The Old Castlemaine Gaol wasn't quite so "old" when it first opened in 1861 – in fact it went on to contribute 130 years of active service. Men, women and even children have passed through its gates, though these days you're much more likely to run into a band than a prisoner.
The prison has been repurposed as a local attraction and offers daily tours (including guided, self-guided and spooky ghost tours), an escape room, a café and venue spaces for concerts and weddings. Take a tour then sit down with a pint and a ploughman's lunch while enjoying the venue's amazing view of Castlemaine.