Name: The Old Mount Gambier Gaol
Address: 25 Margaret Street, Mount Gambier, South Australia, Australia, Mount Gambier, South Australia, AU
Price range: $79–$87 per night
Rating: 8.77

What guests think

At The Old Mount Gambier Gaol, guests highlight a distinctive, history‑rich stay inside former prison cells, noting generally clean, warm, quiet rooms and an experience that prioritizes character over conventional hotel luxury.

Many praise the friendly, accommodating hosts and enjoy exploring the property’s historical displays. Shared kitchens and lounges support self‑catering, and it’s about a 15‑minute walk to the main street with a brewery opposite; occasional issues include a broken radiator or fridge and basic equipment. Common drawbacks include shared showers and limited in‑room amenities, plus occasional maintenance or heating issues and sometimes difficulty finding staff or entry instructions. Expect a memorable, simple stay rather than modern hotel comforts.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Shared facilities include a communal kitchen, lounge and shower rooms, alongside historical displays; guests generally find them useful. A few report maintenance issues (e.g., a broken lounge radiator or faulty fridge) and basic equipment.

Related guest reviews

10

Amitendra

Sep 15, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

It's a unique experience to stay at this property. We quite enjoyed our stay inside an old prison cell. The communal kitchen is great too and the lounge is comfortable. We will happily stay here again next time we are in the area. Cheers

8

Shahin

Apr 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

the property is an old prison, converted to a motel. this was a unique and exciting experience. The amenities re shared , same as prison :) about 15 minutes walk to the main commercial street .

8

Meredith

Sep 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Interesting accommodation, very historical. Kitchen needs a little update, the fridge didn't work and we had to buy tea and milk.

8

May-Britt V. R.

Oct 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Super supportive owner. Great with the history on display. Interesting place to stay for a night or two. We had a cold day and night and kitchen and lounge couldn’t be heated as radiator was broken. A blanket was two to keep warm. Kitchen well equipped however no scissors and knifes not sharp. The venue was clean and accessible. Good with closed entrance door as made it be only guests having access. When we come back to Australia we would like to drop in a warm day and night again.

8

Judith

Mar 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Don't expect all mod cons in your room; it is a gaol cell after all, but there is a kitchen and dining area, lounge and shower rooms along with plenty of history to get immersed in. Apparently a ghostly figure in white has been seen but not on our stay. Highly recommend it.

10

Brian

Aug 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a very unique place to stay & if you want to stay somewhere different this is a must if you are staying in Mount Gambier. Able to browse around the property/gaol and see/read the history of the gaol. This place has been set up wonderfully by the owners Melissa & James.

10

K J

Jan 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great experience to spend a night in the cell in the old gaol. Lots of interesting information and things to look at as you walk around. Lovely communal areas, especially the chapel. Thanks for the unique opportunity, it's great to see an old building with history, preserved and used for something new. We got there at around 4pm and were expecting there to be someone at reception. Luckily some of the other guests helped us to get in through the main gate and told us we would have an email with cell number and entry information. Once we found that we were able to gain access so all good.

10

Amy

Oct 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved our stay at the gaol, lots of history here, with such a warm feel. Unique place to stay, beds were great, room was warm, kitchen facilities perfect, fridge and lounge area great! Was definitely worth a stay!

10

Jodie

Jan 14, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

If you’re looking for a very unique a quirky stay this is it!! Staying in a historical gaol is quite the experience (which I imagine isn’t for everyone) and we throughly enjoyed being able to explore. There are various types of rooms available (dorm, some with toilets and shared bathroom's) We loved having the kitchen so we could self cater for breakfast etc. There is also a very cool brewery across the road! A great place to stay.

10

Robbie

Jan 30, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This unique property was a pit-stop for us on the way from Melbourne to Adelaide. We arrived very late despite our best efforts, and against the wishes of the staff. When I contacted the staff to apologise, they were not just understanding, but accommodating - reassuring us that everything would be fine. We also made the unfortunate mistake of leaving something behind, once again the host, James, was incredibly helpful in having that item shipped back to Perth for us. The grounds are beautifully kept with historical moments noted throughout. Despite its history, the common areas feel neat and relatively luxurious. The kitchen and bathroom are what one might expect at a place of incarceration - but suited us just fine. I would highly recommend this for a short stay if passing through the area.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Rooms and common areas are generally clean and well maintained. Isolated comments mention some toilet facilities needing attention.

Related guest reviews

8

John

Jul 9, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Unique property, we had a fun time. Everything clean and tidy. Well equipped kitchen, everything you need. We stayed 2 nights so we had a cell with a toilet, a bit of luxury! Heating was great very toasty.

