Fannie Bay Gaol

Fannie Bay Gaol is a historic gaol in Darwin, Australia. The gaol operated as Her Majesty’s Gaol and Labour Prison, from September 20, 1883 until September 1, 1979. The last executions in Darwin were held at Fannie Bay Gaol in 1952, when Jerry Coci and Jonus Nopoty, Romanian immigrants, were hanged for the murder of a taxi driver.

The Fannie Bay Gaol gallows were constructed especially for this execution, in the infirmary. A pit was dug into the floor at one end of the building, with brick walls either side to support the beam.

A small trapdoor and flight of steps led down into the pit for the doctor to examine the bodies after the drop. The Fannie Bay Gaol prisoners were held in wire cages at the other end of the infirmary prior to execution.

The gallows remain on public view, and visitors can push the lever that operated the trap. The prison was damaged, along with much of Darwin, by Cyclone Tracy in 1974.

Harold Nelson was imprisioned here in 1917, for his ‘no taxation without representation’ campaign, that ultimately led to the Darwin Rebellion.