Explore Jack's Magazine

About the tour

Explore Jack's Magazine – the intriguing former explosives storage facility by the banks of the Maribyrnong River. Opened in 1878, Jack's Magazine has been locked up and unused since the 1990s. Jack's Magazine is now open for regular guided walking tours.

Get a glimpse behind Jack's Magazine's imposing bluestone walls and explore its buildings, tunnels, tramways and giant earth mounds on foot. Learn about its connections to Victoria's gold mining, world wars and the local area's industrial past. This is the perfect day out for those intrigued by Melbourne's hidden places.

Please note this is a walking tour and we cover quite a lot of ground across this large site – a basic level of fitness is required. Please contact us directly if you have particular queries about accessibility.

Jack's Magazine is a heritage place on Crown Land managed by Working Heritage.

FAQs

Do I have to book?

You must book and pre-pay through Eventbrite to join this tour. Tickets are not available at the door and we cannot admit people who have not booked.

What is the refund policy?

If Working Heritage cancels the tour the ticket price will be refunded. There will be no other refunds. We can't issue refunds if you change your mind or find you can't attend.

Can I arrive late?

Please arrive on time. This is a closed site. We begin the tour at the time specified on your ticket and we must close the entrance behind us once we start.

How long do tours last?

Approximately 90 minutes.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Please bring either a printed ticket or display it on your smartphone so we can check we've got everyone.

How many people will be on the tour?

Groups are limited to 20 visitors.

How much walking will I have to do?

Quite a lot. This is a large site (around 6 hectares) and we cover a lot of the site on foot without opportunities to sit down. A basic level of fitness is required.

Where do tours meet?

Gather at the green doors on the north side of the bluestone perimeter wall. To get to the entrance walk along the bluestone wall and turn left to walk between the wall and the canal. Then you should see us! The entrance is approximately 300 metres walk from the car park.

Your guide will meet you at the entrance at the time specified on your ticket.

Are there toilets?

Yes. They are near the entrance of the site so it's is best to go when you arrive or before you leave.

Is Jack's Magazine safe?

Although there are no longer explosives at Jack's Magazine it is still very much a nineteenth-century industrial facility; visitors need to take responsibility for their safety when on site. Visitors will be briefed on safety before tours begin.

Is Jack's Magazine accessible to people with disabilities?

Jack's Magazine is a largely untouched former industrial facility and is not yet fully accessible. Please contact Working Heritage if you have specific queries about accessibility.

What should I wear?

Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the conditions on the day – most of the tour is outside.

Will tours go ahead in bad weather?

Unless extreme weather that poses a danger to visitors is forecast, tours will go ahead – rain, hail or shine.

What are my transport/parking options for getting to the event?

Visitors can park in the car park on Magazine Way, Maribyrnong – near the corner of Pelican Lane. There is a 300 metre walk from the car park to the entrance of Jack's Magazine.

Jack's Magazine is also accessible via the bike trail along the Maribyrnong River, and the trail is an easy and quick way to connect to Footscray train station. The 82 tram along Gordon Street and the 409 bus are the best public transport options.

What can/can't I bring to the event?

Supervised children and prams are welcome on the tour. Cameras are welcome and we love you to post your photos online. Bring drinking water if you like. Please leave the pets at home. There is strictly no smoking.

Where does my money go?

Fees from tours contribute to Working Heritage's conservation and management of heritage places across Victoria.

Where can I contact the organiser with any other questions?

Contact Working Heritage with questions: k.davis@workingheritage.com.au