Sandhurst Gaol Tour

Bendigo's Ulumbarra Theatre rises majestically from within what was once the Sandhurst Gaol. Discover the symbiotic fusion between 1860s penitentiary architecture and clever contemporary design to create an extraordinary arts and community facility. Knowledgeable guides share the stories of inhabitants old and new, while exploring this world class performance facility.

Ulumbarra, meaning gather together in the language of the Dja Dja Wurrung people, is representative of the role the site has played over time; from an indigenous meeting place, to the original Government Camp, later the Sandhurst Gaol and now a magnificent theatre.

Constructed in the early 1860s, the gaol was based on the Pentonville prison model where the wings radiate from a central tower, now the symbiotic link between the heritage and contemporary architecture. your guide will explore spaces throughout this extraordinary arts and community facility, telling the tales that once remained behind the walls.

Transformed in 2015 into a state-of-the-art performance and event space including world class production capabilities it is now truly a place for all to experience.

Join the passionate guides who will take you through an interactive experience that shares the amazing stories that this significant site has to tell.