Boggo Road Gaol (Jail)
Boggo Road Gaol (Jail)
Boggo Road Gaol (Jail)
4.5
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
Located in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, Boggo Road was one of the most notorious prisons of the Twentieth century. The former prison has reopened as a cultural-heritage tourist attraction which offer tours and events. Through historical tours, historical re-enactments, educational experiences and functions & events – the drama and stories of human beings, their failings and their achievements, within the walls of Boggo Road Gaol, are brought to life. Enter. Escape the 21st century…
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
745 reviews
Excellent
524
Very good
170
Average
39
Poor
6
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6
Helen B
Sale, Australia68 contributions
Mar 2021 • Friends
Our Tour Guide didn’t even introduce herself when she started the tour, thought this would have been the first thing that would have happened.
The actual tour was not really what we would have classed as a ghost tour it was over dramatized with a few stories about inmates and a wander around the grounds and a few of the cell blocks. I think I would maybe try a day tour rather than this Ghost Tour and you may learn a bit more about the actual prison and prisoners.
The actual tour was not really what we would have classed as a ghost tour it was over dramatized with a few stories about inmates and a wander around the grounds and a few of the cell blocks. I think I would maybe try a day tour rather than this Ghost Tour and you may learn a bit more about the actual prison and prisoners.
Written 4 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Turley555
Mount Coolum, Australia7 contributions
Jan 2022
I had the privilege of attending a historical guided tour at the Boggo Road Gaol on a rainy day in January. I cannot praise the tour guide Caitlin enough. She was impressive. She shared her considerable knowledge with ease, grace and joy. Undoubtedly, the jail does need some renovations (which I believe are coming in a couple of months) but its condition did help to transport the visitors back to darker but fascinating times in the story of the jail. Caitlin, engaged with all the visitors expertly to ensure they felt their voice was heard and their questions valued. I can't wait to attend other tours at the jail and across Brisbane. Thank you Caitlin for sharing insightful and entertaining stories from the past and inspiring us with your passion for the history of the region. I can’t recommend this tour and the ‘Historic Australia’ organisation more vigorously.
Written 31 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Proud of this 5 star review, Turley555, thank you so much, and for coming along to get locked up with us!
Written 3 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
QldKaren
Brisbane, Australia402 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Our family of 4 (including 2 children aged 10 and 12) from Brisbane decided to support our local economy and learn some local history at the same time. Today we did a 2 hour Boggo Road Jail History Tour and it was excellent. The tour was full, as was the Officer Tour that departed at the same time, so lots of people obviously had the same idea as us which was great to see.
Our guide Kim was fantastic- she told us lots of informative and interesting stories, which kept the entire family entertained. Quite unbelievable that the last prisoners left Boggo Road less than 20 years ago.
There are a number of group tours on offer at Boggo Road. We picked the history tour as it is suitable for all ages. We’ll definitely go back to do the escape tour and the ghost tour at some stage!
Our guide Kim was fantastic- she told us lots of informative and interesting stories, which kept the entire family entertained. Quite unbelievable that the last prisoners left Boggo Road less than 20 years ago.
There are a number of group tours on offer at Boggo Road. We picked the history tour as it is suitable for all ages. We’ll definitely go back to do the escape tour and the ghost tour at some stage!
Written 26 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ambscam
Goodna, Australia4 contributions
Feb 2021 • Family
My son and I did the daytime history tour and loved it. Our guide Kim did a fabulous job of relaying the relevant history and stories and had good knowledge when answering questions. Kim was present and helpful but non intrusive and allowed us plenty of time and space to check the place out. Loved the graffiti but would like to know more about some of the inmates from the 80s - particularly the protestors. Will be coming back for the night tour soon :)
Written 11 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your support and review and for joining us here at the Gaol. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your experience and look forward to welcoming you back on tour soon.
Written 14 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tnn182
Brisbane, Australia26 contributions
Mar 2021
Historical tour of Boggo Road Jail - wonderful to see the remaining heritage listed buildings in original condition to give visitors a genuine experience of the life and times of this rather notorious prison (when it was operational). Tour guide Kim was fantastic -- really interesting stories and great at responding to the many questions. An important historical, though infamous Brisbane icon.
Written 21 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your support and wonderful review!
Written 21 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Purplechook2015
Kurwongbah, Australia14 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Wow! There’s a lot to be said about being a tourist in your own backyard. Today we did the history tour with KIM. It was fabulous, very informative and Kim is an excellent storyteller. I’m thankful some of the buildings are still maintained and able to be viewed by the public giving a glimpse into our local history.
