Every cell has a secret. Every wall has a story. And every prisoner at the Old Geelong Gaol had one dream: escape.

Since its opening in 1853, this towering bluestone fortress has held 100s of Victoria’s most desperate and dangerous offenders — from hardened criminals and rebellious soldiers to young girls locked away in the infamous industrial school. Nicknamed “The Prison of the Ill,” it became a place where hope flickered… and escape plots thrived.

Join our costumed guides and historians as they reveal the most daring breakouts in the Gaol’s history — over 80 escape attempts!

Hear how 22 prisoners once fled to watch a football match — the second largest prison escape in Victoria — and how legendary bush bandit Edwin Eastwood, mastermind of the Faraday School kidnapping, outwitted guards and vanished into history.

Will you discover the secrets they left behind?

Dare to follow in their footsteps — if you can handle the thrill of chasing freedom.