated volunteers who operate the souvenir shop and provide historical context, making it a meaningful and educational stop for those interested in Alice Springs' local heritage.
You might want to ask
Address
2 Stuart Terrace, The Gap NT 0870, Australia
Websitepioneerwomen.com.au
Phone(08) 8952 9006
Hours
ClosedMon
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tue
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wed
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thu
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Fri
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sat
Closed
Sun
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Highlights
Preserved cells showing 18-hour daily confinement conditions.
Shared site with the Women's Museum of Australia.
Original carvings and paintings left by former inmates.
Volunteer-run souvenir shop and information desk.
Insight into the prison's operation up until the 1980s.
Currency
AUD $
Occasion Tags
Tourists, Family, Solo
Reviews
4.5
Excellent54 reviews
The Old Alice Springs Gaol is praised for providing a somber and educational look at the Northern Territory's penal history. Visitors find the experience of walking through the original cells, where inmates spent up to 18 hours a day, to be particularly moving. The site is noted for being well-maintained by volunteers who are described as welcoming and knowledgeable. A highlight for many is the fact that the admission price includes access to the Women's Museum of Australia, which is located on the same compound. Reviewers also point out interesting details like the colored cell walls and inmate artwork that offer a glimpse into the daily lives of those held there. Overall, it is considered a worthwhile, small-scale attraction that offers significant historical value.
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Location
The Gap, Northern Territory, Australia
