Gladstone, South Australia – 12 October 2026
After more than four years behind closed gates, historic Gladstone Gaol is preparing to welcome visitors once again, bringing one of South Australia’s remarkable heritage attractions back to life.
Gladstone Gaol has been closed to the public since June 2022. Its reopening represents much more than the return of a tourist attraction – it is an opportunity to preserve an important piece of South Australian history, attract visitors to Gladstone and create economic and community benefits for the wider region.
There is already strong public interest in seeing the historic site brought back to life. More than 1,300 people attended a single Gladstone Gaol open day in March 2025, demonstrating the affection and curiosity that still surrounds the landmark.
Lantern Ghost Tours will initially bring the gaol back to life through guided experiences that allow visitors to discover its history, stories and darker past.
Lantern Ghost Tours Director Jacqueline Travaglia said reopening the gaol was about ensuring the site once again became an active part of the community.
“Gladstone Gaol has been closed for more than four years, but it has never stopped being part of Gladstone’s identity.
“We don't simply want to open the gates. We want to bring people back into the gaol, share its extraordinary stories and give visitors another reason to stop, explore and spend time in Gladstone.
“Every visitor who comes to the gaol has the potential to also buy a meal, visit a local business, fill up with fuel, stay overnight or explore another attraction in the region. That means the benefits of reopening can extend well beyond the gaol walls.
“Most importantly, we want to work with the community. There are people throughout the region with memories, photographs, stories and family connections to this place, and we want those stories to remain part of the gaol's future.”
Gladstone Gaol is a State Heritage Place and an important surviving example of nineteenth-century penal architecture.
Following its original closure as a prison in 1975, the gaol went on to have a second life as a tourism and community venue, hosting visitors as well as markets, fairs, craft activities, celebrations and community events.
Its latest chapter will build on that tradition.
The reopening is expected to create opportunities for local employment, guides, suppliers and tourism partnerships while helping attract additional visitors travelling through the Mid North and towards the Southern Flinders Ranges.
Lantern Ghost Tours also hopes to work with local businesses and community members to develop the gaol as a destination that complements, rather than competes with, existing attractions and businesses.
“Heritage buildings survive when people have a reason to care about them, visit them and use them,” Ms Travaglia said.
“We have an extraordinary building, fascinating stories and a community that clearly wants to see the gaol active again.
“After four years of silence, it is time to open the gates and let Gladstone Gaol tell its stories again.”
OPENING CELEBRATIONS
Gladstone Gaol will return to life for Halloween this year. Book your tour now at www.visitgladstonegaol.com
Members of the local community with stories, photographs, historical information or memories connected with Gladstone Gaol are also encouraged to get in touch.
