2017 Maitland Gaol Activities Program
Contents SELF GUIDED AUDIO TOURS
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GUIDED TOURS
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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS PROGRAM
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EXHIBITION PROGRAM
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UNIQUE SPACES
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EVENT PROGRAM APRIL Exhibition: Lass - to the Lock Up!
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Autumn school holidays program
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MAY Maitland Gaol Under Lights
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JUNE Maitland Gaol Under Lights
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JULY Winter school holidays program Maitland Gaol Under Lights
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SEPTEMBER Exhibition: Shower Block Escape 40th Anniversary
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Lock up Dad for Father’s Day
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Spring school holidays program
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The program, times, dates and prices are correct at the time of publishing. Maitland Gaol reserves the right to delete, alter or change the price of any items in the program without notice. Tour prices are valid until 30 June 2017. Bookings are essential for all events.
OCTOBER Spring school holidays program Friday the 13th Sleepover
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NOVEMBER Bitter & Twisted Boutique Beer Festival
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Lock in your Christmas plans
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DECEMBER Exhibition: 20th Anniversary of Maitland Gaol’s Decommissioning
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Lock in your Christmas plans
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p 02 4936 6482 info@maitlandgaol.com.au maitlandgaol.com.au
SELF GUIDED AUDIO TOURS Daily Unlock the gates to Maitland Gaol by taking one of three self guided audio tours of the facility. You’ll get a different perspective of the Gaol by exploring the site at your own pace. Wander the Gaol’s grounds, walk in the steps of the past prisoners and weave in and out of the cells that housed some of the country’s most notorious criminals. Maitland Gaol Revealed gives you an insight into the history of the Gaol and what it was like to work and live inside. Escaping Maitland Gaol explores the numerous successful and unsuccessful escapes from the Gaol’s walls and Snitch’s Gaol Exploration is specifically designed for children aged 4 – 12 years. Each tour takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. Auslan and captioned tours also available. 9.00am - 4.00pm Monday to Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday $22 per adult $17 per child or concession
maitland gaol app
A discounted entry price is available for visitors who have downloaded the tour to their own device. Search for ‘Maitland Gaol’ in the App Store or Google Play Store. Bring your own device prices $17 per adult $12 per child or concession Prices valid until 30 June 2017.
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GUIDED TOURS At SCHEDULED TIMES If a guided tour sounds more like your cup of tea, then you’re in luck. Run regularly throughout the year, Maitland Gaol offers a variety of themed guided tours where you can hear first hand the captivating stories of working and living behind bars inside the former maximum security prison. Some of the guided tours may contain material not suitable for children aged 14 years and under (or for adults who may be a bit squeamish). The guided tours run between 90 and 150 minutes. Guided tour themes include 150 years Under Lock and Key, Ex-Warder, the ‘new’ Escapes, a Psychic experience, Crimes of Passion and Ghost Hunting 101. Please check availability, pricing and details online or by contacting Maitland Gaol on 02 4936 6482.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS PROGRAM Each and every school holidays in 2017 Maitland Gaol is offering adults at children’s prices for the self guided audio tours and guided day tours. Take advantage of the discounted tours, which make a Maitland Gaol tour an affordable excuse to temporarily lock up your kids during the school holidays. The self guided audio tours are available daily throughout the holidays. Guided tours and children’s activities will also run daily during the school holidays where expert guides will show you through the Gaol, telling you about its vibrant history and some untold stories. Each school holiday period has a range of fun activities scheduled for children. Please see the individual school holiday periods in this program for further information on the activities available. Visit the website for the latest dates and times of each school holiday activity closer to the holiday period. Autumn school holidays: 8 - 25 April Winter school holidays: 1 - 17 July Spring school holidays: 23 September - 8 October
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AUTUMN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 8 - 25 April
Dig for gaol treasure
Digging for treasure at the Gaol seems odd, doesn’t it? But during this mini tour children will get to see and hear about some of the interesting things that have been found on the site. They will even get the opportunity to see what treasures they can discover. Each child will leave with their very own archaeologist certificate. Suitable for ages 5 - 12 Tuesday 11 and 18 April at 11.00am $10 per child*
SILENT DISCO
An original and revolutionary approach to entertainment. Let off some steam over 90 minutes and bust some moves for this special one off activity at the Gaol these school holidays. Be entertained with a range of music while the DJ entertains you with three channels to choose your music, from. Something a little different but guaranteed to keep you dancing to your favourite tunes. Suitable for ages 5 - 15 Friday 21 April at 11.00am and 2.00pm $10 per child* *One adult per child complimentary for children’s activities.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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winter SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 1 - 17 July
BEANBAG CINEMA
In the spirit of fun, a beanbag cinema will be set up in the Gaol’s Auditorium. The cinema is a great way of staying out of the cold winter winds and gives you the opportunity to watch some classic children’s films at a great family friendly price. During the winter months there will be two family friendly films with popcorn and Maltesers available for purchase. Why not enjoy a movie behind bars these school holidays? Suitable for ages 5 - 14 Friday 7 and 14 July at 11.00am $5 per child Accompanying adults are complimentary. Drinks not available for purchase, please BYO, plastic only.
