Adelaide Gaol
Embark on an unforgettable adventure at South Australia’s oldest & most haunted site.
Delve into the dark mysteries of the past as you step inside the chilling Adelaide Gaol. Our thrilling tours guarantee an exhilarating experience like no other!
Book an Adelaide Gaol tour
GHOST TOURS, MURDER & MAYHEM TOURS, PARANORMAL INVESTIGATIONS AND HISTORY TOURS.
👻 Adelaide Goal Ghost Tours:
Come if you dare and explore the spine-chilling, haunted areas of this historic prison in the dark of night.
🌅 Adelaide Gaol Twilight Tours:
Witness the transformation of the gaol as dusk descends, revealing the eerie secrets hidden within its walls.
🔪 Adelaide Gaol Murder & Mayhem Tours:
Uncover the sinister tales of the gaol’s criminal past, where chaos and mystery still linger.
📜 Adelaide Gaol History Tours:
Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Adelaide Gaol, as our expert guides bring its captivating history to life.
🔦 Adelaide Gaol Paranormal Investigations:
Are you brave enough to explore the unknown? Join us as we delve into the enigmatic world of the paranormal.
The Largest Choice of Adelaide Gaol Tours Available
The Adelaide Gaol Preservation Society Inc. is the only tour operator that has been around since the Gaol closed its doors in 1988 and has played an active role in the upkeep and restoration of this national treasure. With over 30 years at the Gaol, we are Adelaide’s leading tour operator and proudly offer the widest range of Adelaide Gaol tours available.
Adelaide Gaol– Must See Tourist Attraction
The Adelaide Gaol is one of the oldest public buildings in Adelaide and has functioned as a prison (and place of execution) for almost 150 years. It was home to some of South Australia’s most notorious criminals, serial killers and lunatics. It is said to be one of the most haunted sites in South Australia. With a gruesome and dark history, the Adelaide Gaol has plenty of stories to tell, making it one of Adelaide’s must-see tourist attractions.
Tours To Suit Everyone – Guided Tours, Ghost Tours & Paranormal Investigations
We offer a complete range of history tours, ghost tours and paranormal investigations. Whether you want to learn about the Gaol’s history and architecture, find out about life behind bars or get to experience some of the spine-chilling, paranormal activity at the Gaol, we’re here to provide you with a fantastic and memorable tour experience.
Important Announcement: Road Closure Notice
As of 6/6/2024, Gaol Road is closed due to construction work on the new Mothers and Babies Hospital. Visitors should now access our location via Bonython Park, entering off Port Road and through the Bonython Park carpark.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Travelling from the city, pass the Police Barracks on your right and continue along Port Road to the second tram stop, where you can make a U-turn. After the U-turn, travel back towards the city and turn left into the Bonython Park carpark. From there, follow the map (including the dotted line) right through to the Gaol, where there is ample parking.
Adelaide Gaol Ghost Tours & History Tours
What to expect on a tour of the Adelaide Gaol
Ghost Tours Adelaide Gaol
We pride ourselves on having the largest collection of original, authentic and spooky stories. These stories have been gathered over the past 34 years. You will get to hear about the hangings, the burials and the many ghosts who continually wander the Gaol’s premises. You may even get to contact one of our ghostly inmates!
Adelaide Gaol Twilight Tours
We also run Twilight Tours for the more faint hearted and those under 16 years of age. These tours include a mixture of history and paranormal stories. Duration of these tours is about 90 minutes and some of the more grisly content has been removed.
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. Executions and executioners, 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.
Paranormal Investigations
For the devotee of the paranormal, we have our Paranormal Investigations. These have been developed by the Adelaide Gaol’s original paranormal investigator, Jeff Fausch, who was the co founder of Paranormal Field Investigators. Jeff has developed and trained a team of investigators who concentrate on the large amount of phenomena occurring at the Gaol.
Adelaide Gaol History Tours
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 Gaol site.
Why take an AGPS Tour of the Adelaide Gaol?
The Only Adelaide Gaol Ghost Tour That Gives Back
Adelaide Gaol Preservation Society Inc. (AGPS) is a not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers. When you book an Adelaide Gaol tour with us, all the profits are used to restore and maintain the Gaol or source new and exciting artefacts.
The Original & Best Adelaide Goal Tours & Ghost Tours
Our volunteers are dedicated and passionate about the Gaol. With over 30 years of restoring the Gaol, we have in-depth knowledge of every building, so we can bring you the best and most informative history and ghost tours. The AGPS team developed and conducted the first-ever tours of the Gaol in 1988 and has detailed records to provide an authentic, rich history of the Gaol.
Unparalleled First Hand Knowledge of Adelaide Gaol
During our time at the Gaol, our team have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience about the Gaol. Some of our longest serving team members are regarded as the official Adelaide Gaol historians and paranormal investigators. We can recount the history of the Gaol from multiple perspectives, as some of our team members were prison guards and some ex-prisoners, so we have plenty of first-hand knowledge.
Why Adelaide Gaol Closed 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.
Relocation for Improved Conditions
In the pursuit of ensuring the wellbeing of imprisoned individuals and complying with evolving correctional standards, prisoners were transferred to more suitable facilities at Yatala and Mobilong. Both of which were far better equipped to provide safe and humane living conditions.
Preserving History
While the Adelaide Gaol’s role in incarceration has come to an end, its historical significance lives on. 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.