Oatlands Gaol

JUST TURN UP, NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED!

Architect: John Lee Archer

Built by convicts between 1834 and 1836 and designed by John Lee Archer, this towering gaol was once the largest regional prison in Van Diemen’s Land, yet oddly famous for being easy to escape! Housing up to 270 prisoners behind 30-foot-high walls, it saw 18 public executions before slowly fading into history. By the 1920s only two inmates remained, and by 1954 a swimming pool filled the yard. Today, it’s a fascinating reminder of Oatlands’ convict past.

At 10.30am and 11.30am, there will be exclusive tours of the Oatlands Gaol Yard, which has recently been exposed for the first time in 80 years. The old Oatlands Swimming Pool has recently been demolished and the fill removed form the 2000m2 gaol yard. Tantalising archaeological remains have been exposed which show parts of the layout of the site, including the gallows and solitary cells. Not (yet) opened to the public, further archaeological planning is underway to explore and interpret these remains. An exclusive sneak-peek will be offered during Open House!

Open: Saturday 1 November, 10am-12pm, with tours at 10.30am and 11.30am

Meet at the arch next to the Gaoler’s Residence for the start of each tour.