The Old Mount Gambier Gaol

Hotels
9.4 (570 reviews)
25 Margaret Street , Mount Gambier , AU
+61 8 8723 0032

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Heating
Family rooms
Garden
Hiking
BBQ facilities
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Unique accommodation
Interesting history
Cons:
Limited room space
Shared amenities

Categories

Cleanliness
9.55
The place was exceptionally clean with not a single fly anywhere!
Service
10
Owners were really nice people and attentive.
Location
9.52
Unique location close to many amenities.
Room Quality
9.06
Bedrooms are quiet small, expected in a cell.
Amenities
8.51
No toaster in the kitchen, and some amenities require sharing.
Value for Money
9.54
Great concept and value, especially given the unique experience.
Food and Beverage
9
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Overall Experience
10
Loved the history and unique experience of staying in a former jail.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-06 07:18

Property Description

Historic Gaol Accommodation
Experience a one-of-a-kind stay at The Old Mount Gambier Gaol, a historic property just minutes away from the stunning Blue Lake. Choose from unique accommodation options like sleeping in a cell or staying in an old warden's office or a cozy cottage.

Complimentary Amenities
Enjoy complimentary WiFi and a self-guided tour of the gaol during your stay. Relax in the shared lounges, make use of the communal kitchens, and freshen up in the shared bathrooms provided for guests.

Comfortable Stay
Each room is equipped with heating and bed linen for your comfort. Whether you prefer shared or private facilities, our rooms cater to your needs, ensuring a cozy and memorable experience at The Old Mount Gambier Gaol.

Ready to experience a historic stay like no other? Book your accommodation now at The Old Mount Gambier Gaol.

Important information:

Please note that The Old Mount Gambier Jail does not accept payments with American Express credit cards.

Please note that in some rooms towels are not included in the price. You can rent them at the property or bring your own.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Airport code: MGB

Location

Guest Reviews

9.4
Based on 570 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.55
Service: 10
Location: 9.52
Room Quality: 9.06
Amenities: 8.51
Value for Money: 9.54
Food and Beverage: 9
Overall Experience: 10
N
Nicola • extended_group • au
7
Pros:

Good novelty factor

2026-09-18 • via Nuitee
Z
Zoe • couple • gb
8
2026-08-30 • via Nuitee
V
Vickie • couple • au
7
Fun, but it is what it is-History
Pros:

Great for that quirky overnight. History all around . Hot showers ,

2026-08-24 • via Nuitee
P
Peter • solo_traveller • au
8
Pros:

It was very authentic. Not a lot of creature comforts, but it is a gaol

Cons:

Some simple breakfast supplies, perhaps for purchase would help

2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
P
Patricia • couple • pl
10
An unforgettable experience
Pros:

What an experience! We stayed in “cell” 27 next to the courtyard with a shared bathroom but it felt cosy and not scary at all. The building had been well adapted to a hotel and there’s everything one might need on hand

Cons:

When you’re sleeping in a former prison - don’t expect luxury

2026-08-13 • via Nuitee
F
Federico • solo_traveller • it
5
Suggestivo ma freddo
Pros:

The idea of this location

Cons:

Il riscaldamento é praticamente inesistente, non sufficiente. La gestione dei bagni é poco sostenibile.
I tuoi rubinetti sono divisi (da un tubo esce la calda e da un tubo la fredda). In sostanza non é miscelabile l'acqua (a parte quella della doccia che é normale).
In sostanza se non si va in inverno é molto bello!

2026-08-10 • via Nuitee
Z
Zac • family_with_children • au
10
2026-08-09 • via Nuitee
P
Patricia • extended_group • au
9
A fun experience to stay in a real-life prison cell
Pros:

It was an experience! The rooms were well heated before we arrived and the kitchen had decent facilities. The hosts made us feel very welcome and gave us a lot of the history which was great.

Cons:

Our bed was very squeaky and the walk to the toilet a bit chilly at night. You definitely need to read the description before you book.

