The Old Mount Gambier Gaol
A converted gaol with a courtyard bar and tennis court
About this stay
Curious travellers and families who would rather sleep somewhere with a story get the most from this one, since the building itself is the reason to book. It is a decommissioned prison converted into accommodation, with family rooms, private bathrooms and parquet floors, updated with air-conditioning, free WiFi and flat-screen televisions so it works as a stay rather than a museum visit. The grounds carry a garden, a bar serving wine and champagne, a lounge, a shared kitchen, an outdoor dining area, picnic areas, barbecue facilities and an outdoor play area, plus a tennis court and table tennis. Hiking is listed among the activities and the Blue Lake crater rim sits 1.8 kilometres away, so a walk from the door is realistic. Mount Gambier Airport is nine kilometres out, with free parking and private parking on site.
- Historic gaol building
- Tennis court
- Shared kitchen
- Garden and bar
Our take
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol offers something genuinely different: four-star heritage accommodation inside a former prison, with family rooms, a garden, a bar, a lounge and a shared kitchen. A tennis court, table tennis and an outdoor play area keep children busy, and Blue Lake is 1.8 kilometres away, with the airport nine. Rated 8.6 by more than 380 guests, I recommend it for families who want a memorable night in Mount Gambier.
- ✓Book a family room rather than a standard one, because the converted cells vary in size and the family layouts have the most usable space.
- ✓Walk the 1.8 kilometres to the Blue Lake rim instead of driving, since the approach on foot is the better introduction to the crater.
- ✓Use the shared kitchen and courtyard barbecue on a longer stay, as the town centre is a drive away and the grounds are the draw.
Why we love it
- Sleeping in a genuine decommissioned gaol
- Courtyard bar with wine and champagne
- Tennis court, table tennis and a play area
- 1.8 kilometres from the Blue Lake rim
Why guests love itThe Old Mount Gambier Gaol turns a decommissioned prison into heritage accommodation, a stay children will remember. Family rooms have private bathrooms and parquet floors, and there is a garden, a bar, a lounge, a shared kitchen, a tennis court, table tennis and an outdoor play area. Blue Lake is 1.8 kilometres away and parking is free. More than 380 guests rate it 8.6. My advice: plan an early visit to Blue Lake, then a game of tennis back at the gaol.
Guest reviews
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