One thing I love about traveling around the interstate of Australia is the opportunity to experience the unexpected. Each time we go off the road, my husband and I often don’t book our accommodation in advance (not like when I was in the Philippines, where I did the opposite).

‘As long as we have the car, we are all good, nothing to worry about,’ he often said whenever I asked where we were going to spend the night after a long drive.

Just like when we spent our weekend unplanned driving from Warragul VIC to Mount Gambier SA (for the sake of fun) somehow, he likes surprising me about where to stay for the night.

The Old Mount Gambier Gaol

Australia has many interesting stories about its famous prisoners and old gaols (most of them decommissioned). It was fascinating enough to visit and stay overnight at one of the famous old gaols in South Australia.

Opened on 4th April 1866, the outer wall was more than 14 feet high and enclosed more than one acre. Messrs. Goss, Alison, and Potter were appointed to erect 11 cells and 13 other apartments, from plans believed to have been drawn by the Colonial Architect Mr. E.A. Hamilton. Mr. George Tims was the first keeper and Thomas Palmer had the dubious honour of being the first prisoner admitted to the gaol. The last prisoners were transferred to the new facility on Benara Road on 27th June 1995.

If you are looking for a fancy 5-star welcome, then this place isn’t right for you.

Our room for that night is called ‘Double Cells’, an ex-prison cell converted into double rooms. Double cells include electric blankets on beds, wall heating, a small hand basin, and a mirror. These rooms face the chapel courtyard. Each double cell features a heavy original prison door with a small window atop it. All of our double cells hold a double bed and include all bed linen, towels, blankets, and pillows. Guests have access to shared lounges, complimentary wifi, and bathroom facilities.

There’s a communal toilet and shower located in the courtyard. Guests also have full use of our equipped kitchens containing fridge/ freezer, stove, oven & microwave, all crockery, cutlery, and equipment required to cook.

Complimentary tea/ coffee/ herbal and percolated is also provided.

It was a little bit cold that night, and although I was a little feeling uncomfortable sleeping in a bed facing the door directly (I believe it was bad feng shui), my husband said that I still slept like a baby. That’s more important.