8

Hans

Jan 4, 2023

·

Stayed 19,361 nights

Liked the uniqueness of the place and the experience provided. There was also quite a bit of information about the gaol when it did operate and how brutal a time the 19th century especially, was. Didn't like the absence of staff to ask any questions and the lack of toilet facilities that were in good condition. Also, a mirror in each cell wouldn't go astray.

8

May-Britt V. R.

Oct 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Super supportive owner. Great with the history on display. Interesting place to stay for a night or two. We had a cold day and night and kitchen and lounge couldn’t be heated as radiator was broken. A blanket was two to keep warm. Kitchen well equipped however no scissors and knifes not sharp. The venue was clean and accessible. Good with closed entrance door as made it be only guests having access. When we come back to Australia we would like to drop in a warm day and night again.

10

Vishakha

Sep 12, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Well-maintained and comfortable with a lot of history to explore.

10

Amy

Oct 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved our stay at the gaol, lots of history here, with such a warm feel. Unique place to stay, beds were great, room was warm, kitchen facilities perfect, fridge and lounge area great! Was definitely worth a stay!

10

Troy

Feb 25, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Such an amazing place to spend a few nights! With so much atmosphere, it’s a place unlike any you will every experience. James was a wonderful and interesting host, and the cell (room!) we had was clean and comfortable, although obviously smaller and less “fancy” than any we’d normally experience. If you want a fancy place with all the mod cons, this is obviously not it. If you want somewhere different and fascinating, definitely give this a try!

10

Robbie

Jan 30, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This unique property was a pit-stop for us on the way from Melbourne to Adelaide. We arrived very late despite our best efforts, and against the wishes of the staff. When I contacted the staff to apologise, they were not just understanding, but accommodating - reassuring us that everything would be fine. We also made the unfortunate mistake of leaving something behind, once again the host, James, was incredibly helpful in having that item shipped back to Perth for us. The grounds are beautifully kept with historical moments noted throughout. Despite its history, the common areas feel neat and relatively luxurious. The kitchen and bathroom are what one might expect at a place of incarceration - but suited us just fine. I would highly recommend this for a short stay if passing through the area.

10

Simon

Feb 18, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

If your after a full five star hotel with all the facilities this may not be for you, if however you want a clean room ( cell), hot showers, great welcoming from Mel and James and a quirky location this is for you

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Cells are small and simple by design, but many mention comfortable beds, warm heating and a quiet night’s sleep; some rooms include a toilet while showers are shared. Expect limited in‑room amenities, and a few note mattress firmness or scarce power points.

Related guest reviews

6

Jayne

Dec 12, 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

En-suite was a bit confusing as we were expecting our own shower . Nice and quiet , very basic but to be expected as sleeping in a cell. Bed was not very comfy

8

John

Jul 9, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Unique property, we had a fun time. Everything clean and tidy. Well equipped kitchen, everything you need. We stayed 2 nights so we had a cell with a toilet, a bit of luxury! Heating was great very toasty.

10

Chris

Aug 16, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic unique property. More supportive mattresses and more power points would be nice, but a great short stay.

10

Dan

Oct 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Comfortable quiet warm rooms.. great experience and interesting history

10

Dr Margaret

Jul 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

While this was a comfortable place to stay, because of what it was - an old gaol - it wouldn’t be for everyone. We slept in a cell which was well heated and had a comfortable bed, a toilet and hand basin. We enjoyed our stay, but don’t go there if you’re looking for luxury.

8

IAN

Mar 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It a unique place. Certainly safe and quiet.

8

Judith

Mar 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Don't expect all mod cons in your room; it is a gaol cell after all, but there is a kitchen and dining area, lounge and shower rooms along with plenty of history to get immersed in. Apparently a ghostly figure in white has been seen but not on our stay. Highly recommend it.

10

Cheri

Oct 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stay. COMFORTABLE BEDS. Best sleep I've had in ages. Only downside was not being able to find the WiFi codes, and each of the members in the party searched the entire facility for them. Not a huge issue, however, because we stayed for only one night.

6

Caroline

Jun 19, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Didn’t want to share shower facilities…. No TV in room…or hairdryer… experience once but not again

10

Troy

Feb 25, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Such an amazing place to spend a few nights! With so much atmosphere, it’s a place unlike any you will every experience. James was a wonderful and interesting host, and the cell (room!) we had was clean and comfortable, although obviously smaller and less “fancy” than any we’d normally experience. If you want a fancy place with all the mod cons, this is obviously not it. If you want somewhere different and fascinating, definitely give this a try!

