Unlocking a new era for Gladstone Gaol

LGT Enterprises has been appointed to operate the historic Mid North site – closed since 2022 – with historical tours, accommodation and a cafe planned. 

Visitors will soon get a first glimpse of experiences to come, with LGT set to run a series of special ghost tours over the next few months. The tours will be bookable through www.lanternghosttours.com.

The tourism company – known for its award-winning Lantern Ghost Tours across Australia, including at the Adelaide Gaol – was chosen following a competitive public expression of interest process late last year.  

Gladstone Gaol is one of more than 2,350 State Heritage Places in South Australia, and heritage tourism contributes about $1.1 billion to the state’s economy each year.

LGT plans to carry out upgrades at Gladstone Gaol before fully opening the site in the second half of this year. 

The first stage of works will include creating accommodation in one of the former Senior Warden’s residences and establishing the cafe. 

Future works could include new visitor experiences such as escape rooms. 

It follows the state government undertaking a range of repairs and maintenance works to the gaol’s buildings and houses to help reactivate the site. 

These works included the installation of new roofing and stormwater systems and the repair of some ceilings, floors, verandahs and gutters – with the latest round of Government Owned Heritage Fund grants allocating $100,000 towards the site. 

Gladstone Gaol, which is located about 200 kilometres north of Adelaide, operated as a medium-security prison between 1881 and 1975, and as a military detention barracks during World War II.

LGT Enterprises founder, Jacqueline Travaglia, said the operator was honoured to be appointed as the new operator of Gladstone Gaol and excited to help unlock a new era for this remarkable heritage site.

"Gladstone Gaol holds a powerful place in South Australia’s history, and our vision is to respectfully bring it back to life through immersive tours, unique accommodation and a welcoming café experience, subject to ongoing consultation and further discussions with key stakeholders," she said,

"Our plans will continue to be refined as we work closely with the local community and relevant partners, ensuring future experiences are developed thoughtfully and in keeping with the site’s heritage."

The gaol permanently closed in 1975, but in 1978 was reopened offering historic tours to visitors. 

The gaol closed again in 2022 – before the new operator opens the gates later this year.