Adelaide, South Australia, hosts significant historical prisons that offer insights into the region's past. The Adelaide Gaol, the first permanent prison in the area, operated from 1841 to 1988, accommodating around 300,000 prisoners, including diverse populations such as men, women, children, and individuals labeled as "lunatics" at the time. It holds the distinction of being Australia's longest continuously operating prison and is one of South Australia's two oldest public buildings, the other being Government House.
Yatala Labour Prison, a high-security men's facility situated in Northfield, northeastern Adelaide, was established in 1854. Prisoners were tasked with breaking one cubic yard of rock daily, reflecting the institution's punitive philosophy until the mid-20th century. The prison boasts a rich history, notably marked by events like the first escape in October 1855, where eight escapees were recaptured and confined in solitary within the premises.
These historical prisons offer a captivating glimpse into the evolution of crime and punishment in South Australia, making them compelling destinations for those intrigued by the state's historical narrative.