Old Mount Gambier Gaol
Stay in a 19th-century prison cell! Unique accommodation with shared facilities, offering a historical adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Old Mount Gambier Gaol
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stay in a 19th-century prison cell! Unique accommodation with shared facilities, offering a historical adventure.
"Cannot recommend this unique experience highly enough! Booked for 3 days and stayed for 3 weeks."
🎒 Pack for Shared Facilities
Bring warm clothing for the walk to shared showers/toilets, especially in cooler months. :athletic_shoe:
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Own Pace
Take your time with the self-guided tour; the history is fascinating and informative. :compass:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Cell Accommodation
Individual Cells
Sleep in a genuine 19th-century prison cell, a truly unforgettable and unique lodging experience.
Self-Guided Historical Tour
Entire Gaol Complex
Explore the grounds and learn about the gaol's past through informative panels and historical notes.
Communal Kitchen & Dining
Common Areas
Prepare your meals and connect with fellow travelers in the spacious, well-equipped kitchen and dining area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Unique Stay
Plan Your Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack for Shared Facilities
Bring warm clothing for the walk to shared showers/toilets, especially in cooler months. :athletic_shoe:
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Own Pace
Take your time with the self-guided tour; the history is fascinating and informative. :compass:
🍳 Self-Catering is Key
Utilize the great kitchen facilities to save money and enjoy meals in the communal dining area. :knifeforkplate:
📅 Book Ahead for Events
If visiting for a concert or event, book your accommodation well in advance. :ticket:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack for Shared Facilities
Bring warm clothing for the walk to shared showers/toilets, especially in cooler months. :athletic_shoe:
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Own Pace
Take your time with the self-guided tour; the history is fascinating and informative. :compass:
🍳 Self-Catering is Key
Utilize the great kitchen facilities to save money and enjoy meals in the communal dining area. :knifeforkplate:
📅 Book Ahead for Events
If visiting for a concert or event, book your accommodation well in advance. :ticket:
✨ Embrace the Atmosphere
It's an adventure, not luxury. Enjoy the unique historical setting and the chance to meet people. :star:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests rave about the Old Mount Gambier Gaol's unique historical accommodation and the passion of its owners. While rooms are basic, the communal facilities, self-guided tours, and the overall immersive experience are highly praised. Some note the shared bathrooms require a walk and suggest packing accordingly, but most find it an unforgettable adventure.
"I cannot recommend this unique experience highly enough! While you are staying in a pretty basic cell, the access to a full kitchen, dining room and the history of the place makes this spot amazing. Booked for 3 days and stayed for 3 weeks. Cannot thank Mel & Jamie enough for making my stay so comfortable, they are hospitable, passionate and have a lovely family. The work and passion they continue to put into the gaol shows! Will definitely recommend this place to family, friends and anyone else I bump into on my travels. Thanks again guys for a unique and wonderful stay!"
Eli Murfet
"This was a most worthwhile experience. Communication with our friend who arranged the booking was excellent. Self check in no problem. Rooms/cells had heaters on so were nice and toasty, as was common room chapel. There were only 6 people staying on the night of our visit, so no problems with access to toilets or showers. If busy, could be like any YHA or caravan park and waiting could be involved. With no ensuites, is a cold walk outside to use facilities, need appropriate cover. Can self tour the entire complex, has a range of information panels. Very quiet overnight. Plenty of off street parking. Easy walk to shops."
Mark Emery
"We had an amazing experience staying at the old Gaol. Great facilities and comfy bed. Enjoyed a quiet night exploration of the buildings and it was nice to wake up to the sun pearing over the tall walls. We will definitely come back!
- Matis & Katerina"
Matiscs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol is located in Mount Gambier, South Australia. It's easily accessible by car, with plenty of off-street parking available. If you're arriving from further afield, you can fly into Mount Gambier Airport (MGB) and then take a taxi or rideshare to the gaol. Public transport options within Mount Gambier are limited, so a car is generally recommended for exploring the region.
Yes, the gaol is well-signposted within Mount Gambier and is conveniently located within walking distance to the town's shops and amenities, making it easy to find.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak seasons or if there are events scheduled at the gaol, as rooms can fill up quickly.
The gaol offers a self-check-in process, which is straightforward and convenient, allowing for flexibility with arrival times.