CREATE A PEG DOLL
Come along to Maitland Gaol these school holidays and enjoy a mini tour and the opportunity to make your very own peg doll. Making peg dolls is an activity from the past and was popular amongst children in the 19th century when they had to entertain themselves with whatever materials they could find. It will also give children the opportunity to learn about all sorts of prison uniforms over the ages. There will be four designs to choose from including, a prisoner, governor, governor’s wife and matron. Suitable for ages 5 - 14 Tuesday 4 and 11 July at 11.00am $10 per child One adult per child complimentary for children’s activities.
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SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 23 September - 8 October
Paint your place
For 150 years, many prisoners called Maitland Gaol home. During this special school holiday activity, be guided on a one hour mini tour and learn about the different buildings, industries the prisoners worked in and what their daily routine consisted of. At the end of the tour, children are encouraged to paint their interpretation of the ‘place’ many prisoners called home. Suitable for ages 5 - 12 Friday 29 September and 6 October at 11.00am $10 per child*
SILENT DISCO
An original and revolutionary approach to entertainment. Let off some steam over 90 minutes and bust some moves for this special one off activity at the Gaol these school holidays. Be entertained with a range of music, while the DJ entertains you with three channels to choose your music from. Something a little different but guaranteed to keep you dancing to your favourite tunes. Suitable for ages 5 - 15 Tuesday 26 September at 11.00am and 2.00pm $10 per child* *One adult per child complimentary for children’s activities. Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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EXHIBITION PROGRAM Throughout 2017 the Maitland Gaol Auditorium will host four temporary exhibitions. All exhibitions will be on show for an extended period and provide a strong link to the many fascinating stories and years of history at Maitland Gaol. Check maitlandgaol.com.au for the latest information and events around these exhibitions and for exact dates. Entry into all exhibitions is included in the entry price for Maitland Gaol.
RECENT AQUISITIONS January - April
Maitland Gaol has a small collection of aquisitions which is deposited into from time to time by members of the public who kindly donate pieces that relate specifically to the Gaol. Often these important pieces come bearing their own stories and relate specifically to one period in the 150 year history of Maitland Gaol. From January to April, visitors will get the opportunity to view some of the recent acquisitions to the collection and get an understanding of how objects can start conversations and create context to particular parts of history.
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LASS - TO THE LOCK UP! April - September Using the NSW Heritage Festival Theme ‘Having a Voice’, Maitland Gaol will be unlocking some secrets that relate specifically to female prisoners. Although housed in Maitland Gaol for almost 100 years very little is known about their conditions, their crimes and the severity of their sentences. The exhibition will focus on the female presence in Maitland Gaol over a four month period. It will touch on some of the well known women and some of the forgotten faces.
SHOWER BLOCK ESCAPE 40th anniversary September - December On 1 September 1977, the largest escape from Maitland Gaol took place and this September marks the 40 year anniversary of the event. To commemorate the occasion an exhibition will be dedicated to this escape and other interesting escapes that took place from Maitland Gaol. It’s a great opportunity to learn about one of the most infamous escapes, ‘The Magnificent Seven’ and how they executed their escape and the consequence of their crime.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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20th anniversary of maitland gaol’s decommissioning From December Maitland Gaol’s 20th anniversary of decommissioning is fast approaching. From December 2017 a series of events and exhibitions will be held at the Gaol to commemorate this milestone. Please feel free to get in touch with Maitland Gaol staff if you would like to be part of these events or for further information.
