Albany Convict Gaol
Explore the Old Convict Gaol and discover the fascinating convict past, as you wander the cell blocks.
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The Gaol's Journey from Convict Depot to Historic Landmark
Visitors can now explore the Gaol’s multi-layered history through detailed displays and immersive experiences that highlight its transformation over the decades and insight into the history and the lives of convicts, prisoners and warders.
The museum also focuses on the broader historical context, with its rich archive collections, new features and ongoing research, the Gaol offers a wealth of knowledge that brings the past to life in ways that are both educational and thought provoking.
There's so much more to discover about its role in shaping the region’s history, from the rehabilitation efforts of early convicts to its place in modern-day historical interpretation. Whether you're interested in the architecture, the lives of those who passed through its doors, the Old Albany Gaol continues to serve as a vital resource for understanding Western Australia's past.
VISIT US
Albany Convict Gaol Museum
267 Stirling Terrace
Albany, Western Australia 6330
OPENING HOURS
Open Daily: 10am - 4pm
Public holiday opening hours
Closed: Good Friday & Christmas Day
CONTACT US
ACCESSIBLITY
Please note that due to the historic nature and age of our venues, certain areas may present challenges for visitors with limited mobility or those using wheelchairs.
ADMISSION ENTRY FEES
AHS Members
Free
AHS Membership Card holders
Adults
$10.00
16 years and over
Concession
$6.00
Pensioner Concession Card and Veteran Card holders
Children
$5.00
5 years and over. Children under 5 - Free
Family
$25.00
2 adults, 3 children
MEMBERSHIP
Join the Albany Historical Society and enjoy unlimited general admission to our museums for 12 months, along with exclusive member only offers and events.
The Convict Era: Transportation and the Making of Western Australia
In the 19th century, punishment often meant transportation. Convicts sentenced in Britain were sent across the world to penal colonies, including King George Sound, Albany.
The Scindian was the first convict ship to arrive in Western Australia, docking at Fremantle on 1 June 1850 after departing Portsmouth on 4 March 1850. It carried 75 male convicts and pensioner guards, marking the start of the state’s convict era.
Between 1850 and 1868, around 9,700 convicts were transported from England to Western Australia aboard 37 ships across 43 voyages. Sixty-four men lost their lives at sea. Of the 9,636 convicts who arrived, only 275 were ever held at the Albany Convict Gaol, each forming a small but significant part of Albany’s history. Unlike earlier colonies, convicts in Western Australia were largely used to build infrastructure and develop agriculture, mining, and industry.
SELF GUIDED NIGHT TOURS
Walk alone by candlelight and explore the darker side of the Albany Convict Gaol.
Join us for a night in the dark as you explore the darker side of the Albany Convict Gaol, where walls echo the stories of inmates, pain and suffering. Be warned - these tours are not for the faint hearted.
TOUR DETAILS
Date: TBA
Doors Open @ 7.30pm
SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Albany 2026 Bicentennary Art Exhibition. A 200 Year Journey of art and inspiration.
We're proud to present a landmark exhibition showcasing original artworks from the Society’s archives, many of which have never before been seen by the public.
EXHIBIT DETAILS
21 January 2026 - 22 January 2027
Open Daily: 10am - 4pm
GHOST STORIES
Discover the ghostly tales of Albany’s most haunted sites and uncover the chilling stories.
Step into Albany’s mysterious past and uncover the stories that still whisper. From the eerie echoes of the Old Convict Gaol to the restless spirits said to wander Patrick Taylor Cottage and Camp Quaranup.
READ GHOST STORIES
Read the ghostly stories that bring Albany’s haunted past to life.