Written 1 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Debbie - thank you so much for your kind words and support!
Written 3 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
B_Shukti
New Delhi, India45 contributions
Jan 2021 • Solo
This was one of the best experiences on my trip to Brisbane although it often doesn't feature among the top few things to do on most websites. Heather was a lovely guide, passionate with a great sense of humour. She made the fascinating stories come alive. This place is a must visit especially for history lovers like me! Highly recommended for all travelers including kids. Maybe next time I'm in Brisbane I'll do a nighttime tour.
Written 20 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We look forward to seeing you on the Ghost and Gallows Tour next time you are in Brisbane
Written 21 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tamara
2 contributions
Sept 2021
My husband and I did the History Tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. Teaghan was our tour guide. She was friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend this our to everyone especially if you're a Brisbane local to find out about some of our history. It was an eye opener. Young children may not enjoy the tour as there's a lot of listening and not much touching. I also think that people with a physical disability would be fine on the tour as there's a gentle ramp into the cell block. There are stairs to go up to the second level but this is optional and you don't really see anything different up there. There are no toilets available on the tour.
Written 14 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We so appreciate you taking the time to leave us such a comprehensive and insightful review, Poochie071, and for recommending our experience here at the notorious Boggo Road Gaol to others! We completely agree, it is such a unique piece of our state's past, one that all locals and visitors alike should have the opportunity to experience.
Whilst the tour is predominantly a listening experience due to the fact that it is a heritage property and a such, touching is kept to a minimum both for guests safety and in effort to maintain the integrity of the buildings, our guides have been trained to deliver their stories and content in a way that is friendly for all ages, children included. We even run school excursions, and special events during school holidays with this target audience in mind, which are often met with intrigue and fascination! This being said, we are always open to feedback and ways to improve our offerings and have taken these comments on board. Thank you also for noticing our ramps, we absolutely pride ourselves on being mobility access friendly! We look forward to hopefully welcoming you back on another of our tours again soon. Thank you again!
Written 25 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kim H
3 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Fantastic day out today! The lovely and knowledgeable Kim was our tour guide and had some great stories to tell and no questions off limits. It's refreshing when an employee is passionate about what they do and that shone through in Kim. Thankyou for a great day Kim.
Written 21 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for joining us on tour. We will pass on your review to Kim!
Written 21 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jersey2066
Brisbane, Australia88 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Having lived close by for over 25 years it’s somewhere I’ve been wanting to visit. Finally got to tick it off the list this morning having done a very informative tour with Jack.
We got taken through two of the blocks that were open and saw inside many of the cells as they were left. Only one cell (as I understand it) still has the bed and items in it.
Interesting stories were told regarding two of the more ‘famous’ prisoners and we also got an insight into daily routines.
Planning to do a follow up tour entitled Ghosts & Gallows now.
We got taken through two of the blocks that were open and saw inside many of the cells as they were left. Only one cell (as I understand it) still has the bed and items in it.
Interesting stories were told regarding two of the more ‘famous’ prisoners and we also got an insight into daily routines.
Planning to do a follow up tour entitled Ghosts & Gallows now.
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi all, we have a number of different tours available, and can be found on our website. These include our History Tour from 11am - 12:30pm. Prisoner and Officer Tours on specific Sundays from 11:00am, Ghosts and Gallows tours from 7:30pm, Gallows Exhibition on Saturday and Sundays from 12:45pm - 1:15pm. Additionally we have Escapes and Prison Players Tours
Written 18 March 2020
Hi Tour39114971102, our adults tickets are $25 and $22.50 for adults concession until the end of February.
Thanks a bundle!
Written 29 January 2019
As I can't manage stairs or steep slopes can I still get around okay, as I have been invited to join a tour and don't want to hold them back quite willing to wait if I can.t manage something
Written 18 April 2016
You should have no problem walking around the site and I am fairly positive that the guide will accommodate you should you have any concerns....
The only obstacle you may encounter which will definitely be not of bounds is to climb a small flight of steel stairs that leads to a second tier level of cells but you really do not miss much as the second level is a simple carbon copy of the first level....
Apart from that there may be one to two step challenges to conquer, make sure that you have someone escort you by the arm around the site just to be safe....
And make sure you have a good lamp, especially if you are doing the night tour....
Written 19 April 2016
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