About our Gaol
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol was opened as an old English gaol in 1866 and closed as a functioning prison in 1995. 
The gaol was then converted into budget accommodation and experienced brief success as the “Jail Backpackers”. In October 2010, Mel and James took over the building, created their own business which now includes accommodation, functions and events.
Along with creating a new business Mel and James have also spent much time and effort cleaning, renovating and re-furbishing the gaol and it’s surrounds. With a strong sense of community and a focus on environmental sustainability Mel and James plan to cultivate and create a space which attracts people seeking unique accommodation, though also providing a meeting place for both locals and guests to learn, mingle and be entertained.
Be sure to add your details to our mailing list to be informed of new programs, events and additions to the gaol!
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol provides boutique accommodation for all travellers; popular with backpackers, couples, families and groups both large and small.
The gaol premises boasts two large open courtyards, a sports bar, store room and grassed paddock area ideal for functions and events ranging from intimate gatherings to grand scale weddings.
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol is located in the heart of Mount Gambier, within walking distance to the city centre, shops, bars, restaurants and The Blue Lake.
Mount Gambier is situated exactly half way between Melbourne and Adelaid
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol is located in the heart of Mount Gambier, within walking distance to the city centre, shops, bars, restaurants and The Blue Lake.
Mount Gambier is situated exactly half way between Melbourne and Adelaid
e, which makes it an attractive place for visitor’s to break their trip whilst travelling between either destination.
Whether you are travelling from Adelaide via the Coonawarra Food and Wine Region or journeying from Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road, Mount Gambier presents a welcome relief from car travel and provides amazing, unique natural attractions for you to see.
Local Attractions and Activities
Mount Gambier free/ natural attractions:
The Blue Lake is Mount Gambier’s most visited tourist destination. The lake is located inside a dormant volcano and serves as the city’s water supply. The Blue Lake is famous for changing colour twice a year. In winter viewers will be met with a startling grey, whilst in summer the lake will turn an exquisite blue. 
The Valley Lake, Browne's Lake and Leg of Mutton Lake are all located within walking distance of The Blue Lake. There are numerous walking trails, a wildlife park and boardwalk, adventure playground and barbeque facilities for your use.
In the centre of town you will find the Cave Gardens. This was once the original water supply for early settlers; it is now a beautiful garden and lookout. Across from the cave is our town library which boasts a café, bike hire and free internet facilities.
Umpherston Sinkhole is situated on the edge of town and is a beautiful sunken garden display. It is 
open twenty four hours a day, resident possums come out at night to say hello and accept offerings of bread or fruit.
Mount Schank is Australia’s youngest dormant volcano and can be climbed up, around and into.
Port Macdonnell, a bay side community is located twenty minutes away from Mount Gambier and features beaches and a penguin colony.
Ewens ponds are a great place for families to snorkel or dive. 
Mount Gambier City Historic walk provides a self-guided tour of state heritage buildings for those interested in their history.
Mount Gambier tennis courts are available for use daily.
Mount Gambier skate parks are available for scooter, in line skaters, bike riders and skate boarders.
Mount Gambier local business attractions:
Aquifer tours of The Blue Lake
Centenary Tower entrance
Englebrecht Cave tours
Laughton Park Gardens and Tea Rooms
Lady Nelson Visitor and Discovery Centre
Bellum Hotel, situated at the base of Mount Schank
Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre
Surrounding free/ natural attractions:
Coorong coastline (Be sure to sample the famous Coorong Mullet!)
Big Lobster in Kingston
Lake McIntyre in Millicent (Bird haven, walking trails and bbq facilities)
Piccaninnie Ponds ( for snorkelling and diving)
State Heritage Listed Petticoat Lane in Penola (original houses from yesteryear)
Coonawarra wineries
Surrounding business attractions:
Nelson Boat and Canoe Hire
River Cruise Nelson
Princess Margaret Rose Caves
White Kangaroo Colony in Bordertown (only one in Australia)
Naracoorte World Heritage Caves
Old Tailem Town in Tailem Bend
Where we are!