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Hosts are frequently praised as friendly, accommodating and helpful, including with late arrivals and lost items. A few guests struggled to find staff at check‑in or ask questions on site.

Related guest reviews

8

Barbel

Jan 10, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very friendly and welcoming. An adventure for the kids.

10

Chris

Mar 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was exciting to stay on an old Gaol. The owners have done a great job with renovations whilst also keeping a lot of the old Gaol feel. Owners are very friendly and were extremely helpful in discussing local dining options. They did this after hours by phone and couldn’t have been more helpful. I was also impressed with the descriptive plaques/signs all around the gaol giving a great history lesson. My stay was very enjoyable in an interesting property providing comfortable fun accomodation.

8

Hans

Jan 4, 2023

·

Stayed 19,361 nights

Liked the uniqueness of the place and the experience provided. There was also quite a bit of information about the gaol when it did operate and how brutal a time the 19th century especially, was. Didn't like the absence of staff to ask any questions and the lack of toilet facilities that were in good condition. Also, a mirror in each cell wouldn't go astray.

8

Holly

Apr 18, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Mel was wonderfully helpful, and so friendly. The gaol has been treated with respect and there is life back in what could of been a potentially depressing and sad place. My boy loved the basketball ring in the 'exercise area', we actually spent a lot of time out there shooting hoops. Such a cool place to say ive stayed in, and will stay again for sure.

8

May-Britt V. R.

Oct 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Super supportive owner. Great with the history on display. Interesting place to stay for a night or two. We had a cold day and night and kitchen and lounge couldn’t be heated as radiator was broken. A blanket was two to keep warm. Kitchen well equipped however no scissors and knifes not sharp. The venue was clean and accessible. Good with closed entrance door as made it be only guests having access. When we come back to Australia we would like to drop in a warm day and night again.

10

David

Oct 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Property owners are really friendly and very accommodating.

10

K J

Jan 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great experience to spend a night in the cell in the old gaol. Lots of interesting information and things to look at as you walk around. Lovely communal areas, especially the chapel. Thanks for the unique opportunity, it's great to see an old building with history, preserved and used for something new. We got there at around 4pm and were expecting there to be someone at reception. Luckily some of the other guests helped us to get in through the main gate and told us we would have an email with cell number and entry information. Once we found that we were able to gain access so all good.

10

Robbie

Jan 30, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This unique property was a pit-stop for us on the way from Melbourne to Adelaide. We arrived very late despite our best efforts, and against the wishes of the staff. When I contacted the staff to apologise, they were not just understanding, but accommodating - reassuring us that everything would be fine. We also made the unfortunate mistake of leaving something behind, once again the host, James, was incredibly helpful in having that item shipped back to Perth for us. The grounds are beautifully kept with historical moments noted throughout. Despite its history, the common areas feel neat and relatively luxurious. The kitchen and bathroom are what one might expect at a place of incarceration - but suited us just fine. I would highly recommend this for a short stay if passing through the area.

10

Laura

Aug 30, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A fun and interesting stay. Loved the history. Welcoming hosts

10

Simon

Feb 18, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

If your after a full five star hotel with all the facilities this may not be for you, if however you want a clean room ( cell), hot showers, great welcoming from Mel and James and a quirky location this is for you

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Around a 15‑minute walk to the main street, with a brewery across the road. Many describe the setting as safe and quiet.

Related guest reviews

8

Shahin

Apr 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

the property is an old prison, converted to a motel. this was a unique and exciting experience. The amenities re shared , same as prison :) about 15 minutes walk to the main commercial street .

8

IAN

Mar 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It a unique place. Certainly safe and quiet.

10

Jodie

Jan 14, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

If you’re looking for a very unique a quirky stay this is it!! Staying in a historical gaol is quite the experience (which I imagine isn’t for everyone) and we throughly enjoyed being able to explore. There are various types of rooms available (dorm, some with toilets and shared bathroom's) We loved having the kitchen so we could self cater for breakfast etc. There is also a very cool brewery across the road! A great place to stay.

