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All About Ghost Tours
A man named Jack Sim popularised ghost tours in the 1990s at paranormal hotspots all over Australia. Over the years, it has become a cultural phenomenon and one of the biggest attractions in the country. Sydneysiders love ghosts so much that they celebrate the Fisher’s Ghost Festival every year, taking people on special tours through Campbelltown.
You get to visit the most haunted places in Sydney guided by historians and engaging storytellers. Some packages include visits to the food market in Chinatown, catered dinners, pub crawls, and accommodations in nearby hotels!
The 10 Best Ghost Tours in Sydney
By now, you might be wondering: “where are the best haunted tours near me?”. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our list of the most terrifying ghost tours in town!
10. Old Government House Parramatta
The Story: The Georgian mansion is one of the oldest colonial homes in Australia. In 1847, an unfortunate accident at the Parramatta park led to the death of the governor’s wife.
Details: The tour starts with a walk around the park where Lady Fitzroy met her untimely demise. You’re then led into the foyer by candlelight to hear stories about where the governess died.
Cost: $AUD35 per person
Website: Ghost Tours of Old Government House by Friends of Old Government House
9. Monte Cristo Homestead
The Story: The Crawley family lived in the Victorian manor from 1885 to 1948. It was left with caretakers until its new owners advertised it as ‘Australia’s most haunted house’.
Details: You’re guided through candle-lit rooms, stables, and the grand ballroom. If you want the full experience, they offer a three-course meal and homestead accommodations for brave souls who want to stay the night!
Cost: $AUD125 for a day trip & $AUD195 for an overnight stay
Website: Monte Cristo Homestead Tour by Monte Cristo
8. Rookwood Cemetery
The Story: The Victorian era cemetery was built back in 1867. The suburbs of Western Sydney declared it a heritage site for its historical significance and memorials.
Details: The tour walks you through monuments, gravesites, and mausoleums. You’ll also find unmarked mass graves of soldiers and children at the Sydney War Cemetery and the Circle of Love.
Cost: $AUD15 per person
Website: Rookwood Cemetery Tours by Friends of Rookwood
7. Blue Mountains National Park
The Story: This UNESCO world heritage site is home to many natural wonders and lovely views. The park was established in 1958, but the Blue Mountains region has a bloody history that only true history buffs know about.
Details: A guide who goes by the name Paranormal Pete will guide you through the haunted houses, abandoned cemeteries, and the Hartley Historic Site. You’ll also get to ride the Ghost Bus in search for “the lady in black”!
Cost: $AU84 per person
Website: Blue Mountains Mystery Tours
6. Parramatta Gaol
The Story: This prison is one of Australia’s oldest and most haunted jails. There were many tragic deaths at the Parramatta Correctional Centre since its opening in the 1800s and its closure in 2011.
Details: The four-hour ghost hunt grants you access you to explore the prison in small groups. You’ll be viewing the death museum and exploring cells where guards terrorised and killed prisoners – so bring your torch and lots of courage!
Cost: $AUD105 per person
Website: Parramatta Ghost Hunt by Parramatta Gaol Ghost Tours
5. The Rocks
The Story: This area takes you steps closer to the past with its macabre stories and old buildings. Established in the 1700s, it has a rich history with over 200 existing heritage sites all throughout the town.
Details: You wander the dim streets of The Rocks at night, choosing between the Dark North tour or the Dark South. Whichever path you choose takes you to a different location, each with equally terrifying tales.
Cost: $AUD45 per person
Website: The Rocks Nightly Ghost Tours by The Rocks Ghost Tours
4. St James Station Tunnel
The Story: The Central Railway opened in 1926, but two of the stations were never used. Construction stopped on the St James tunnel during WWII, and the empty underground structures became unused air raid shelters.
Details: This heritage-listed site contains an underground labyrinth of tunnel networks which aren’t open to the public. As part of the Sydney Open, you can join yearly contests and ballots for a chance to win tickets to the VIP tour!
Cost: Free
Website: Abandoned St James Ghost Tunnel Tours by Sydney Trains
3. Gladesville Mental Hospital
The Story: The Tarban Creek Lunatic Asylum took in people with severe mental illnesses. Operating from 1838 to 1997, the hospital’s Mental Health Pioneer Dr Frederick Manning studied modern psychology to improve their therapy.
Details: Tours are conducted in small groups, taking you through the derelict buildings of the facility. Most of them have been listed as heritage sites, while other buildings have been tagged up by vandals and graffiti artists.
Cost: $AUD20 per person
Website: Gladesville Hospital: A Day At The Asylum History Tour by Sydney History Tour
2. Cockatoo Island
The Story: The island functioned as a prison for convicts from 1839 and 1869, instructed to build the first two dockyards in the area. Most of the criminals died on the island in violent ways, making it one of the spookiest places you’ll ever visit.
Details: This tour provides you with all the tools for the ultimate supernatural experience! You can take EVP recordings and heat sensors as you explore the abandoned buildings. There’s even a Ghostyard Camping Experience if you have the guts to stay overnight!
Cost: AUD$45 per person
Website: Ghostyard - A Paranormal Tour by Cockatoo Island
1. Q Station
The Story: The Quarantine Station in Manly is the most haunted place in Sydney. It opened in 1832 and shut down in 1954, claiming many lives during its operations. The facility quarantined over 26,000 contaminated immigrants with diseases like Cholera, Tuberculosis, Smallpox, Influenza, and Bubonic Plague.
Details: Visitors have reported sightings of spirits and mysterious figures, especially at the haunted shower block. Need proof? There are nightly ghost tours that offer different ways to investigate the hauntings for yourself!
Cost: $AUD35 per person
Website: Q Station Ghost Tours by Q Station
Fright Night
Now that you’ve seen all the best ghost tours in Sydney, you’re ready to experience the fright of your life! Book any of these ghoulish getaways and we guarantee you’ll be shivering with delight.
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