Spooky and Haunted Places to Visit in Australia
For a country that was colonised as a penal settlement, Australia has its fair share of spooky and haunted history. From asylums to gaols, gallows and more, Australia has plenty of places for those who are looking for the paranormal to explore. Whether you are looking for a self-guided experience suitable for all ages or an after-dark tour recommended for those over 18, our guide to ten haunted places to visit in Australia has you covered.
Port Arthur Historic Site – Tasmania
The Port Arthur Historic Site is a former convict settlement located on the Tasman Peninsula. Destination for those deemed the most hardened convicts, the site produced timber for government projects. If you believe in ghosts, you can undertake one of the night-time lantern tours that are full of mystery, and the stories of unexplained events that have baffled and alarmed.
Image: The Port Arthur Historic Site – Tourism Tasmania
Richmond Gaol – Tasmania
In the historic town of Richmond in Tasmania is the Richmond Gaol. The Gaol was built over 15 years from 1825 to 1840, the buildings not only housed convicts, but also the gaolers. The gaol is open throughout the week and offers a self-guided tour that is suitable for all ages.
Image: Richmond Gaol – Tourism Tasmania
Hobart Convict Penitentiary – Tasmania
The Hobart Convict Penitentiary is one of Australia’s richest convict sites. You can take the 90-minute guided tour throughout the site and learn about the history of the site. This tour includes an immersive film experience that brings the history to life. The site not only served as a penitentiary, but also as a courthouse, chapel and gallows for the prisoners. The site offers the Unshackled tour on select dates for those looking for the paranormal, including the still functioning gallows, reportedly haunted by the notorious hangman Solomon Blay who dislikes anyone interfering with his noose.
Image: Hobart Convict Penitentiary – Tourism Tasmania
Mayday Hills Asylum – Victoria
The Beechworth Asylum, later known as Mayday Hills Asylum, is a decommissioned hospital which closed in 1995 after 128 years of operation. The Asylum currently hosts tours through the facility. The daytime tours focus on the history, while the night-time tours are for those hoping to encounter ghosts or the paranormal. Tours need to be booked in advance, and the paranormal tour is 18+, so book a tour if you dare…
Image: Mayday Hills Asylum – Tourism Victoria
Aradale Lunatic Asylum – Victoria
Commissioned as one of three asylums to accommodate the growing number of “lunatics” in the colony of Victoria, the Aradale Asylum operated between 1867 and 1993. The complex features many interesting, abandoned buildings. At its height the asylum was home to around 1000 patients. The asylum holds stories of bizarre history and brutal treatments. There are both day and night tours of the asylum, depending on which sort of experience that you are after.
Image: Aradale Lunatic Asylum – Tourism Victoria
Old Melbourne Gaol – Victoria
The Old Melbourne Gaol was built in the mid 1800s and housed everyone from dangerous criminals to petty offenders. Between 1842 and its closure 133 prisoners were hanged inside the gaol, including the infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly. There are two night-time tours operating at the Gaol, from the Hangman’s Night Tour offering stories of the gaol and its disturbing history to the Ghosts? What Ghosts? Tour filled with unexpected sights and sounds there is something for everyone.
Image: Old Melbourne Gaol – Tourism Victoria
Town of Picton – New South Wales
Widely regarded as one of Australia’s most haunted towns, Picton is most known for the Redbank Range Railway Tunnel. The Tunnel is steeped in history, most of it unpleasant, with many residents accidentally dying within its stone walls. The paranormal of Picton is not limited to the tunnel, with a matron reportedly haunting the old hospital, the Shire Hall is also reportedly home to three ghosts. Book either a Picton After Dark or Picton Paranormal Experience Tour depending on which suits your night-time adventures.
Image: The town of Picton – Tourism New South Wales
Q Station – New South Wales
Located at North Head in Manly, Q Station is a unique destination filled with rich history and modern experiences. Once a quarantine station for incoming migrants, the site has been recognised as one of Australia’s most haunted sites since the early 90s and have tours that cater to both sceptics and believers. You can book a Ghostly Encounters Tour as well as make a dining reservation through their website, making this a great spot for a paranormal night out.
Image: Q Station – Tourism New South Wales
Freemantle Round House – Western Australia
The oldest building in Western Australia, is the Freemantle Round House. Opened in January of 1831, the Round House was built to hold persons convicted of any crime in the settlement and was in use until 1886. The Round House is open daily for walk-in visitors; however, for those looking for the haunted history of the Round House, many believe that the spirit of 15-year-old John Gavin haunts the site. John Gavin was hanged for the murder of his employers 18-year-old son in 1844, and his death is widely considered to be a miscarriage of justice.
Image: The Freemantle Round House – Tourism Western Australia
Feeling Inspired? Scared?
Visiting unique locations is one of the benefits of travelling Australia by campervan. But you need not fear when booking with GoCheap Campervans – we have a 24/7 roadside assistance team there to help you on your journey, so you don’t need to worry if the spooky spectres from your haunted adventures get a bit curious about your home on the road.
Ready to start your trip? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!
