Adelaide Gaol

Only decommissioned in 1988 after housing 300,000 inmates since 1841, this old Victorian lock-up has a grim vibe, but its displays of homemade bongs, weapons and escape devices are amazing. It's allegedly the most haunted historic site in SA – 45 prisoners were executed here, and are buried in the grounds. Ask about scheduled guided and ghost tours if you're feeling brave (www.adelaidegaol.org.au).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Adelaide attractions

1. MOD.

0.53 MILES

Innovative MOD. science museum on the University of South Australia campus races towards the future, with seven interactive, surprising gallery spaces…

2. JamFactory

0.57 MILES

Quality contemporary local arts and crafts and brilliant bejewelments, plus workshops and a hellishly hot glass-blowing studio turning out gorgeous glass …

3. Statue of Colonel William Light

0.67 MILES

The famous statue of Adelaide's town planner (official name Light’s Vision) sits atop the grassy flanks of Montefiore Hill in North Adelaide.

4. Bradman Collection

0.68 MILES

At the Adelaide Oval is the Bradman Collection where devotees of 'the Don', cricket's greatest batsman, can pore over the minutiae of his legend. Check…

5. Adelaide Oval

0.68 MILES

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6. St Peter's Cathedral

0.85 MILES

If not for the Adelaide Oval next door, this imposing sandstone cathedral (harking back to 1869) would be the biggest architectural object within miles…

7. Migration Museum

0.99 MILES

This engaging social-history museum tells the story of the many migrants who have made SA their home. The museum has info on 100-plus nationalities logged…

8. Adelaide Town Hall

1.04 MILES

Built in 1866 under the guidance of architect Edmund W Wright, Adelaide's impressive stone Town Hall presides over King William St, locked in an eternal…

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