The site's popularity as a tourist attraction continues to exceed expectations with the end of the 2007-08 financial year showing 25,285 people flocked to the site in the first time the figure had topped 25,000.

The number of people who booked tours was also a record, with 21,413 eclipsing the 20,000 mark for the first time and showing an increase of 16.3 per cent on 2006-07 figures.

Council business strategy and marketing executive manager Roger Stephan said the next goal was 30,000 visitors in 2008-09.

The figures follow projections that the gaol could be a million dollar enterprise within five years.

Mr Stephan said the increase in visitation was partially attributed to the introduction of an audio tour and the success of dinner and tour packages.

After eight months of operation, the self-guided tour accounted for 32 per cent of tour visitation or 6844 visitors, an increase of 20 per cent or 3628 on 2006-07.

While the innovation had a small downward impact on daytime guided tours of the site, total guided tours stayed relatively static at 14,569 compared to 14,780 in 2006-07, indicating a strong improvement in night tours.

Mr Stephan said the new range of attractions was also transforming the gaol into a year-round venue and

eliminating the traditional winter

lull.

June monthly figures were also record-breaking, with 2295 visitors to the site in the first time the month has broken the 2000 benchmark. The highest tour visitation for June previously was 1873.

“We're finding that the peaks and troughs are evening out because of the diversity of the activities at the gaol,” he said.

“People are more encouraged to come out because there's so many things to do, the cafe is operating and we've packaged up a number of experiences, such as a tour with morning and afternoon tea.

“That's generating strong demand throughout the year, rather than seasonal demand.”

The volume of activities is expected to continue to grow, with State Government funding to evolve the interpretative experience and restore the theatrette, which was built and then bricked over.

Mr Stephan was confident the 30,000 visitor threshold was achievable.

"My expectation is that that figure will be reached," he said.