Old Newcastle Gaol Old Gaol Museum

Published: 13 May 2008

Temporary Closure

Old Gaol temporary closure for conservation work

The Old Newcastle Gaol Museum is currently closed for conservation works and relandscaping that will improve the entrance statement of the Museum

In December 2007 the Old Gaol Museum closed for conservation work. Extensive landscaping, excavations and treatment was necessary to manage the rising damp in the walls of the "warders quarters" of the Gaol.

Two feet deep of earth was removed from around the walls and a retaining wall designed to hold back future build up. The walls were then cleaned, treated and repointed to match the remainder of the building.

Relandscaping of the front entrance land meant the installation of garden beds to replace the lawn previously laid. Water wise, local, native gardens have been planted and feature "sculpture" has been added in the vein of a horse drawn chaff cutter that was hidden away.

Both the gardens and the chaff cutter offer a brilliant opportunity to further interpret the site and the history of Toodyay.

The Gaol is currently still closed as extensive cleaning and condition analysis survey's are conducted to ensure nothing has been damaged in the time the Gaol has been closed. An opening date has yet to be set.

Enquiries

Miss Natalie James
Museum Curator
Tel: +61 08 9574 2258
Fax: +61 08 9574 2158
Email