AT MAITLAND GAOL THIS AUTUMN
Maitland Gaol has a vibrant history spanning more than 150 years. After housing some of Australia’s most hardened criminals, the maximum security facility closed its doors on 29 January 1998.
Remaining genuine to the day the gates closed, you can explore the site by taking part in a guided tour, self guided audio tour or join one of the school holiday activities just for kids.
Maitland Gaol provides experiences for individuals, groups and schools that are tailored to both children and adults.
SELF GUIDED AUDIO TOURS
With two different tours available, the self guided audio tours allow you to explore the Gaol at your own pace, making it a great option for the whole family.
Choose from Maitand Gaol Revealed or Snitch’s Gaol Exploration just for the kids.
Dates: Available daily, last entry at 3.00pm
Price: $19 per adult
$13 per child/concessions
Children under 5 are complimentary
HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE MAITLAND GAOL APP
The Maitland Gaol app can be downloaded through the Google Playstore or Apple store. Search ‘Maitland Gaol’ and click the app to install.
Alternatively, you can scan the QR code below to download the app to your device.
PUBLIC GUIDED TOURS
Unlock the stories at Maitland Gaol with one of our themed guided tours. You can learn about the Gaol’s history and operation, hear personal accounts, discover true stories or explore the supernatural. Tours are scheduled on specific dates and times, information available on the website. Bookings are essential.
GUIDED TOURS AVAILABLE
(approx. 90 minute in length)
150 Years Under Lock and Key Immerse yourself in the history of Maitland Gaol on this tour, discovering stories of all sorts of heroes and villains.
Escapes
On this tour of Maitland Gaol hear stories of amazing escapes from the unbelievable to the outright ludicrous.
Ex-Warder
This escorted tour through the Maitland Gaol complex is from the perspective of the men and women responsible for operating the facility.
Crimes of Passion
Crimes of passion shock and horrify, but also intrigue us. Listen to Maitland Gaol come to life with a series of stories focused on crimes of passion on this tour.
Psychic
Do you believe in the paranormal? Believers and non believers are fascinated by the psychic stories and phenomena told by our resident psychic guide.
Ghost Hunting 101
Always wondered what lingers in the dark at Maitland Gaol? Enjoy learning about the site whilst engaging with a series of technologies to explore under the guidance of experienced ghost hunters.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL FOR ALL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
For all of our kids school holiday activities please see inside.
PRIVATE TOURS AT MAITLAND GAOL
Have a group of 15 or more friends and family? Why not book in for a private themed tour of the Gaol. Get your social group, colleagues or friends together for a tour, available day or night.
Private group tours are available outside of regular day and night tour times, depending on the groups requirements.
Email info@maitlandgaol. com.au for more information about private tours.
MAITLAND GAOL AFTER HOURS
Come along and experience our self guided audio tour at dusk during this one off event, Maitland Gaol After Hours.
The self guided audio tours allow for an immersive experience as you learn about the buildings and their importance to the site. For one night only you’ll be able to guide yourself through the site as the sun sets. With three different tour to choose from each tour has a route to follow to make sure you don’t miss anything, but you’re also welcome to explore the site at your own pace.
DATE: Wednesday 29 March
TIME: 6.00pm to 9.00pm (last entry 8.00pm)
Please bring your own device and headphones. The self guided audio tour is designed as an individual experience and works best when listened to via headphones.
SNITCH’S EASTER EGG HUNT
Children will explore the site looking for coloured Easter eggs. Follow the map to find specially marked locations to complete the code word puzzle. Look out for a very special guest and make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the golden egg. Once you’ve completed the code word puzzle, return your map to receive a chocolate Easter surprise!
DATE: Wednesday 12 April
TIME: 9.30am and 1.30pm
PRICE: $15 adult and child package, $10 additional child, $10 additional adult
April 2023
Workhouse
WORKHOUSE WOES: DETAINEE DRILL
After checking out prisoner accommodation for an hour, children have the opportunity to learn and perform the exercise routine undertaken by prisoners to keep fit in the early 1900s. Sure to bring some laughs, this activity and tour gives a small glimpse into the interesting lives of the prisoners of Maitland Gaol at the turn of the 20th century.
DATES: Tuesday 11 and 18 April TIME: 11.00am
PRICE: $15 child and adult package, $10 additional child, $10 additional adult
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL FOR ALL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES. SCAN THE QR CODE TO BOOK.
JUNIOR SLEUTH: TATTOO TALES
Junior Sleuths will learn about how prisoners lived in the Gaol over the 150 years of its operation on this one hour guided mystery tour. Afterwards they’ll delve into the work of prison tattoos and what these symbols represent (all content is family friendly). As a bonus they will receive a temporary tattoo to take home as a souvenir of their time behind bars at Maitland Gaol.
DATES: Thursday 13 and 20 April
TIME: 11.00am
PRICE: $15 child and adult package, $10 additional child, $10 additional adult
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 01 08 15 22 04 11 18 25 06 13 20 27 29 FRIDAY SUNDAY 05 12 19 26 07 14 21 28 03 10 17 24 SATURDAY
Woes: Detainee Drill Junior Sleuth: Tattoo Tales Snitch’s Easter Egg Hunt 150 Years Under Lock and Key Tour Self guided audio tour Escapes Tour Ex-warder Tour Crimes of Passion Ghost Hunting 101 A Psychic Experience 11.00am 8.00pm All day CLOSED 11.00am 9.00pm All day 11.00am 8.00pm All day 11.00am 8.00pm All day 11.00am 8.00pm All day 11.00am 8.00pm All day 11.00am 8.00pm All day 11.00am All day 23 30 The program, times and dates are correct at the time of publishing. Maitland Gaol reserves the right to delete or alter any item in the program without notice. Bookings are essential for all events and activities. 02 09 16
11.00am All day 11.00am All day 11.00am All day 11.00am All day 11.00am All day 11.00am All day 11.00am All day 11.00am All day 9.30am and 1.30pm All day 11.00am All day 9.00pm All day 11.00am All day 11.00am All day All day All day All day All day All day All day All day All day
Bookings are essential for all tours and activities. Book online or call 02 4936 6482. 6 - 18 John Street, East Maitland 02 4936 6482 info@maitlandgaol.com.au GETTING HERE OPEN SEVEN DAYS Monday to Friday 9.00am – 4.00pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10.00am – 4.00pm Last entry at 3.00pm on all days Good Friday - Closed maitlandgaol.com.au
