Albany Convict Gaol Museum

Home | Plan Your Visit | Albany Convict Gaol

Albany Convict Goal

Explore the Old Convict Gaol and discover the fascinating convict past, as you wander the cell blocks.

Wander through the cell blocks reading the plaques about the colourful history and gain an understanding of the difficulties experienced by the convicts.

The Gaol was originally founded with the principle of rehabilitation at its core, housing convicts sentenced to transportation from England between 1850 and 1868. Built in 1852 as a convict hiring depot, it included quarters for warders and cell blocks for imperial convicts who were brought to Western Australia as skilled laborers.

During its early years, convicts who earned a ticket of leave were employed by free settlers for various tasks, marking a significant shift from punitive incarceration to a more rehabilitative approach through labor. After the hiring depot closed in 1872, the Gaol was expanded in 1873 to serve as a public prison. This expansion included women's cells, a hall, and additional warden's quarters, indicating the increasing need for both capacity and administrative space.

"Unlocking History: 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.

Plan Your Visit