HM Prison Bendigo

HM Prison Bendigo is a heritage prison complex built from granite and red brick set on a hilltop, with two cell wings arranged around a central hall and guard towers positioned to watch over the grounds. The buildings showcase the standard prison design of late 1800s Britain.

The site began as Sandhurst Gaol, opening between 1861 and 1864, and remained in operation for over 140 years until 2004. During World War Two and after, from 1939 to 1953, it served as a military detention center as well.

The building layout follows the panopticon design, where guards could see all inmates from one central point. This reflects how British prison ideas of the 1800s shaped the way the place was built.

The facility held 85 cells and was used for both male and female prisoners before the women were moved elsewhere in 1896. The hilltop location offers good views of the surrounding area as you walk around the grounds.

Three executions took place here between 1885 and 1897, with the remains of those executed buried within the prison grounds. This makes it a significant location in Australian penal history.

Location: Victoria

Inception: 1863

Official opening: 1863

GPS coordinates: -36.75444,144.28028

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:57