Fannie Bay Gaol: A Glimpse into Darwin's Grim Past
Explore Darwin's dark history at Fannie Bay Gaol, a preserved prison showcasing the Northern Territory's penal past.
Fannie Bay Gaol, Darwin's main prison for nearly a century (1883-1979), offers a chilling look into the Northern Territory's penal history. Explore original stone cells, the infirmary, and gallows, and learn about the lives of prisoners and the evolution of the justice system.
A brief summary to Fannie Bay Gaol
- East Point Rd &, Ross Smith Ave, Fannie Bay, NT, 0820, AU
- +61889998264
- Visit website
- Wednesday 10 am-2 pm
- Thursday 10 am-2 pm
- Friday 10 am-2 pm
- Saturday 10 am-2 pm
- Sunday 10 am-2 pm
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking on uneven surfaces.
- Bring water and a hat, as there is limited shade within the gaol grounds.
- Allow at least one hour for a self-guided tour to fully explore the site.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the Darwin Bus Interchange, take bus route 4, 6, or 19 towards Fannie Bay. The bus ride takes approximately 15 minutes. Alight at the Dick Ward Dr After Allen St stop, which is a 3-minute walk to the Gaol. The single fare is $3, allowing for three hours of unlimited bus travel.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Darwin. A taxi ride from the Darwin city center to Fannie Bay Gaol takes approximately 5 minutes and costs between $13 and $17.
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Walking
If you are near East Point Reserve, you can walk to Fannie Bay Gaol. Head towards East Point Road and follow the path towards Ross Smith Avenue. The Gaol is located at the intersection and is about a 15-minute walk.
Discover more about Fannie Bay Gaol
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