Former City Watch House at Old Melbourne Gaol

About this space

The Former City Watch House operated as Melbourne’s central custody centre or ‘holding place’ for people arrested and awaiting trial. For almost a century, every person arrested in Melbourne was lodged in the City Watch House opposite the Russell Street Police Station.

Today the cell block reverberates with the sounds of tourists walking where some of Australia’s most infamous prisoners were once held. The precinct includes Melbourne’s oldest prison, the historic Magistrate’s Court and former Police City Watch House and has been the heart of crime, law and order in Melbourne since the 1840’s. Bushranger Ned Kelly and notorious gangster Squizzy Taylor have spent time within its walls.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be arrested? The Watch House Experience is a 40 minute interactive experience like no other. With a Charge Sergeant as guide, visitors are ‘arrested’ and encounter what it is like to be locked up. Nothing has changed in this minimalist site since the police and inmates left in the 1990’s. After the role play, visitors self guide through the watch house taking in sound points and multimedia imagery that is educational and informative.

We also host virtual dinner including interactive cooking demonstrations and wine masterclasses, complete with virtual activities and entertainment. We manage your registrations, meeting platforms and breakouts so you don't have to do anything and we will also arrange for catering and gifts to be delivered direct to homes and offices in time for the event. To ensure everything runs smoothly, we have an onsite studio available for broadcasting the event to your attendees on the day.

Capacity

Catering and drinks

Show catering details

Facilities

Music & sound equipment