The first permanent gaol to be opened in South Australia, the Adelaide Gaol is situated in Thebarton and remains one of the oldest buildings in the state. It closed its doors to prisoners in 1988 and is now open as a museum for visitors to discover what life was like behind bars for Adelaide’s first settlers.
Construction on the Adelaide Gaol began in 1840 to hold 140 prisoners, with its design based on England’s Pentonville prison. In its early years, the gaol was referred to affectionately as "Ashton’s Hotel”, overseen by Governor William Baker Ashton and his staff of two "turnkeys" and two guards. The first escape occurred in 1897 when three prisoners managed to reach Blanchetown, 130 kilometres to the north-east before being captured, and the first civilian execution took place in 1944. Extensive renovations in 1954-55 created more sanitary conditions for prisoners, and in 1969 all of its female prisoners were transferred to a new facility at the Adelaide Women's Prison. Over its 147 year history, the Adelaide Gaol housed around 300,000 prisoners, including some of South Australia’s most notorious criminals. Gaol tours offer a glimpse into what life was like and fascinating stories of those who did their time here, as well as those who lived out the rest of their lives. 45 prisoners were executed at the Adelaide Gaol, including the only woman to ever have been executed in South Australia. There are interactive exhibits which explore its intriguing history and reports by some that ghosts haunt its hallways and cells.
Public buses stop on Port Road and trams at the corner of West and North Terrace, both of which are just a short walk from the entrance to the Adelaide Gaol. There’s also free parking available on-site at the museum, situated adjacent to the Thebarton Police Barracks.
When British colonists first settled South Australia towards the end of 1836, the few prisoners they had were held in irons on the HMS Buffalo and Tam O’Shanter vessels. After their departure and with the threat of escaped convicts from the New South Wales penal colonies, plans were underway to build a temporary lock-up near Government House, followed by the permanent facility of the Adelaide Gaol.