10

Robbie

Jan 30, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This unique property was a pit-stop for us on the way from Melbourne to Adelaide. We arrived very late despite our best efforts, and against the wishes of the staff. When I contacted the staff to apologise, they were not just understanding, but accommodating - reassuring us that everything would be fine. We also made the unfortunate mistake of leaving something behind, once again the host, James, was incredibly helpful in having that item shipped back to Perth for us. The grounds are beautifully kept with historical moments noted throughout. Despite its history, the common areas feel neat and relatively luxurious. The kitchen and bathroom are what one might expect at a place of incarceration - but suited us just fine. I would highly recommend this for a short stay if passing through the area.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

The communal kitchen supports easy self‑catering and is often described as well equipped. Some note missing basics like milk or minor equipment issues (e.g., dull knives or a non‑working fridge).

Related guest reviews

10

Amitendra

Sep 15, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

It's a unique experience to stay at this property. We quite enjoyed our stay inside an old prison cell. The communal kitchen is great too and the lounge is comfortable. We will happily stay here again next time we are in the area. Cheers

8

John

Jul 9, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Unique property, we had a fun time. Everything clean and tidy. Well equipped kitchen, everything you need. We stayed 2 nights so we had a cell with a toilet, a bit of luxury! Heating was great very toasty.

8

Meredith

Sep 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Interesting accommodation, very historical. Kitchen needs a little update, the fridge didn't work and we had to buy tea and milk.

8

Jenn

Apr 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The historical information was amazing and informative. Information re Heaters, Light switches etc needed to be written somewhere. No small milk forctea/coffee. No handwash in room. No washer. Bed was very comfortable. Was really like camping.

10

Chris

Mar 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was exciting to stay on an old Gaol. The owners have done a great job with renovations whilst also keeping a lot of the old Gaol feel. Owners are very friendly and were extremely helpful in discussing local dining options. They did this after hours by phone and couldn’t have been more helpful. I was also impressed with the descriptive plaques/signs all around the gaol giving a great history lesson. My stay was very enjoyable in an interesting property providing comfortable fun accomodation.

8

May-Britt V. R.

Oct 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Super supportive owner. Great with the history on display. Interesting place to stay for a night or two. We had a cold day and night and kitchen and lounge couldn’t be heated as radiator was broken. A blanket was two to keep warm. Kitchen well equipped however no scissors and knifes not sharp. The venue was clean and accessible. Good with closed entrance door as made it be only guests having access. When we come back to Australia we would like to drop in a warm day and night again.

8

Judith

Mar 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Don't expect all mod cons in your room; it is a gaol cell after all, but there is a kitchen and dining area, lounge and shower rooms along with plenty of history to get immersed in. Apparently a ghostly figure in white has been seen but not on our stay. Highly recommend it.

10

Amy

Oct 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved our stay at the gaol, lots of history here, with such a warm feel. Unique place to stay, beds were great, room was warm, kitchen facilities perfect, fridge and lounge area great! Was definitely worth a stay!

10

Jodie

Jan 14, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

If you’re looking for a very unique a quirky stay this is it!! Staying in a historical gaol is quite the experience (which I imagine isn’t for everyone) and we throughly enjoyed being able to explore. There are various types of rooms available (dorm, some with toilets and shared bathroom's) We loved having the kitchen so we could self cater for breakfast etc. There is also a very cool brewery across the road! A great place to stay.

10

Robbie

Jan 30, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This unique property was a pit-stop for us on the way from Melbourne to Adelaide. We arrived very late despite our best efforts, and against the wishes of the staff. When I contacted the staff to apologise, they were not just understanding, but accommodating - reassuring us that everything would be fine. We also made the unfortunate mistake of leaving something behind, once again the host, James, was incredibly helpful in having that item shipped back to Perth for us. The grounds are beautifully kept with historical moments noted throughout. Despite its history, the common areas feel neat and relatively luxurious. The kitchen and bathroom are what one might expect at a place of incarceration - but suited us just fine. I would highly recommend this for a short stay if passing through the area.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $79	2 $79	3 $79
4 $79	5 $79	6 $79	7 $79	8 $79	9 $79	10 $79
11 $79	12 $79	13 $79	14 $79	15	16 $79	17 $79
18 $79	19 $79	20 $79	21 $79	22 $79	23 $79	24 $79
25 $79	26 $79	27 $79	28 $79	29 $79	30 $79	31 $79

The Old Mount Gambier Gaol

About this property

Location

Room options

Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Double Room (Double Cell Without Toilet)

Twin Room

Family Room (4-Bed Family Dorm Room)

Double Room (Double Cell with Toilet)

Family Room (6-Bed Family Dorm Room)

Basic Room

Guest reviews of The Old Mount Gambier Gaol

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about The Old Mount Gambier Gaol

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21 $87	22 $79	23 $79	24 $79	25 $79	26 $79
27 $79	28 $79	29 $79	30 $79