Like your travel spooooooky? If you live for a shiver down your spine or a dose of paranormal activity, get set for a well-travelled Halloween.
1. Old Melbourne Gaol
Melbourne, Victoria
Join a night-time ghost tour to explore the gaol’s brutal heritage and learn about the whispers of hauntings that have been around since the first cell blocks opened in 1845 (just in time for the gold rush). The website warns that its tours are conducted in the dark and include confined spaces – *gulp*.
Stay nearby: Peppers Docklands (‘cause if you’re gonna get gritty, you’ll need some spa time afterward to wash it off).
2. The Devil’s Pool
Near Babinda, Queensland
Babinda Boulders, otherwise known as the Devil’s Pool, is a beautiful but dangerous natural rock pool. 17 people have drowned in its waters since 1959. A local Yidinji legend tells the story of Oolana, a runaway bride who drowned herself in the pool and now haunts it, luring young men to their watery graves. Whatever the reason for the tragedies, one thing is certain: swimming here is not recommended.
Stay nearby: The Canopy Rainforest Treehouses And Wildlife Sanctuary.
3. Morisset Hospital
Near Morisset, NSW
It sounds a little too much like the setting for a horror movie: the shell of an old mental hospital, accessible only by 4WD. What could possibly go wrong? The notorious Ward 21 – or the ‘Crim’, as it was known – was built in the 1930s for patients who were judged to be “criminally insane”. It certainly saw some misery in its day and is now just a crumbling ruin overrun with weeds and graffiti. It’s that neglect that gives it an eerie vibe, especially when the sun goes down… and your car won’t start. #jokes.
Stay nearby: Junction Hotel in Merewether.
4. Monte Cristo House
Junee, NSW
Australia’s (self-proclaimed) most haunted house, Monte Cristo House dares you to spend the night in the 1880s homestead and see for yourself if the Crawley family linger on. Tour the stables, ballroom and homestead by candlelight to see if the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
Stay nearby: Not brave enough to spend your whole trip in a haunted hotel? We don’t blame you! Escape to the Comfort Inn Prince of Wales in Wagga Wagga.
5. Hanging Rock
Near Woodend, Victoria
About an hour from Melbourne, Hanging Rock is forever known for the school girls who (allegedly) disappeared there on Valentine’s Day 1900. Based on a novel, the story has become a legend that blurs the lines between the real and the imaginary. It’s creepy, beautiful, and fascinating.
Stay nearby: Holgate Brewhouse at Keatings Hotel.
6. Manly Quarantine Station
Manly, NSW
If walls could talk, the old quarantine station could take you through 150 years of despair, disease and hopelessness. So is it any wonder people think it’s haunted? With creepy ghost tours and spooky sleepovers, there are plenty of opportunities for you to find out what goes bump in the night.
Stay nearby: Why stay nearby when you can stay right there? Q Station Sydney Harbour National Park has a range of beautiful heritage rooms and suites.
7. Seppeltsfield Winery
Seppeltsfield, SA
This Barossa Valley icon is popular with ghost hunters, who are eager to record the paranormal activity of the Seppelt family, who built the winery in 1851. Screams from the vineyards, blood seeping from the walls of the family mausoleum, and phantom gunshots are just some of the reported phenomena. But if you don’t see anything like that, don’t worry – the wine’s not half bad either.
Stay nearby: The Lodge Country House.
Where will you get your supernatural fix this Halloween?
PLAN YOUR SPOOKY GETAWAY