Bliss N Eso: 2011 Concert at the Gaol
Groups
If a large group chooses to book out the ‘entire’ venue we have two large courtyard areas and three
smaller covered spaces at your disposal and an industrial kitchen/ dining room for your use. This offer only applies to group’s booking out the whole venue for the duration of their stay.
We do not offer catering or meals of any kind at present, though if necessary we may provide you with contact details for groups who will come in and cater for you.
We have possible accommodation for 66 people, our rooms and prices are detailed on our website under Accommodation Rates.
Blankets, pillows and sheets are provided and all rooms have access to 
heating, communal showers and toilets. Guests must bring their own towels.
Sleeping bags and other bedding are not permitted on the grounds.
We also provide free off road parking.
In order to secure group accommodation bookings a thirty percent deposit is required. The balance is payable on arrival.
Email Us for further information.
Boutique Accommodation
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol offers boutique accommodation in the form of cell or non-cell rooms. All cells’ have been recently refurbished and are each equipped with their own toilet and hand basin. The cell doors have not been altered since the prison closed other than a fresh coat of pain, peep holes have been covered to ensure guest privacy and door locks have been changed to allow our guests to come and go as they please! 
All non-cell rooms were previously used as staff offices or quarters and consist of historical buildings equipped with high ceilings and arched windows. Each of these rooms are dormitory style and do not contain a toilet inside.
Our guests have access to the many historical features of The Old Mount Gambier Gaol.
Originally the prison chapel, our library and lounge is now equipped with internet, colour television, sofas and study area, making it the perfect place to relax. Read a book, surf the net or hang out with friends and family. Our sports bar is equipped with juke box, fireplace, bar and pool table. Our bar is at times unavailable for guest use due to winter season, owner’s discretion or private functions.
We have two communal kitchens for guests to use and areas inside and out for 
relaxation and mingling. Guests have twenty-four hour access to the communal kitchens where they can prepare a hearty meal or grab a quick snack.
Food can be labelled and stored in the communal fridges and tea, coffee, sugar and milk are supplied at no charge.
There are three courtyards on site available to guests for outdoor activities.
Blankets, pillows and sheets are provided and all rooms have access to heating, communal showers and toilets. Guests must bring their own towels.
Sleeping bags and other bedding are not permitted on the grounds.
We also provide free off road parking.
Accommodation Rates
Non-Cell Dormitory Rooms:
| 10 bed room x 1 | $26 per bed, per night | |
| 6 bed rooms x 2 | $26 per bed, per night | |
| 4 bed rooms x 2 | $28 per bed, per night |
Family Room:
Double bed, two single beds, private toilet, bathroom, lounge and kitchenette $140 per night
Cells:
| Double rooms (sleeps two) x3 | $80 per room, per night | |
| Twin rooms (sleeps two) x5 | $60 per room, per night | |
| 3 bed dorm x1 | $28 per bed, per night | |
| 4 bed dorm x3 | $28 per bed, per night |
School Groups
Please see the map of our venue at the bottom of this page which will give you an idea of the facilities we have available and how our rooms are spaced out.
We have possible accommodation for 66 guests. We have two communal kitchens for guest use and areas inside and out for relaxation and mingling. We prefer to house all school groups on the right side of the gaol so that we may keep them separated from other guests who may be staying with us.
If a school group chooses to book out the ‘entire’ venue we have two large courtyard areas and three smaller covered spaces at your disposal and an industrial kitchen/ dining room for your use. This offer only applies to group’s booking out the whole venue for the duration of their stay.
We do not offer catering or meals of any kind at present, though if necessary we may provide you with contact details for groups who will come in and cater for you.
For school groups we are happy to accommodate all students at $25 per head per night, this includes all linen and pillows. Students will be required to bring their own towels. Adults/teachers are charged at standard rates according to rooms requested. Rooms and prices are detailed on our website under Accommodation Rates.
Please note a deposit is required for confirmation of your accommodation booking, the balance is payable one week prior to stay.
Email Us for further information.
Book Now
Our online booking system will be online shortly!
If you would like us to let you know when it is live, please contact us.
If you would like us to let you know when it is live, please contact us.