National Art School Tours: Inside the Walls of the Former Darlinghurst Gaol

Inside the Walls

Former Darlinghurst Gaol and the National Art School Tours

Tours meet at the Forbes Street entrance 

The site of the former Darlinghurst Gaol and the National Art School is one of Australia’s oldest and best-preserved examples of colonial sandstone architecture, which over the last two centuries has transformed from a place of abject misery to one of Australia’s premier art institutes. According to legend, the building is haunted by the restless ghosts of some of the 76 people including bushrangers, the ​‘demon dentist’ and men and women who were executed at the gaol’s gallows.

Join us for a lively historical tour, shedding light on the site’s fascinating history and exposing the dark, hidden corners that aren’t usually open for public access.

Led by an expert historical guide, the tour takes approximately ninety minutes and includes the historic Cell Block Theatre, the Chapel, the old Governor’s residence, the morgue, the tunnel which was used to process and delouse prisoners and the site of the former gallows.

Maximum 20 participants. Tours include rough, uneven surfaces and stairs. Tours will proceed except in the case of extreme weather. Access to all buildings will be subject to availability on the day of the tour. 

For group bookings/​queries please contact by email at enquiries@​nas.​edu.​au or phone: 02 9339 8744

The group discount price for Gaol Tours is $20 for a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 20 and those under 16 are free of charge.

Please note Refunds and transfers are not available.