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The Old Mount Gambier Gaol

Old Goal 25 Margaret St, Mount Gambier, South Australia 5290 Australia
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Traveller (197)
Room & Suite (18)
Dining (5)

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Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.

About

#1 of 2 hostels in Mount Gambier
Location
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Our gaol journey all began with a vision to turn an old debilitated building into a vibrant community asset. We originally hoped to create a new atmosphere that was warm, inviting and both community and family focused.We, along with our two young boys, own and run our family business; we are blessed with the ongoing assistance of our fabulous staff and wonderful family. We have much love for the old building, her history and our spectacular Limestone Coast region and for this reason have opted to remain an independent accommodation provider.We love to travel, enjoy new experiences and meet refreshing people; running the old gaol is allowing us as parents to raise our sons in a beautiful part of Australia whilst still meeting amazing guests from all over the world. Every day we see new faces, are moved and excited by guest’s travel adventures whilst living in an old English prison!We are a young business with many more fun ideas and improvements yet to unveil. We have spent the last three years creating and establishing our business. We are now excited to move onto further promoting who we are and what we have to offer!The Old Mount Gambier Gaol was a functioning 'English Prison' from 1866 to 1994.In 2010 we opened the gaol doors for a new venture. We had a vision to create a place where our community could relax and enjoy various events and where travelers could combine a comfortable stay with a unique experience. Almost three years later we are still pursuing that dream.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Table tennis
Board games / puzzles
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
Wifi
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
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Room features
Kitchenette
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Languages Spoken
English
240Reviews0Q+A47Room tips

Reviews
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Julie B wrote a review 4 Mar
1 contribution
We loved our stay at the Old Mount Gambier Gaol. The building is beautiful and full of character, the atmosphere is friendly and our kids loved exploring the grounds and making chalk drawings in the yard. The family room was comfortable and had everything we needed. James was incredibly helpful and even posted our lost toys back to Melbourne :) We will definitely stay again if we're in the area.
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Date of stay: January 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Sarah M wrote a review Jan 2024
2 contributions
The buildings have been converted with great attention to detail and respect for the history of the place. Our room (old cell) was simply furnished but comfortable, with en-suite toilet. Mel and James have created a very attractive and cozy communal lounge room together with a very well equipped kitchen. Nice touches everywhere. Everything was clean and well thought out.
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Date of stay: January 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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stuart c wrote a review Jan 2024
7 contributions2 helpful votes
+1
Very good rating for the quirky experience. Obviously it’s a jail (can’t believe prisoners were in those conditions until as recently as 1995) so it’s not spacious or luxurious but we were doing it as something different and it works well at that. Other people we met were happy and fascinated at it all.
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Date of stay: December 2023
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Location
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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guennie3 wrote a review Oct 2023
Cambridge, United Kingdom254 contributions53 helpful votes
+1
What an amazing and quirky place to stay. And what amazing hosts. James and Mel had to go away during the week we were booked to stay for a night but honoured our booking and we stayed and had the whole place to ourselves. It was amazing and so comfortable. It has a lovely feel to it. It’s a bit like a hostel so don’t book if you like your luxury. However, that said, we loved it and would recommend to anyone staying for a night or two in Mount Gambier. A unique and interesting experience. Must do it at least once.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Ellen R wrote a review Aug 2023
10 contributions3 helpful votes
Wonderful and interesting place to stay. We stayed in a bunk cell and double bed cell. Beds and bedding were very comfy and the room was warm when we arrived. James provided great communication for self check-in. The kitchen facilities were really great and spacious. The sitting areas were comfortable. All around a really enjoyable and unique place to stay.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
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HEsain wrote a review July 2023
Bristol, United Kingdom6 contributions
A really lovely building complex with cells to sleep in and sitting rooms, courtyards and kitchens for general use and enjoyment. Lots of information around the building about its previous occupants and usage, making it a fascinating place to stay.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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OMGKEN wrote a review July 2023
Melbourne, Australia8 contributions10 helpful votes
We loved the unique experience of staying in a historic building and learning about its past. The room and the common areas were very clean and the kitchen was well stocked with utensils and cutlery, great for cooking a quick meal or just making a cuppa. The family had a lot of fun playing games in the meals area :) It was also great interacting with James the host (and thank you for the dress up photo shoot before we were 'set free') It was a great experience and I highly recommend it to anyone (including families) wanting a different experience, not to mention the very reasonable price!
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Date of stay: July 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with family
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Atul T wrote a review July 2023
Singapore, Singapore17 contributions4 helpful votes
A very unique experience with a nice dash of history. Don’t do expecting comforts typical family hotel or a luxury resort. Has the all the basic facilities one needs with good attention to cleanliness. The property has a unique rustic character. Good for an overnight stay.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
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Emily C wrote a review Feb 2023
London, United Kingdom111 contributions69 helpful votes
+1
Such a cool and fun place to stay! Unique experience, still has lots of prison-like features and facts to explore.. The bed was comfy and showers were super clean! Kitchen was really clean with everything you need. Smooth checking in process and in a great location from all the sights. Would 100% return and recommend to all types of traveller!
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Supermarket was a 3 minute drive. Main tourist sights (Blue Lake, Sinkhole, caves) are all about...
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Geoffrey L wrote a review Jan 2023
We stayed in the old kitchen, which was comfortable, with easy access to shared bathroom and kitchen. There are plenty of places to sit and relax, and the historical elements of the gaol are well signposted and easy to explore.
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Date of stay: January 2023
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PRICE RANGE
AU$111 - AU$113 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
The Jail
LOCATION
AustraliaSouth AustraliaMount Gambier
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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THE OLD MOUNT GAMBIER GAOL (AU$111): 2024 Prices & Reviews - Photos of Hostel - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about The Old Mount Gambier Gaol
Which popular attractions are close to The Old Mount Gambier Gaol?
Nearby attractions include Cave Gardens (0.8 km), Mount Gambier Rsl War Museum (0.7 km), and The Riddoch & Main Corner Complex (0.8 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Old Mount Gambier Gaol?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a lounge, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at The Old Mount Gambier Gaol?
Guests can enjoy a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at The Old Mount Gambier Gaol?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Old Mount Gambier Gaol?
Conveniently located restaurants include Metro Bakery and Cafe, Cafe Melzar, and Bay Blue Espresso Bar.
Is The Old Mount Gambier Gaol located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.8 km away from the centre of Mount Gambier.