Plan a prison break in Melbourne
Pentridge Prison is about to open again - this time as a tourism drawcard
The prison tours will unlock the closely guarded secrets of the prison - dating back to 1851 - with multimedia installations and audio recordings of former inmates and officers.
Twenty-six years after it closed its doors, Melbourne's Heritage-listed Pentridge Prison is about to open again on March 1 - this time to visitors curious to discover its infamous past, as part of two immersive tours.
A collaboration between the prison, the National Trust Victoria and technology company Art Processors, the excursions will unlock the closely guarded secrets of the prison - dating back to 1851 - with multimedia installations and audio recordings of former inmates and officers.
One such inmate is the late Uncle Jack Charles: a Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Taungurung man, who was named the 2016 Victorian Senior Australian of the Year for his contribution to Australian theatre industry.
"The National Trust, Victoria, believes that for too long, these stories have been shrouded in mystery," says Simon Ambrose, CEO National Trust Victoria. "And although the past is confronting, it is crucial that we do not forget the realities of those who were incarcerated, and we respectfully learn and share their truths."
Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.
My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.
Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.
My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.
Travel's Top Picks
Travel's Most Viewed
I tried Air New Zealand's new economy bunk beds - are they worth the hype ... and $495?
Clever ideas to ease overtourism - but will they appeal to the masses?
Why you should visit the one place in Canada Australians don't go
'Walk out for a ciggie' at 35,000 feet: the wild story behind Qantas's latest lifetime ban
'We will find a solution': Uluru tourism operator's promise after Virgin axes flights
