The Old Mount Gambier Gaol

It was 100 degrees and there was no air conditioning so we weee unable to stay and lost our feed as a result

Unique experience in beautifully refurbished heritage site. Stayed in private bedroom with attached toilet ensuite (no shower). The room was cosy and clean. Shared common room and kitchen had adequate facilities. Staff was friendly and helpful!

Room didn't have enough storage space (given space limitations of a gaol cell though), and although it was well insulated during colder nights, was quite stifling when daytime temp hit above 33oC, and the room did not cool during the night with no aircon.

The sense of community and unique flavour of staying in a prison cell. The place was exceptionally clean with not a single fly anywhere!

The mattress and utensils were a bit old and musty. Ventilation is through a slit on top of the cell door that needs you to get on top of a stool to open.

Great concept, location, value, showers are great!

No toaster in kitchen Men’s toilet was left very dirty for two days - I used the women’s one.

It was a very novel experience to spend date night in gaol. I also liked the information that was available throughout the venue giving the history of the building and insights into what it was like for the original occupants.

Unfortunately, access to the bathroom and toilets isn't under cover so I couldn't use the facilities when it was bucketing with rain. This was only a minor inconvenience though.

It was nice, something different. Didn't really know you were in an old Goal. Bed was comfortable. Nice having the common room and kitchen.

The ambiance is really cool and the little snippets of info around the place are fun. Also I met Beans the cat

In cell 26 at least there is no barrier between the sleeping area and the toilet.

Just very interesting

No tv worked so couldn't watch Easter Monday game. Very basic room. But interesting

Truly unique experience staying in an authentic gaol cell.Great clean facilities and comfortable living arrangements.

Interesting cultural and historical site. Great if you’re visiting for the novelty or heritage experience.

Cleanliness was poor—there were bed bugs causing itchiness and cobwebs on the ceiling. Shared toilet, no privacy, and the threat of mice in the kitchen if doors aren’t kept closed. Not worth $250 per night for a bunk setup.

Its a very different style of accommodation and I didnt realise that it was shared facilities which for an older couple was a bit challenging in the night.

Share toilets and showers

This is an experience well worth a go for a night and would be a fun thing to do for backpackers and travellers who are looking for something different to the norm. The facilities were as advertised so pretty basic on the usual accommodation, we booked the family rooms as they had their own bathroom, loo and kitchen facilities which gave more in the way of comfort. Lots of information around that tells the history of the gaol. All round, an authentic experience if you're up for the adventure ?

Kitchen available

Needs new pots and pans remainder of kitchen items fineRepair or replace heater in common lounge area

Such a unique experience. Fabulous community kitchen and lounge area in what was the chapel. Reeked of history and was fun to stay there .

Very novel to stay in converted cells. Helpful hosts who answered immediately when I had to phone once.

Rooms are very bare (in keeping with the gaol) so don’t expect any luxuries (eg not lots of electric sockets, harsh lighting, no extra furniture / places to hang towels.

Interesting location - quirky but funGreat staffGreat history

James was very welcoming on our arrival. Very friendly and informative about the Gaol. Loved staying there, we had a wonderful experience staying in the Gaol. Would definitely recommend if staying in Mount Gambier.

Nothing, it was a unique experience. Loved every minute.

The experience of staying in an old goal. Well maintained outside spaces. The information panels scattered throughout were an interesting read.

It was a warm night and the cell was stuffy. No A/C but could have had at least a fan to move air around. Can't sleep with door open and the vent window above could not be opened and keep fly screen secure. The room had little character, painted bright lemon colour, lacked the feel we were expecting. No milk supplied with available tea/coffee; not even long life pods. Needed more personal accounts or history stories around the place. No original cells available to look into. Basically, sort of misses the mark on the old drab goal feel. Goes some way, but not far enough.

A unique experience staying in the converted jail, the property has plenty of character and history. The town has plenty of shops and restaurants

Not a negative as such but just to highlight it's not a luxury property and some of the bedding etc is quite old so if you stay here be prepared and you're staying for the character of the property and the experience of staying in a converted jail

The accommodation was authentic. Despite being an original gaol cell from the 1800's and only having a stainless basin, one tiny barred window and a large super thick solid metal door, bunk beds and separate shared toilet, shower and common room kitchen with lounge, my stay and room was more than satisfactory. In fact, the peace and noise-free zone noticed within the cell and while sleeping was exceptional, second to none.Sharing with many types of people, backpackers, tourists, spirit hunters and cave divers was also an excellent and unexpected outcome.

Ummmm, not much at all.