Once one of Australia’s most notorious jails, Pentridge Prison is now open to families brave enough to walk its bluestone halls.
Become detectives for the day on the Prison Break Explorers family tour at Pentridge Prison! This unique experience by the National Trust is an educational interactive mystery adventure—perfect for curious kids and grown-ups alike.
Pentridge Prison Family Tour – What to Expect
Prison Break Explorers isn’t your usual history tour!
Instead of passively listening to a tour guide or audio guide, kids are thrown straight into the action. This time, your family has been framed for a crime you didn’t commit. The mission? To track down the real culprit and earn your pardon before time runs out.
With clues hidden through H Division and a mystery to solve, it’s up to your young investigators to crack the case and break free.
Immersive, Imaginative and Totally Kid-Friendly
The Pentridge Prison Family Tour is designed with kids 6-12 years in mind, although the 14 year old still enjoyed the activities (she just worked through them very quickly!).
During the tour, our friendly guide takes us to key parts of the prison, sharing tales of past prisoners, daring getaways, and what life behind bars was really like.
The 1 hour experience is packed with storytelling and interactive problem-solving that keeps kids engaged while sneaking in a solid dose of history.
Don’t worry if your little one isn’t a history buff (yet)! I think the tour strikes a great balance between education and entertainment.
It’s not just great for kids though. Adults come away with a new appreciation for Melbourne’s lesser-known stories and one of the city’s most fascinating heritage sites.
Family Pentridge Prison Tours: When and Where
Pentridge Prison Family Tours run every Sunday at 10.30am, with two sessions during Victorian school holidays: 10.30am and 12.45pm.
Each session runs for one hour—just the right length to hold younger attention spans while still feeling like a real adventure.
Pentridge Prison Tour Info
- When: Sundays, 10.30am (two sessions during Victorian school holidays: 10.30am and 12.45pm)
- Duration: 10.30am – 11.30am
- Where: Pentridge Prison, 1 Champ Street, Coburg
Tours start from the Warders Residence, in the grassed courtyard beyond the Clock Tower.
- Age suitability: All ages welcome, we recommend this for ages 6+
- Cost:
- $25 Adult
- $20 Child
- $80 Family (2 adults + 2 children)
- $10 Extra child
- Free for National Trust Victoria members
- $25 Adult
Explore the Pentridge Precinct
Before or after your tour, take time to explore the wider Pentridge Precinct. This revitalised area blends heritage and modernity, offering a variety of attractions:
- Warder’s Upstairs Gallery: Located in the former warders’ quarters, this gallery showcases rotating exhibitions that delve into the art, history, and culture of the prison and its surroundings.
- Pentridge Cinema: Enjoy fully reclining chairs, Dolby Atmos sound, and a fully licensed menu while watching Hollywood’s finest films.
- Boutique Shops and Cafés: Enjoy a meal or coffee at one of the precinct’s eateries, or browse through unique shops housed within the historic bluestone buildings.
- Open Spaces: Relax in the landscaped courtyards and open areas, perfect for a family picnic or a leisurely stroll.
Why not book a family mini-break? Take the Prison Break Explorers tour, explore Pentridge Precinct and then rest up at the nearby Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge for a fun and easy family getaway. Read our review of the Adina Hotel Pentridge.
Getting There
Location: Pentridge Prison is located in Coburg, approximately 8 km north of Melbourne’s CBD.
Public Transport: The precinct is easily accessible via public transport:
- Train: Take the Upfield line to Coburg Station, then it’s a short walk to the precinct.
- Tram: Routes 19 and 1 stop nearby; alight at the Bell Street or Coburg stops.
Parking: Limited parking is available on-site, with additional street parking in the surrounding area.
A Unique Day Out for Families
If you’re looking for something a bit more unusual than your typical museum visit or playground outing, the Prison Break Explorers tour ticks all the boxes.
It’s fun, hands-on, educational, and set in one of Melbourne’s most atmospheric heritage sites.
And with a family-friendly format, it’s easy to relax and enjoy the experience together.
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