Boggoroad Gaol Museum

The entire site is historically and culturally important, and all those that visit should respect the delicate nature of the 100 years old buildings and exhibits. By respecting what you have come to see, future generations will also be able to enjoy Queensland's oldest surviving prison.

The site on which Boggo Road Gaol stands was first surveyed in 1863. In May of 1880, the site was designated a prison reserve. By the late 1800's, Queensland prisons had become dangerously overcrowded, and the need for more prisons became a priority for the state government. In 1898, the Queensland government initiated plans to construct a purpose built prison for women at the Boggo Road site.

It was to be built next to an existing prison for men that had opened in July of 1883. Construction of the women's prison did not begin until October of 1901 and relied heavily on of the labour efforts of male prisoners from the existing male prison. Local builders, Lind and Son completed the gaol for female offenders in June of 1903.