Description
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol was opened in 1866 and ceased operating as a jail in 1995. We now offer backpacker and boutique style accommodation. We will soon house a cafe, bar and new and exciting community minded events. We are also available for functions.
Accomodation in cells or non cell dormitories. Prison theme retained, all accommodation is currently being re-furbished. Cells face into open yards. Former chapel is used as the common room with attached guest kitchen which is open 24 hrs. Common room is heated. Located close to city centre. Most facilities are simply adapted from original use as a prison.
Facility is operated by James and Melissa. Prior booking is recommended. Coded access to secure travellers section.
Accomodation in cells or non cell dormitories. Prison theme retained, all accommodation is currently being re-furbished. Cells face into open yards. Former chapel is used as the common room with attached guest kitchen which is open 24 hrs. Common room is heated. Located close to city centre. Most facilities are simply adapted from original use as a prison.
Facility is operated by James and Melissa. Prior booking is recommended. Coded access to secure travellers section.
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol Details
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Map Location/ContactHow is The Old Mount Gambier Gaol rated on other websites?
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The Old Mount Gambier Gaol Reviews on Other Websites
The property had plenty of character, it has been renovated well as it has still kept its orignal features. We enjoyed the use of free internet. Its an old computer but it didnt matter as did the job. The owners were lovely,welcoming and helpful. Very clean, safe and secure. Defo recommend. Thanks
— lisa argent (2012-01-05)
Hostelbookers
Great building, clean and comfortable rooms (or rather cells!), friendly owners, a lot of work has clearly gone into the restorations.
— Paul Clifford (2012-01-04)
Hostelbookers
The new owners are really friendly and super helpful. We particularly liked that they are so passionate about The Old Gaol. The accommodation is certainly atmospheric, clean, well equipped and unique. We loved it!
— Louise Minshull (2011-07-17)
Hostelbookers
They had free internet (although it didn't work), but is was there and a free pick-up service from the Bus stop (which didn't work out and I git no notice of it, but if it normally works...)
— Claire Violette Herbaux (2010-09-09)
Hostelbookers
Almost nothing - a shock
— Marika Kirsspuu (2009-11-03)
Hostelbookers
Very interesting place to stay. Close to downtown.
— Anne Buie (2009-03-02)
Hostelbookers
the autenticity of the old jail, a very entertaining experience
— Hendricus van der Hoeven (2008-01-28)
Hostelbookers
You get to stay in a real cell. Not for everyone but pretty cool.
— Oliver Calnan (2007-12-28)
Hostelbookers
Buildings have a lot of character
— (2006-12-07)
Hostelbookers
Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
A cool place to stay when the couple from the tower at mt gambier told me i should go there, i wasn't sure its a good idea. it was one of the best places i had on my trip. jamie and mel are very nice and helpful and it was awesome to listen all the stories about this location. the cells and beds are new and comfortable. if you are there go to the bar have some drinks, its just cool. — Markus , Austria (2011-01-09) Ok so it's a bit basic, but it's a jail, what do you expect? What a cool experience! Don't drink too much or you'll have to get up to pee in the middle of the night and that is spooky. — Janessa (2006-07-16) This hostel was all my partner and I needed for the two nights we had in Mt. Gambier. The rooms had an authentic jail cell feel and you couldn't help feeling a bit spooked by the eerie experience. I enjoyed the staff and this accommodation. I also enjoyed Mount Gambier and I plan to come back again. — Justine (2004-10-13) We arrived at the hotel and waited around for a long time for somebody to show up so we could get a room. The staff knew we were coming and yet they weren't there for us. The bedroom was in poor condition. The kitchen was absolutely empty and the whole place was deserted — not one person was around. For $52 a night for two people it was awful. They even expected us to make our own beds. The room didn't even have any windows! We decided not to pay the money because there were no people, no staff, no food, no windows, no mirrors, no pillows and a crazy painter who talked to himself. — Anonymous (2004-10-09) I found the owners quite friendly. One of them and I spent a fair part of an evening amusing their hyperactive dog Milka. It was an interesting experience staying in a cell (no need for air-conditioning even in hot and humid weather), the bathroom was basic but functional, and the kitchen was fantastic. The bedding was clean. I do plan to stay here again, as my stay in Mt. Gambier was all too short to get in all the attractions. — Andy (2004-09-24) This was one of the worst experiences I had in a hostel in my six months in Oz. Rude, rude, rude. I can handle a bit of dirt, but not poor treatment. DON'T STAY HERE! — Jessica Cave (2004-06-29) Quite possibly one of the worst places I have ever visited. The staff were rude, the communal toilets were in desparate need of being cleaned, and I ended up sleeping in my swag on top of the bed rather than touch the sheets. The owners comments on this page state "prison theme retained". I disagree with this statement - I think that a prision would be kept cleaner and no prison staff could possibly ever be that rude. — James Simpson (2004-02-03)