The group were caught at the premises and were found with tools they had stolen from inside the old heritage-listed orphanage.

Sergeant Jason Hawke said the men were interviewed at the police station just before 5am.

Two of the men aged in their 20s have been charged with burglary.

The 17-year-old boy who was with them has been released, pending further inquiries.

Sergeant Hawke said they had smashed a window and caused minor damage to the structure.