2026-08-03 • via Nuitee
S
Susan • couple • au
10
Great location if you’re looking for something different, and great value for money. Can highly recommend
Pros:

A great experience, sleeping in an old goal. The heater provided plenty of warmth, keeping us warm during the night. Loved being able to move around the property and learn more about the history of the property. The communal areas are very nice and inviting. The host was so lovely, calling us the following day to say hello and check in with us, as we did a late check in and didn’t get to meet them in person.

Cons:

There is absolutely nothing to dislike.

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
S
Seca75 • couple • it
6
Un'esperienza che non mi pento di aver fatto ma che non rifarei.
Pros:

Per la serie una volta nella vita bisogna provare a dormire in una cella di un ex carcere. Giusto!?!?!?
Sinceramente non mi aspettavo un letto King size, una camera ampia e con i comfort, ma mi aspettavo una cella pulita.
Sicuramente scenica, la considero un’esperienza…non mi pento di averla fatta.
Valuto positivamente la chiarezza dei gestori nel dare le informazioni d'accesso.
Aggiungo che abbiamo prenotato la stanza con bagno che include: lavandino e water.
Attenzione che attorno alla struttura non c’è quasi nulla e quel poco che c’è chiude prestissimo, così ci siamo organizzati con qualcosa comprato al supermercato.

Cons:

I cuscini puzzavano, sul soffitto c’era pieno di ragnatele e la polvere (non di un giorno per intendersi) era un po’ ovunque per quel poco che c’era in stanza.
Sinceramente me l’aspettavo un pochino più pulita.
Inoltre, mi aspettavo un rapporto diretto con i gestori della struttura che abbiamo solo incrociato per sbaglio al nostro arrivo.
Le docce erano un po’ distanti dalla nostra cella e considerato il freddo, abbiamo deciso di soprassedere.

2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
J
Jessica • solo_traveller • au
10
2026-07-11 • via Nuitee
T
Tiffany • family_with_children • au
9
Great place for those who love a bit of spooky history
Pros:

Clean, comfortable and fun to explore.

Cons:

N/A

2026-07-08 • via Nuitee
K
kathryn • family_with_children • au
10
A hidden secret in South Australia
Pros:

Love the location and history it is an amazing place to stay and the location is in central part of the town lovely and quiet

Cons:

The toilet did not flush and the door did not shut

2026-07-05 • via Nuitee
L
Louise • couple • au
10
Great friendly owners. Best experience. Totally enjoyed our stay, well set out, very informative & fun!!! Highly rec
Pros:

Quirkiness

Cons:

Nothing!

2026-06-12 • via Nuitee
J
Jason • couple • au
8
A unique and memorable stay in a fascinating piece of history.
Pros:

Staying at the Old Mount Gambier Gaol was a unique accommodation experience because it transformed a historic prison into comfortable guest lodging while preserving much of its original character. Guests could sleep in former prison cells and explore the fascinating history of the building, creating an experience that was both memorable and unlike a traditional hotel stay.

Cons:

While the historic prison setting was interesting, the shared bathrooms and toilets were less convenient than having private facilities. The rooms also did not have a television, which may be a drawback for guests who prefer more traditional hotel amenities and in-room entertainment.

2026-06-07 • via Nuitee
G
Gilles • solo_traveller • be
9
2026-05-12 • via Nuitee
S
saxena • solo_traveller • au
10
Pros:

Outstanding experience. Excellence breakfast with so much variety and options with a great ambience around.

2026-05-10 • via Nuitee
H
Hot John • solo_traveller • au
9
Enjoyable, different
Pros:

I enjoyed being able to see the old gaol and where the inmates were housed.

Cons:

The heater in the living room needs repair.

2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
M
Medardus • couple • de
10
Sehr zu empfehlen, einfach mal etwas ganz anderes. Nebenbei auch sehr gut gelegen.
Pros:

Es ist einfach außergewöhnlich, mal in einer ehemaligen Gefängniszelle zu übernachten!
Viel Platz in der Küche, und im Aufenthaltsraum!
Sehr hilfsbereiter und freundlicher Pächter!

2026-05-03 • via Nuitee
S
Shi • extended_group • au
7
2026-05-01 • via Nuitee