Originally began as a courthouse lock up in 1847. The Gaol was upgraded to a Minor Gaol in 1887. The male cell division was expanded to encompass 13 regular cells and large padded cell for psychiatric prisoners was installed along with two dark cells for the punishment of prisoners. A fully independent female division was erected with separate exercise yard and bathroom facilities. Remand yards nicknamed ?the birdcage? were built and an infirmary block with kitchen and food store was installed. The Gaol was then enclosed behind 12 foot high brick walls and an imposing gate entrance from the main street into the Dubbo Gaol.

A female prisoner who fell from a drainpipe in the process of escape and broke her ankle provides an interesting Mannequin at the top of the wall as part of the history of the Old Dubbo Jail. The escape led to all drainpipes being recessed into the walls.