The Old Castlemaine Gaol sits atop a hill overlooking the beautiful gold rush town of Castlemaine. Constructed between 1857 and 1864 using locally quarried sandstone and Harcourt granite, the gaol is a striking testament to the town's pre-eminece during the Victorian gold rush.
The gaol was built to house offenders from the goldfields and surrounding areas, and ten prisoners were executed by hanging within its walls during the second half of the 19th century. Over the years, the stone complex served as a goldfields gaol, a reformatory school for boys, then a medium security prison before finally closing in 1990.
Visitors to Castlemaine can go for a drive up to the entrance and admire the former prison's gorgeous stone facade, not to mention the stunning views over the town below.
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