Geelong’s twisted history

Nestled in the heart of Geelong is Victoria’s most intact 19th century gaol.

For 138 years it was once home to the states most infamous and dangerous criminals, lunatics and children.

Known to the prisoners themselves as the Prison of the Ill or the Seaside Resort, it was at one point an Industrial School for Girls. But no matter how you arrived, it was a place many inmates and children would try to escape from, however very few would leave its walls alive.

When darkness falls, thrill seekers and sceptics alike can join a theatrical costumed guide to lead them by lantern light deep into the heart of the Old Geelong Gaol.

Participants will learn about Victoria’s early colonial convict history as they explore the darkened halls and cells where convicts lived and died in extreme conditions.

Stories of the infamous prisoners, executions and of course, ghosts will also be shared in the many cells and rooms where the events took place.

Participants who are searching for the old age answer of whether ghosts really do exist, can join the investigators tour.

These tours explore the hotspots throughout the gaol using a range of paranormal equipment, trigger devices and experiments to see if evidence can be found to prove that the paranormal truly does exist.

On the last Friday of every month, diehard investigators can spend a night in gaol. This nine-hour investigation is not for the faint of heart, with state-of-the-art paranormal equipment and a premier investigation team supplied.

Zombies will also be attacking the gaol on October 28 with three 45-minute interactive tours.

From the gaol hospital to the morgue, guests will be guided by the Victorian Zombie Immobilisation Team who are working on an antidote to save humanity.

Tours run seven nights a week.

Bookings are essential via twistedhistory.net.au, [email protected] or by phoning 1300 865 800.