While there aren't typically guided tours, the complex is set up for self-guided exploration with informative panels throughout the property detailing its history.
The gaol is open for accommodation and self-guided exploration. Specific hours for accessing the grounds outside of accommodation bookings should be confirmed directly with the property.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Staying in a cell at the Old Mount Gambier Gaol offers a unique historical experience. Rooms are basic but comfortable, with shared bathroom facilities. It's an adventure rather than a luxury stay, perfect for those interested in history and unique accommodations. +1
The gaol provides excellent shared facilities, including a large communal kitchen and dining area, as well as shared toilets and showers. Heaters are provided in the rooms and common areas to ensure comfort. +1
Absolutely! You can self-tour the entire complex at your own pace, with information panels providing historical context about the prisoners and the gaol's operations.
While the historical aspect can be engaging, the basic cell accommodation and shared facilities might be more suited to older children or families seeking an adventurous and educational experience rather than a typical family resort.
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol occasionally hosts events such as music festivals and art exhibitions, offering a unique venue for cultural experiences. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The gaol offers excellent self-catering facilities with a large communal kitchen and dining area. While there's no on-site restaurant, this setup is perfect for preparing your own meals and interacting with other guests.
Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to prepare and consume in the communal kitchen and dining areas.
The gaol is conveniently located within easy walking distance to shops and amenities in Mount Gambier, where you can find various dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire gaol complex offers unique photographic opportunities, from the imposing cell blocks and historic architecture to the communal areas and any art installations. The contrast between the historic prison and modern life can be striking.
Yes, you can take photos inside the cells and throughout the gaol complex as part of your self-guided exploration.
Generally, photography for personal use is permitted. However, it's always a good idea to check with management if you plan on professional or commercial photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the shared facilities when planning for younger children. The communal kitchen is great for preparing family meals, and the open grounds allow for some exploration. It's an excellent choice for families looking for something different from a standard hotel, offering a memorable and story-rich experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
This is a place where you can save money without sacrificing experience. The historical immersion and unique setting are priceless, offering incredible value. It's the perfect base for exploring Mount Gambier and its surroundings without breaking the bank.
💑 Couples Seeking Unique Stays
Spend your days exploring the gaol's history together, and your evenings enjoying meals prepared in the communal kitchen, perhaps sharing stories with other guests. It's an adventure that sparks conversation and creates lasting memories, perfect for couples who appreciate history and offbeat travel.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Night in the Cells: Accommodation Experience
The real charm lies in the communal areas. The spacious kitchen and dining room are well-equipped, allowing guests to prepare their own meals and share stories with fellow travelers. This fosters a friendly, communal atmosphere, making it easy to meet new people and exchange travel tips. It's this blend of historical immersion and social interaction that makes the gaol a memorable place to stay.
Mel and Jamie, the passionate owners, are frequently praised for their hospitality and dedication to preserving and improving the gaol. Their work and passion are evident throughout the property, contributing significantly to the positive guest experience.
Uncovering the Gaol's History
The self-guided tour is an essential part of the experience, allowing visitors to wander through the former prison grounds and learn about its past. Informative panels are strategically placed throughout the complex, detailing the lives of prisoners, notable events, and the gaol's architectural evolution. Visitors can explore the various sections of the gaol, imagining the daily routines and the stories held within its walls. The historical notes provide a fascinating narrative, offering insights into the penal system and the individuals who were incarcerated here. It's a chance to connect with a significant piece of South Australian history in a tangible way.
Some visitors have noted that the gaol was also a site of executions, adding a somber yet historically significant layer to its narrative.
This historical depth makes the Old Mount Gambier Gaol more than just a place to stay; it's an educational journey into the region's past.Events and Artistic Flair
This transforms the historic site into a lively hub for entertainment and cultural gatherings.The gaol has also been a canvas for artistic expression, featuring exhibitions by local and international artists. These events showcase diverse art forms, from painting to more mystical and geometric pieces, adding a contemporary cultural dimension to the historic prison setting.
The juxtaposition of art within the gaol's stark architecture often creates thought-provoking and visually striking displays.These events offer visitors a chance to experience the Old Mount Gambier Gaol in a different light, combining its historical significance with contemporary cultural happenings. It highlights the gaol's versatility as a venue that can host both quiet historical exploration and lively public events.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit