Maitland Gaol

Interpretation Plan
Implementation Strategy

Maitland City Council

East Maitland, NSW
Wonnarua Country

Maitland Gaol’s 150-year history is steeped in stories of resilience, hardship, and hope. For over a century, this formidable structure bore witness to the raw realities of life behind bars—capturing the good, the bad, and the often harrowing experiences of those who crossed its threshold.

From the mid-nineteenth century to its closure in 1998, Maitland Gaol stood as a symbol of justice and punishment, etched into the Hunter region’s identity.

Since opening to the public, the gaol has become one of the Hunter region’s most significant and unique tourist destinations. Revered as one of the country’s most intact regional gaols, its walls hold echoes of human stories that continue to captivate visitors.

GML was commissioned by Maitland City Council to develop a Heritage Interpretation Plan and implementation strategy to bring new life to the gaol as part of its redevelopment.

Storytelling lies at the heart of the plan—emphasising visceral, emotional and deeply personal content. The interpretation framework draws visitors into the mindset of inmates and staff, delving into feelings of shock, anger, vulnerability, and even hope. These emotions anchor the site’s storytelling, creating an experience that is both poignant and thought-provoking.

In collaboration with multimedia creative agency Studio Esem, GML delivered a contemporary, robust plan designed to endure. It incorporates cutting-edge techniques like soundscapes, augmented reality, generative artificial intelligence (AI), and 3D projections. Yet, the tangible remains essential—furnished environments, interpretive displays, lighting and sound design to ensure visitors connect with the physicality of the gaol’s past.