Boggo Road Gaol Tours

Queensland's most notorious prison, Boggo Road Gaol, is one of Brisbane's most intriguing cultural-heritage tourist attractions. Originally built in 1883, more than 500,000 people passed through the gates as prisoners, guards, or visitors, before it was closed in 1992.

Number Two Division, the only remaining section of Boggo Road Gaol, was opened in 1903 to house female inmates. In 1921, the women were moved to make way for male prisoner's being relocated from St Helena Island. The Prison for Women became the Prison for Men, with WO being covered above the entrance. Division 2 was home to some of Queensland's most infamous inmates, including James Finch and John Stuart (Whiskey Au Go Go fire bombers) and Arthur 'Slim' Halliday (the Houdini of Boggo Road).

Boggo Road Gaol Historical Tours take you behind the brick walls. Enthusiastic tour guides, dressed as guards, reveal the inside stories of Boggo Road Gaol, from its early beginnings as a place of execution to the riots and famous roof-top protests in the 1980s. Hear about hunger strikes, daring escapes, and notorious inmates.

This 1.5 hour, family friendly tour takes in the gatehouse, exercise yards, the Circle, and one of the original cellblocks.

While in the vicinity take a wander through the fascinating old South Brisbane Cemetery across the road, where many of Boggo Road Gaol's ex-prisoners including bushranger John Kenniff and child killer and last Qld prisoner to be executed, Ernest Austin are buried.

Nice to know - Night tours and ghost tours are also available.

By Deb Lidster

FOR HISTORICAL TOURS BOOK HERE