First time visiting Adelaide Gaol? This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, and how to get there.
History and overview of Adelaide Gaol
The story of Adelaide Gaol begins in the early colony of South Australia. Built first in 1841, this formidable complex served as the city’s main prison for nearly 150 years, witnessing a sweeping arc of change from colonial settlement through to modern life.
Walking through the heavy stone cells, inspection yards and the haunting burial grounds of the inmates gives you a visceral sense of the past. In one wing you’ll find the remnants of the prison structure, in another you’ll encounter evidence of hangings, escapes and life behind-bars.
But Adelaide Gaol isn’t just a dark relic. It also illustrates the evolution of justice, reform and architecture in South Australia. From hand-forged cell doors to the echoes of prisoner footsteps, it invites visitors to reflect on the human stories within the walls. Whether you’re drawn by true crime, architecture or social history, the Gaol offers a memorable and thought-provoking stop.
Today the site blends heritage, storytelling and tourism. With self-guided tours, themed escapes and ghostly evenings, Adelaide Gaol turns what might have been a somber visit into an engaging experience for curious visitors of all ages.
Opening hours of Adelaide Gaol
- Daily: 10am – 4pm
- Last entry for self-guided tours: 3pm
- Closed Christmas Day
- For specialist after-hours ghost tours, you need to book with a private operator.
Ticket prices at Adelaide Gaol
- Adults: A$ 17.50
- Child (aged 4-15): A$ 10.50
- Concession / Senior: A$ 14.50
- Family (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children): A$ 45.50
- Evening ghost tours cost from $46 per person.
These prices are correct as of November 2025, but may change in future.
How to get to Adelaide Gaol & parking
Location
The Adelaide Gaol is located at 18 Gaol Road, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia. Access now is via Bonython Park (off Port Road) due to road changes nearby.
Parking & transport
- Free on-site parking for cars and coaches is available at Adelaide Gaol via the Bonython Park entry.
- Public transport: Bus services stop at Port Road (near Bonython Park) and trams are nearby.
Accessibility & visitor tips for Adelaide Gaol
- While the site is heritage-listed but has been made fully wheelchair accessible.
- Arrive well before the last entry time (3pm) to give yourself sufficient time to explore.
- Combine your visit with a nearby walk along the parklands or an afternoon coffee in the West Torrens/Bonython area.
- For themed evening tours (ghost, twilight, escape cells) booking ahead is essential.
Five great things to do while you’re in Adelaide
- Kayak with dolphins – at the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary.
- Take wildlife-packed day tour to Kangaroo Island.
- Combine an Adelaide Hills tour with a lunch cruise on the Murray River.
- Enjoy a tasting tour of four Barossa Valley wineries – with a gourmet lunch.
- See incredible sunsets on a twilight cruise from Glenelg.
What you’ll experience at Adelaide Gaol
Inside the Adelaide Gaol you’ll walk through cell blocks, see original handcuffs and leg irons, explore historic yards and perhaps feel the weight of history under vaulted ceilings.
Special experiences include the “Escape Cells” offering challenge and fun for families, and ghost-tour specials for anyone drawn to the eerie past.
One moment you’re in a museum-style display of prison life, the next you’re among the shadows where many inmates once lived and died.
Reserve your visit
Advance booking helps ensure your preferred time slot, especially for special experiences and themed tours.
Book your visit to Adelaide Gaol online here
Adelaide Gaol: In summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the ticket prices? | Adults A$ 17.50; Child A$ 10.50; Concession/Senior A$ 14.50; Family A$ 45.50 |
| What are the opening hours? | Daily 10am–4pm; last entry 3pm; closed Christmas Day |
| Where is it located? | 18 Gaol Road, Adelaide SA 5000 |
| Is parking available? | Yes — free onsite parking at Bonython Park entry |
| Is the venue accessible? | Yes — good daytime access; some limitations in evening-event areas |
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. Book through them, and I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
More Adelaide travel
Other Adelaide travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Adelaide Zoo visit planning guide.
- All you need to know about the Popeye Cruise on the Torrens River.
- 7 fantastic Adelaide attractions that many visitors miss.
- What you need to know before visiting Cleland Wildlife Park.
- Why visit the Bay Discovery Centre in Glenelg?.