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maitland gaol under lights Based on the success in 2016, Maitland Gaol will again unlock the gates to the public for the evening. Under Lights offers a unique opportunity to explore the site at your own pace and discover for yourself the difference between day and night in a maximum security prison. Take one of the three self guided audio tours and experience Maitland Gaol by night where everything looks a little different. Friday 12 May, 9 June and 14 July 6.30pm - 9.30pm (last entry at 8.00pm)
maitland gaol app
A discounted entry price is available for visitors who have downloaded the tour to their own device. Search for ‘Maitland Gaol’ in the App Store or Google Play Store.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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LOCK UP DAD for FATHER’S DAY Looking for a special gift for Dad this Father’s Day? Don’t miss this opportunity to lock Dad behind bars with a Fathers Day breakfast and tour package at Maitland Gaol. Lure Dad in with a special breakfast treat at Blackbird Artisan Bakery before taking a guided tour with one of the expert guides. This will be your chance to lock Dad up as the guide shows you around the facility, and talks about the multiple escapes that occurred during the Gaol’s operation, in the new Escapes Tour. Don’t forget to let Dad out of the cell before you leave! Sunday 3 September 9.00am Breakfast starts at 9.00am at Blackbird Artisan Bakery, followed by a guided tour of Maitland Gaol starting at 11.00am. Tour will run for approximately 90 minutes.
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FRIDAY THE 13TH sleepover People have long been intrigued by the mysteries and the tales of spirits lurking within the darkened cells of Maitland Gaol and Friday 13th October is a perfect time to test your nerve with a tour and sleepover package. Come along to enjoy a guided tour of the site before joining the search for ghosts and ghouls with Newcastle Ghost Tours. Once the spirits are awake and ready to play, its then time for you to bunk down in your cell for the night. This tour is not for the feint hearted or those scared of the dark. Friday 13 October 9.00pm to 8.00am the following day Tickets must be pre-purchased.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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BITTER & TWISTED Boutique Beer Festival Music. Food. Beer. The Bitter and Twisted Boutique Beer Festival brings together over 50 craft beers, the best indie music from around Australia and an array of international cuisine, all within the confines of this former maximum security prison. A unique festival, in its theme and location, Bitter and Twisted is a celebration of high quality food, beer, music and all things unexpected. Saturday 4 November 10.00am – 6.00pm Sunday 5 November 10.00am – 4.00pm bitterandtwisted.com.au
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LOCK IN YOUR PLANS THIS CHRISTMAS After something a little unique for your staff Christmas party or social get together this Christmas? The Gaol offers a range of unique and affordable activities catering for 20 – 150 people and can provide a ready made dinner and guided tour package to accommodate small to larger groups, during a midweek or weekend evenings. In complete contrast, why not take over one of the unique spaces and cater, entertain and theme to your own preference. The Gaol team can assist with recommending suitable operators to make your Christmas celebrations special. Mini guided tours can be arranged to accompany this option. November and December Packages available upon request.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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UNIQUE SPACES A VENUE WITH A DIFFERENCE
As a former maximum security prison with a gruesome history spanning over 150 years, this heritage listed site is home to a variety of unique spaces tucked away within its great walls. The Gaol offers a genuine glimpse into the history of one of the state’s most prominent prisons and an unparalleled experience that your guests are guaranteed to remember. Maitland Gaol offers flexibility and diversity across a 2.5 hectare site. Whether it be a meeting for a select few, team building sessions for small groups, corporate dinner or guided tours for a few hundred, or conferences and trade shows, Maitland Gaol houses the most unique spaces available in the Hunter Region. Our helpful team is on hand to offer all levels of support required to ensure you and your group have a positive and memorable experience. Visit maitlandgaol.com.au to download the Unique Spaces booklet for more information or request a copy from the Gaol team.
A & B Wing
The two cell blocks offer an exclusive point of difference for your next celebratory occasion. They offer a perfect setting for a dining experienced like no other and one that no prisoner could have dreamed would be served within the solid walls. 18
the exercise yard
This lush grassed area is a perfect space for team building activities, an alfresco lunch or temporary marquee suitable for a distinctive gala dinner. If you’re thinking bigger, than this space is more than suitable for a musical festival.
marquee
Located in the heart of the Gaol this space provides a blank canvas with the possibilities only limited by your imagination. In close proximity to The Exercise Yard and a commercial kitchen, this area is great for hosting a large number of people.
chapel
Bathed in natural light through the many arched windows the Chapel’s raked cedar lined ceilings and painted windows are sure to impress. This medium sized space is suitable for presentations, exhibitions, conferences, launches and small functions.
Auditorium
With an area of 162m² this space is ideal for large scale presentations, exhibitions and conferences. With a range of room layouts available, the Auditorium includes AV, air conditioning and tiered seating.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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6 – 18 John Street East Maitland 2323 02 4936 6482 info@maitlandgaol.com.au
maitlandgaol.com.au Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm Last entry at 3.00pm