The Old Mount Gambier Gaol
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The Old Mount Gambier Gaol

Old Goal 25 Margaret St, Mount Gambier, South Australia 5290 Australia
The condemned prisoner's cell
Traveller (225)
Double Bed - with Ensuite
Room & Suite (35)
Kitchen area
Dining (6)

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Avg. AU$112 /night, 2/11 - 2/12
AU$123
per night
AU$117
per night
AU$110
per night

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About

#1 of 2 hostels in Mount Gambier
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
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
Room features
Kitchenette
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Family
Languages Spoken
English

Location

Old Goal 25 Margaret St, Mount Gambier, South Australia 5290 Australia
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 71 out of 100
71
Mount Gambier Airport
8.7 km•
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Reviews
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Traveller rating
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Detailed Reviews
OMGKEN wrote a review July 2023
Melbourne, Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
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.
Connector42854940835 wrote a review Sept 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Seeking a new accommodation experience, my partner and I stayed at the Old Mount Gambier Gaol. This experience exceeded our expectations. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the owner, James who provided us with an informative account of the gaols history and how it was converted into a very comfortable accommodation venue. We had an interesting and unique time exploring the historical site and sharing a room that had been used by many celebrities. This place is well worth a visit. Thank you, James. Warm Regards, Barbara & Ivan
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Date of stay: September 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
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.
JorjaParis wrote a review Sept 2022
London, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Likes:
* Comfy beds and bedding
* Nice hot water in showers
* Self check in
* So much history + information on site
* Maps to help navigate property
* Heaters in rooms (they even put the heater on in our room for us as we checked in later in the evening which was so nice and appreciated)
* Very clean
* Multiple kitchens to use + homely common rooms
Dislikes:
* Only 1 plug in the room

We loved this stay and the staff were super friendly, chatty, and full of wildly exciting info on the history of the property. We are so glad we stayed (despite how spooked we were, ha!). And would love to stay again.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Blackdavel wrote a review Oct 2024
Grovedale, Australia
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Loved spending the night in a place with history. Lots of information about the goal located around the site. The room as expected was small- it was a goal cell after all. The bed was comfortable- a double so giants beware. Any larger would not fit the room :) The heater warmed the room nicely. The kitchen area was clean and had what we needed. Lots of styles of cells to choose from. Having courtyards the goal would suit a group of friends or family get together. I understand you can hire the full complex. Good walking distance to the city pubs. Parking out the front. Some rooms have shared facilities. Remember, you are booking an experience. I your after luxury then this is not the place for you.
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Date of stay: October 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Remember it is a goal. (Jail) This is an experience not a luxury accommodation. Would be great...
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.
Julie B wrote a review Mar 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
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.
Nicole C wrote a review Apr 2021
Adelaide, Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed in the Rm 29 in the Original Staff Quarters, just as you enter the main gates. The quarters consisted of a lounge area, 4 rooms with bunks and a big communal kitchen. The Gaol is absolutely rustic and charming, the kids loved exploring the grounds and reading the history plaques. I would definitely stay again and I could not highly recommend it enough.
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip 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.
Adela G wrote a review Dec 2024
Ballarat, Australia
4.0 of 5 bubbles
The Old Gaol is a unique and special place to stay and I think everyone should try it at least once! Great value, good location and rooms were very neat and clean. We overlooked that the bed was a double so we were a bit squished but they stated it on the website I just missed that bit of info.

Lots of amenities like a kitchen, basketball court and chalk to write on walls and the ground. The check in process was easy and the accommodation owners were great at communicating before our visit. Highly recommend staying here.
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Date of stay: November 2024
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
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.
Shiyu wrote a review Aug 2024
Brisbane, Australia
+1
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Excellent communication from the operator in general but with adjustments to my specific booking due to personal circumstances very much appreciated.
The accommodation was clean and warm on a cold Winter’s night. The in room toilet was good. Whilst the communal shower room may reflect the authentic origins of the buildings, I did wonder why if an ensuite toilet could be in the room why not a private shower.
My brain itched with ideas to glam up the gardens where it seems someone has made a big start but they looked quite neglected on my visit.
It seemed more like a funky backpacker hostel than a boutique unique accommodation option. Husband and I have experienced many themed and heritage accommodation facilities but this one fell short of our expectations (husband was unable to join me due to medical hospitalisation but I am confident he would have given it a thumbs done).
Great communication, easy self check in were a terrific start but the room didn’t follow the high standard.
It just needs more love and attention to detail from the operator.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
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.
Sarah M wrote a review Jan 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
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.
Climber19967023739 wrote a review Sept 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Very Unique, special experience. Very friendly, cooperative and informative wardens, very helpful, good communications. Rooms are extremely clean. Minimalistic
We were hoping to see a ghost but it didn't happen . We will come again and recommend this accommodation with its special experience to other friends
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Book book book book your cell!!
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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drgregoryte wrote a tip Nov 2024
10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Remember the rooms are small, so don't try and fit too much in. Leave what you don't need in the car.Cook yourself a meal in the kitchen!"
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Blackdavel wrote a tip Oct 2024
Grovedale, Australia165 contributions55 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Remember it is a goal. (Jail) This is an experience not a luxury accommodation. Would be great for a get together or family time."
Read full review
Climber19967023739 wrote a tip Sept 2024
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Book book book book your cell!!"
Read full review
Stephen W wrote a tip June 2024
Bendigo, Australia2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Could be some animal (possum?) noises at night. Might be wrong though. Not enough to disturb sleep."
Read full review
Caroline F wrote a tip May 2024
Adelaide13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Keep in mind it a jail "
Read full review
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Mount Gambier area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$110 - 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$110) - 2025 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 Garden/thugi (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 Presto Eatery.
Is The Old Mount Gambier Gaol located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.8 km away from the centre of Mount Gambier.
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