Place: Adelaide Gaol
Location: 18 Gaol Road, Thebarton, South Australia
Phone: +61 8 8231 4062
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; last entry at 3:00 PM
Admission: Adults: $15; Concession: $13; Children (5-15 years): $8; Family (2 adults, 2 children): $38
Website: Adelaide Gaol Official Website
History: Established in 1841, Adelaide Gaol is one of South Australia’s oldest remaining colonial public buildings. Over its 147 years of operation, it housed approximately 300,000 prisoners, including men, women, and children. The gaol was the site of 45 executions, with the first seven conducted publicly outside its gates. The facility ceased operations as a prison in 1988 and has since been preserved as a museum and historical site.
Hauntings: Adelaide Gaol is reputed to be one of Australia’s most haunted locations. Visitors and staff have reported numerous paranormal occurrences, including unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices, and sudden temperature drops. One frequently mentioned spirit is that of Frederick ‘Fred’ Carr, who was executed in 1929 for the murder of his wife. His apparition, described as a neatly dressed man in dark clothing, has been sighted near the stairs leading to the upper cells of the New Building. Another notable presence is that of Governor William Baker Ashton, the gaol’s first governor, whose heavy footsteps are often heard in the upper levels of the administration area where he once resided.
Personal Experiences: Many visitors on ghost tours have recounted eerie experiences. One guest reported hearing footsteps in the museum area while alone, despite no one else being present. Another account from a former staff member mentions hearing heavy footsteps upstairs while working alone in the Governor’s Quarters, attributing the sounds to Governor Ashton, who died in those quarters.
Paranormal Activity Rating: High (Frequent activity)
For a visual exploration of Adelaide Gaol, you can watch the following video:
Please note: While the gaol is open for self-guided tours during the day, specialized ghost tours are available at night for those interested in the paranormal aspects of the site.