Fannie Bay Gaol Museum

By just wandering around the capital city of Northern Territory, one can easily tell that the place had been through an enthralling history. There are various vantage points in the city, but among the popular heritage sites of the city is the Fannie Bay Gaol Museum established at East Point Road.

History

For about a century, Fannie Bay Gaol was the premiere detention center or jail in Darwin. This correctional institution was built in 1882 and it depicts the most important social histories of Northern Territory. It is also known to be the former Labour Prison and Her Majesty's Gaol in the city from September 1883 to September 1979.

The original architecture of this historical gaol composes two blocks with 16 stone cells, a washhouse and a dirty kitchen. However, during the late 1920's, there came a need for a particular cell for women prisoners and so a structure for this purpose was built. Soon after, another area was established for the purpose of keeping Aboriginal detainees. Furthermore, a remand section, a watch tower and maximum security wings were erected in the 1950s.

It was only in 1887 when the infirmary at the Fannie Bay Gaol was constructed. This area was, in 1952, devoted to final execution activities. Two Romanian immigrants, namely Jonus Nopoty and Jerry Coci, were executed here because they were found guilty murdering a local taxi driver.

Now a Museum

Today, one can freely visit the gaol for it now operates as a museum. Fannie Bay Gaol discontinued its operation in 1979 because the detainees were sent to the penal institution at Berrimah. The prison is now called Fannie Bay Gaol Museum, which exhibits a number of compelling displays such as the video footage and pictures of the Cyclone Tracy. The photographs and other references depict the aftermath of the tragedy. In addition, one can also visit the museum to see the gaol's female prisoners section and mess area.

Fannie Bay Gaol Museum, no doubt, imparts the depressive environment of the prisoners who were detained here. Guests can visit the other sections of the old jail to see the remaining facilities used to detain the prisoners of Darwin.

Fannie Bay Gaol Museum is open daily from 10 o'clock in the morning until 5 p.m. Admission is absolutely free of charge so tourists and locals alike are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to view this historical site in the capital city. Fannie Bay Gaol Museum also provides facilities that will cater to the various needs of its guests so that maximum comfort and safety are guaranteed therein.

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