This place has so much character and history to it. For those who don't know, this place was a prison and is now refitted to be a hostel. We stayed at this place overnight when we were visiting Mount Gambier and this place doesn't disappoint. The location is odd but given that this was a prison it's okay. The prison cells are fitted with bunk beds and there is a large, neat and clean kitchen which everyone can use and contains all the basic amenities that you need. Toilets are good and hygienic as well. Be mindful to not move around the corridor at night as the floor is a bit squeaky and it can get loud too.

Really cool place. We played basketball, read all of the history, did a ghost tour, relaxed and had a few drinks. When you make a booking, James puts everyone at opposite ends, so despite 4 others family's we never saw them.

Such a wonderful place to stay. Mel and James are the friendliest hosts and their passion for their unique home/business shines through. The charm of this place is the knowledge that you are sleeping rooms and cells steeped in history and where else can you do that. It is close to most things in Mount Gambier and a short drive to the Blue Lake. We can't wait to return and spend more time at this awesome place.

A great and unique experience! The service was amazing - super friendly and even suggested insider tips from a local's point of view. The accommodation itself was super comfortable, with many amenities to choose from. Highly recommended !

Good gaol experience, but mostly outside the room. Cell 27 is nicely done and very cozy for a family of 4 but doesn't feel like you're in a cell. The ladles could use a refresh. A good balance overall. Great idea and good execution. Very friendly intro to the jail and the history by the person at the reception. James was very friendly and gave us a bit more of his personal journey. The kids loved the place, especially wandering around and exploring the jail.

After viewing their website my wife and i were excited to stay overnight after receiving a call from james regarding availability he said yes and so we preceded to book, asking my wife how many, just my husband and I. Upon arrival were confronted by a tiny room with 2 single beds unmade, no TV and no door on so called ensuite which was just a toilet. Extreme far cry from pictures on website.

Really peaceful, interesting and very tidy accommodation. Family suite was really comfortable and was well set up.

A nice quirky accomodation, an overall great experience.

Great clean facilities and comfortable living arrangements. James is an absolute legend and helped ship a jumper I left behind all the way back home. Couldn’t be happier with the service both owners provided and would recommend the place to anyone else. The gaol is incredibly beautiful and the unique and rich history of the place made our stay unforgettable. Cheers Guys 😸

Clean and central. Rooms are ex cells so basic but great for groups. We had the whole complex to run amok, decent kitchen if needed and large dining/functions room. Don't expect 5 star but a great atmosphere, didn't see any ghosts though, management may neet to work on this 😁

A great place to spend the night. Gorgeous and very well-groomed butler cats and friendly ghosts of dead prisoners. Highly recommend!!!😊

We loved our stay in the Old Gaol! The hosts were very kind and informative. It's a really interesting place and I loved reading about the history. The old chapel is a delightful place to sit and read on a morning! I would love to return and would 100% recommend it.

We are a couple backpacking from Canada and our recent stay here was one of the best we have ever had anywhere. The owner/manager is VERY guest oriented and went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and comfortable. The accommodations were superb, the costumes were a great touch, and we were even given a ride to the bus station on our last morning. Highest possible recommendation...!!!

Rooms and bathrooms are in the condition you would expect for this mildly renovated jail. The common area of our cell block was so beautifully arranged and comfortable to socialise in with friends and other travellers. The hosts are some of the most genuinely kind people I met on our roadtrip around Australia. I cannot speak highly enough of the staff. I wish I had have stayed another night to get to know the hosts a bit better.

We loved the unique experience of staying in a historic building and learning about its past. The room and the common areas were very clean and the kitchen was well stocked with utensils and cutlery, great for cooking a quick meal or just making a cuppa. The family had a lot of fun playing games in the meals area :) It was also great interacting with James the host (and thank you for the dress up photo shoot before we were 'set free') It was a great experience and I highly recommend it to anyone including families wanting a different experience, not to mention the very reasonable price!

Very unique place compared to the average motel / hotel in town. Very conveniently located, right behind the brewery. Walking distance of the CBD and Blue Lakes.

Best nights' sleep I've had our whole trip. Bed was so comfy and room temperature was just right for a July night. The kitchen and chapel were well set up and comfortable.

Very comfortable, we stayed in the old kitchen and slept well. Also an interesting place, all history is well signposted and easy to independently explore. Well priced, and a unique experience. Well worth it.

This is a novel experience to stay in and reflect on what it was like to be incarcerated or work in a jail. I suggest people read the description as advertised. Jamie and Mel have done a fantastic job in renovating and have to comply with heritage requirements. Comments saying they should renovate the rooms are simply ignorant of what is allowable and should be seen as part of the experience which is certainly different. Lots of shared spaces and hot modern showers! Thanks guys, love our two nights spent here.

Had a great time staying here, lots of info about the gaol and the room and bed was comfortable 😊 it's a cell after all, so it's small but cosy. The kitchen area is very well equipped with everything you might need. The owner is super chill and friendly, happy to help if you need anything. Not haunted if you are worried, we didn't see any ghosts 😀

It was definitely a unique experience and such a good conversation starter! Central location, which was easy to find. Bed was comfy, bathrooms/kitchen area was clean and tidy. I loved the bits and pieces of information around the place.

Always a pleasure to stay at this iconic business James and Mel are super welcoming and eager to pass on local sights and venues to visit whilst in town

Not a hotel you will see every day! You have the option of living in a cell or in one of the renovated offices. It did get little bit eerie after I read the info poster “ deaths in the gaol” next to my cell and since I have travelling alone. Nothing creepy happened at all and I know its all in my head! They have bunk beds and a sink in the cells. Also has a fully equipped kitchen. I recommend it for people travelling in groups and families! When i arrived it was sunset, and didn’t get to meet James the host that day but got to chat with him the other morning and he was super friendly and fantastic. They have put a lot of work into making the goal a neat little place for travellers. Very unique!

A unique place to stay in. Who would’ve thought I’d be staying in a jail, good thing without being locked up 😂 Owner was really enthusiastic and informative! Room can be a little stuffy at night since it was an actual cell. Overall, great experience!

Welcoming and friendly caretaker. Tidy room and super quiet. Stayed in women's cell area with self contained kitchen and shared chill out area.

Amazing place to stay. very clean and well looked after. The hosts are so friendly and welcominging. Highly recommend!

Who would have thought staying at a jail was a good idea without being locked up? This is a novel idea and the establishment created great little joint areas. Multiple kitchen and lounge rooms make it interesting. The dorm rooms looked like a great hostel to stay, but the individual cells need some maintenance. I paid a full motel price for a shared bathroom and a jail cell. Zero comfort. Please renovate your rooms and I will reflect it in my rating.

Wonderful night, watching stars ( human & galactic) Auntie Penny's cd launch, in memory of her brother. Appreciative, friendly audience, children dancing, family friendly. Generous hosts. Complimentary tea & coffee on a cool night. Great atmosphere.