sky view of the old gaol
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Old Mount Gambier Gaol

4.7
Β·246 reviewsΒ·Mount Gambier, Australia

Stay in a 19th-century prison cell! Unique accommodation with shared facilities, offering a historical adventure.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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sky view of the old gaol

Old Mount Gambier Gaol

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Stay in a 19th-century prison cell! Unique accommodation with shared facilities, offering a historical adventure.

4.7
(246 reviews)

"Cannot recommend this unique experience highly enough! Booked for 3 days and stayed for 3 weeks."

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸŽ’ Pack for Shared Facilities

Bring warm clothing for the walk to shared showers/toilets, especially in cooler months. :athletic_shoe:

πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ Explore at Your Own Pace

Take your time with the self-guided tour; the history is fascinating and informative. 🧭

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 Β· 246 reviews

Type

Hotel

πŸ‘Ά Good for kidsβ™Ώ Wheelchair accessibleπŸ…ΏοΈ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Cell Accommodation

Historic Cell Accommodation

Individual Cells

Sleep in a genuine 19th-century prison cell, a truly unforgettable and unique lodging experience.

Self-Guided Historical Tour

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

Communal Kitchen & Dining

Common Areas

Prepare your meals and connect with fellow travelers in the spacious, well-equipped kitchen and dining area.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Unique Stay

Forget typical hotels; the Old Mount Gambier Gaol offers a truly unique accommodation experience in former prison cells. Expect basic but comfortable rooms with shared facilities. It's an adventure, not luxury, perfect for history buffs and budget travelers.

Plan Your Exploration

Self-guided tours are a highlight, with informative panels detailing the gaol's history. Book in advance, especially if traveling during peak times or events, as accommodation can fill up. Check for any ongoing events or exhibitions.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Off-peak seasons
Why
Better availability & prices
Crowd
Low
When
During events
Why
Unique atmosphere & activities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Mt Gambier has me feelin' like a freak on a leash 🌽 #mountgambier #bluelake #littlebluelake #korn #southaustralia
@cameronmarkdoyle
53.8K likes β€’ 331.7K views

πŸŽ’ Pack for Shared Facilities

Bring warm clothing for the walk to shared showers/toilets, especially in cooler months. :athletic_shoe:

πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ Explore at Your Own Pace

Take your time with the self-guided tour; the history is fascinating and informative. 🧭

7NEWS has obtained dramatic vision of the moment a police chase came to a crashing end in Mount Gambier. #SouthAustralia #7NEWS
@7newsadelaide
16.9K likes β€’ 501.3K views
Exploring the old Mount Gambier Gaol in South Australia. @geelonggaolmuseum #geelonggaol #fyp #oldjail #mountgambier #visitsouthaustralia #convict #convicthistoryofaustralia #whattodothisweekend
geelonggaolmuseum
15 likes β€’ 134 views

🍳 Self-Catering is Key

Utilize the great kitchen facilities to save money and enjoy meals in the communal dining area. :knifeforkplate:

πŸ“… Book Ahead for Events

If visiting for a concert or event, book your accommodation well in advance. 🎟️

Mount Gambier for the night, staying in the old gaol was definitely an experience #insta360x3 #indianspringfield #insta360 #mountgambier
benjaminbland
24 likes β€’ 493 views

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸŽ’ Pack for Shared Facilities

Bring warm clothing for the walk to shared showers/toilets, especially in cooler months. :athletic_shoe:

πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ Explore at Your Own Pace

Take your time with the self-guided tour; the history is fascinating and informative. 🧭

🍳 Self-Catering is Key

Utilize the great kitchen facilities to save money and enjoy meals in the communal dining area. :knifeforkplate:

πŸ“… Book Ahead for Events

If visiting for a concert or event, book your accommodation well in advance. 🎟️

✨ Embrace the Atmosphere

It's an adventure, not luxury. Enjoy the unique historical setting and the chance to meet people. ⭐

What Travellers Say

4.7
(246 reviews)

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

Unique historical stay
Passionate owners
Great communal facilities

What People Dislike

Basic cell rooms
Shared bathrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ 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. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. InstagramReddit

The gaol offers a self-check-in process, which is straightforward and convenient, allowing for flexibility with arrival times. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit+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. Reddit+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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

The Old Mount Gambier Gaol occasionally hosts events such as music festivals and art exhibitions, offering a unique venue for cultural experiences. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to prepare and consume in the communal kitchen and dining areas. Reddit

The gaol is conveniently located within easy walking distance to shops and amenities in Mount Gambier, where you can find various dining options. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ 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. Instagram+1

Yes, you can take photos inside the cells and throughout the gaol complex as part of your self-guided exploration. Instagram

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. Instagram

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