Opened in 1883, Fannie Bay Gaol has housed all manner of prisoners throughout history. Operating as Darwin’s principal gaol until 1979 and executing the Northern Territory's last hanging in 1952, the gaol presents a grim attraction but one that is vital to understanding the city’s past.
With nearly 100 years of history, the museum now showcases a bygone way of life and gives an insight into the Northern Territory’s judicial developments throughout the last century. Not for the light-hearted, a Fannie Bay Gaol tour presents a somewhat macabre but historically significant tourism experience.
Located just north of the city overlooking Darwin’s Fannie Bay, Her Majesty’s Gaol & Labour Prison (now Fannie Bay Gaol) can be found nestled amongst exclusive residential buildings. A far cry from the remote outpost and dreaded site of incarceration it once was, this relic of the past now gives visitors a realistic look at the harsh life of prisoners in the Top End from the late 19th century to 1979.
Walking through the gaol, visitors come face to face with the harsh and oppressive manner of prison life with access granted to the cells, infirmary and gallows. The walls are now filled with information panels that depict the penal, legal, medical and social history of Darwin and beyond.
You should allow an hour for a self-guided visit, and if you’ve got questions there’s Fannie Bay Gaol tours available.
Fannie Bay Gaol is only open from 10 am till 2 pm Wednesday to Sunday, however, if you’re travelling with a tour group, access outside of these hours is often granted. Take a look at our Darwin holiday packages and explore Fannie Bay Gaol tours.
Fannie Bay is named after Fanny Carandini, an opera singer who performed in Australia in the 1800s. George Goyder, the Surveyor-General of South Australia, named the bay in her honour during his 1869 expedition to survey the Northern Territory. The area has since developed into a prominent suburb of Darwin, known for its scenic views and historical significance.
Fannie Bay Gaol closed in September 1979. The prison had been operational since 1883 and played a significant role in the history of the Northern Territory. After its closure, the facility was preserved as a historical site and is now open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the old cells, gallows, and various exhibits detailing the gaol’s history and its role in the justice system of the Northern Territory.
To get to Fannie Bay Gaol, you can drive, take public transport, or use a taxi or ride-sharing service. The gaol is located in the suburb of Fannie Bay, about 5 kilometres (3 miles) from Darwin city centre.
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