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The Old Mount Gambier Gaol

3.0 star property
The heart of Mount Gambier offers a refreshing twist on city center accommodations with tennis courts, garden grounds, and a convenient base for local exploration

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Photo gallery for The Old Mount Gambier Gaol

Property entrance - The Old Mount Gambier Gaol (Mount Gambier)
Twin Room | View from room - The Old Mount Gambier Gaol (Mount Gambier)
Living area - The Old Mount Gambier Gaol (Mount Gambier)
Living area - The Old Mount Gambier Gaol (Mount Gambier)
Exterior - The Old Mount Gambier Gaol (Mount Gambier)
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol, centrally located, offers a unique stay with an outdoor tennis court and garden. Guests enjoy WiFi, express check-in, and a bar. Previous visitors praise the helpful staff.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services
  • Bar

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

View all photos for Double Room (Double Cell without Toilet)

Double Room (Double Cell without Toilet) | Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room (Double Cell without Toilet)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms | Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room (Double Cell with Toilet)

Double Room (Double Cell with Toilet) | Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room (Double Cell with Toilet)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room (4-Bed Family Dorm Room)

Family Room (4-Bed Family Dorm Room) | Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room (4-Bed Family Dorm Room)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Family Room (6-Bed Family Dorm Room)

Family Room (6-Bed Family Dorm Room) | Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room (6-Bed Family Dorm Room)

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Twin Room

Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Basic Room

  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds OR 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Mount Gambier, The Old Mount Gambier Gaol is in the city center. Old Mount Gambier Gaol and Engelbrecht Cave are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Labyrinth and Lady Nelson Discovery Centre. Visit our Mount Gambier travel guide
Map
25 Margaret Street, Mount Gambier, SA, 5290

What's nearby

  • Cave Gardens
    Cave Gardens
    14 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Olympic Park
    1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Old Mount Gambier Gaol
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Mount Gambier Central
    8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Vansittart Park
    12 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • Mount Gambier, SA (MGB)
    15 min drive

Restaurants

  • Paradise Pizzas
    18 min walk
  • Ba-Mi
    13 min walk
  • Hungry Jack's
    2 min drive
  • Sushi Hiro
    15 min walk
  • Domino's Pizza
    19 min walk

About this property

The Old Mount Gambier Gaol

Hotel in the city center
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol provides amenities like a garden and a bar. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • Outdoor pool access nearby
  • Free self parking
  • An outdoor tennis court, an area shuttle, and access to a nearby indoor pool
  • Express check-out, express check-in, and coffee/tea in the lobby
Room features
All guestrooms at The Old Mount Gambier Gaol offer comforts such as free WiFi and sound-insulated walls.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Private yards and heating

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Area shuttle
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Indoor pool (guest access)
  • Outdoor pool (guest access)
  • Outdoor tennis court
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Access to nearby indoor pool
  • Access to nearby outdoor pool
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • No housekeeping service

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 10 accessible parking spaces
  • Front entrance ramp
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Communal living room
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Private or shared bathroom
  • Towels provided

More

  • Heating
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 1.5 percent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 9 AM - noon
Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; front desk staffed during limited hours
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Access code, front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals welcome)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Towels available for a fee (or guests may bring their own)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 1.5 percent

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number 18249607

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Property is also known as

Old Mount Gambier Gaol Hotel
Old Mount Gambier Gaol
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol Hotel
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol Mount Gambier
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol Hotel Mount Gambier

Frequently asked questions

Does The Old Mount Gambier Gaol have a pool?

Yes, this property has outdoor pool access.

Is The Old Mount Gambier Gaol pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Old Mount Gambier Gaol?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at The Old Mount Gambier Gaol?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Where is The Old Mount Gambier Gaol located?

Located in the heart of Mount Gambier, this hotel is steps from Old Mount Gambier Gaol and Olympic Park. Mount Gambier Central and Vansittart Park are also within 10 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

The Old Mount Gambier Gaol Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.2

Cleanliness

9.0

Location

9.4

Staff & service

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 89 out of 140 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 39 out of 140 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 140 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 140 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 140 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good clean accommodation within a very unusual setting, Jamie & Mel are great hosts… I will return…
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Facilities were outstanding. Have already recommended to friends and family. An experience worth having.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Tayla

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
It was a different and unique experience to stay in the old gaol with the kitchen, common rooms and showers being communal - to learn the history was great. No amenities included in the room (room just including bed, toilet and sink) - though there was a great amount in the shared kitchen. While everything was communal it was extremely clean and inviting. James and Melissa were super friendly as well as their little cats!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Arthur

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Memorable experience. Very friendly and helpful warden. It really was a jail, so don't expect The Ritz. Shared shower stalls reminiscent of boarding school. Basic double bed, firm mattress. Excellent hot shower. Nice shared kitchen. Couldn't connect to the internet but neither could Ned Kelly. It'll give you a glimmering of what society's misfits and villains experienced.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable quiet warm rooms.. great experience and interesting history
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

IAN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It a unique place. Certainly safe and quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property owners are really friendly and very accommodating.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vishakha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Well-maintained and comfortable with a lot of history to explore.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amitendra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic unique property. More supportive mattresses and more power points would be nice, but a great short stay.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Barbel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly and welcoming. An adventure for the kids.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

A dive into history

Great one night stay - obviously not the comfort of a modern hotel room, but this is compensated by the amount of history that is on offer. Still has all the basic facilities you need such as outdoor area, communal showers and kitchen facilities.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian

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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheri

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Holly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Jenn

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Judith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

K J

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

May-Britt V. R.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
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.
Double with toilet
Entrance door
Chapel and lounge
Sign
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Gary

It was ok, very basic, but that’s what we expected being a gaol, for 1 night was ok, was a room with a toilet…pub we went to was great and only 10min walk…
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It was an interesting stay.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jodie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sez

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome place to stay would highly recommend. What a great idea turning a prison into accommodation for the public.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023