Old Dubbo Gaol

Old Dubbo Gaol is a heritage-listed former prison in central Dubbo, New South Wales, on Macquarie Street. Operating as a gaol from 1847 to 1966, it is now a museum preserving original cell blocks, watchtower, gallows and exercise yards. Notable for its intact 19th-century colonial prison architecture and state heritage listing, it offers guided and self-guided tours interpreting convict and prison history in regional New South Wales.

Visitors can explore a preserved 19th-century gaol complex in central Dubbo with original sandstone cell blocks, solitary confinement cells, gallows, watchtower, exercise yards and prisoner artefacts. The site is presented as a museum with interpretive displays, costumed guides, self-guided audio and guided tours including daytime history tours and evening ghost tours. The setting is enclosed by high walls with courtyards and historic buildings arranged around central yards.

Built between 1847 and 1871 to replace earlier lock-ups, Old Dubbo Gaol operated as a functioning prison from 1847 until its closure in 1966. It retains colonial-era prison architecture including cell wings, gallows and watchtower. Eight executions were carried out on site. It is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register as a rare intact example of a 19th-century country gaol.

The gaol is a State heritage-listed site representing colonial penal history and regional justice administration in New South Wales. It serves as a cultural and educational museum interpreting prison life, social history and local heritage for visitors and schools.