Ghost tours in Sydney

How many ghosts? Seven.

Scariest ghost? In 1831 the decomposing body of convict Ann Walker was discovered by two workmen. Her ghost, decomposing and dressed in black, is often reported on the tour.

What’s the worst that could happen? One young woman felt like she was being strangled, and twice people have fainted on Friday 13.

It’s one of Sydney’s biggest tourist precincts but the Rocks has a dark history. The area used to be filled with ‘wild west’ characters, including sly grog joints, unofficial plague pits and little respect for the law. The ghosts of the Rocks’ heady past are still said to linger amongst the old buildings. Lantern Ghost Tours will take you to some of the most haunted spots. Both history buffs and ghost hunters will enjoy the tour, which takes guests into areas not open to the public and uses divining rods to contact the ‘other side’.

How many ghosts? Endless. People have reported hearing, feeling and seeing numerous ghouls.

Scariest ghost? Samuel the Gravedigger is one of the Station’s meanest ghosts, often appearing drunk and angry. Spookily, he most often appears to children.

What’s the worst that could happen? It’s not uncommon for guests to pass out or feel nauseous.

Q Station really should have kept their original name for their ghost tours – because ‘Quarantine Station’ already sounds like a horror movie. Q Station runs a number of ghost tours and their Ghostly Encounter tour is the most popular (it’s been running for 20 years). Located at North Head, the Station used to be the first port of call for ships coming in during colonial times that were carrying passengers with  contagious diseases . The station is said to be home to a large number of spirits, from playful spirits to intellectual ghosts and the strict matron who takes no nonsense. For Halloween, Q Station is also running special ghost tours, lead by Miss Stabby Nurse, to celebrate the ghastliest time of the year.

How many ghosts? Depends on your definition of ghost. Plenty of spirits.

Scariest ghost? The Hairy Man. (Also the stinkiest.)

What’s the worst that could happen? Well there's a fire warden on duty, because firepits and burnt offerings are involved.

The tour begins with a cleansing, whereby First Nations men with clapping sticks and ochre painted across their bodies perform a smoking ceremony. The smoke is used to purify every member of our tour group and to alert the spirits to our presence. We follow our guide along the darkened Barangaroo Reserve pathway to learn about the hairy man or ‘yowie’, mermaid and bunyip myths. As ghost tours go, this one is less about shivers up the spine and much more about a real feel for the beliefs of First Nations culture and a sense of connection to nature. 

How many ghosts? Five.

Scariest ghost? Visitors have reported feeling like they’re being strangled, especially in the servant’s quarters. This feeling is thought to caused by the ghost of ‘the man in black’ – a mean colonial overseer.

What’s the worst that could happen? One time, a paranormal investigation group came but ran out of the house shortly after, saying they’d never return.

As one of Australia’s oldest colonial buildings, it makes sense that Old Government House is haunted. But that doesn’t mean all the ghosts are unfriendly. Many of visitors have reported seeing ‘the lady in blue and her dog’ from the upstairs window – thought to be one of Governor Bligh’s daughters. Lady Fitzroy is also said to haunt the estate having died in a horse and cart accident on December 7, 1847. Her body was brought into the centre of the house foyer and to this day people refuse to stand there.

How many ghosts? “Enough”.

Scariest ghost? George, the ghost of an old soldier, who still haunts the island.

What’s the worst that could happen? People have reported feeling as though someone is breathing down their neck or they suddenly feel cold for no reason.

Cockatoo Island: arty, historical, haunted. The long and varied history of the island post European colonisation means it’s attracted quite a few otherworldly visitors over the years. On the family-friendly haunted history tour you’ll explore the island’s eerie convict workshops and gaol, dry docks, tunnels and Biloela house (which housed orphans and wayward children). Guests have reported unexplainable bursts of air and the scent of tobacco.