About Newcastle Gaol Museum
The Newcastle Gaol Museum is a heritage museum housed in the former Newcastle Gaol on Clinton Street in Toodyay, Western Australia, about 85 km northeast of Perth. Built in 1864-65 by convict labour, the stone gaol and adjacent 1890s police stables now display local history collections. Notable for its association with bushranger Moondyne Joe, the State Heritage-listed site preserves original cells, artefacts and photographs illustrating Toodyay's colonial and convict past.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore the original stone gaol cells, exercise yard, and 1891 police stables set around a central courtyard in central Toodyay. The museum displays photographs, documents, police and domestic artefacts, and exhibits on convict history and local settlement. Volunteer guides provide interpretation, and visitors can walk through small, low-doorway cells including the cell associated with Moondyne Joe, view the stables and collection stores, and learn about the building's later use as a police lock-up.
Key highlights
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State Heritage-listed 1864-65 convict-built gaol with original stone cells
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Cell associated with bushranger Moondyne Joe
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1891 police stables and courtyard complex
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Local history collections including photographs, documents and police artefacts
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Well-preserved example of colonial penal architecture in the Avon Valley