Australia’s Top 10 – HAUNTED LOCATIONS
With a history of convicts passed and numerous shipwrecks to its name, it can come as no surprise that Australia has its own fair share of haunted locations. So with the newest in the Paranormal Activity franchise hitting cinemas on the 18th October and bound to give us a fright we thought we would compile a list of the top 10 haunted locations in Australia….for those who want to bring horror to life, outside of the cinema.
1. Beechworth Lunatic Asylum (Beechworth, Victoria)
As a decommissioned lunatic asylum it isn’t the greatest surprise that this building is haunted by the ghosts of long departed patients. With only two medical signatures needed to admit you to the asylum and eight required to let you out, it was a lot harder to get out than get in which could be the reason why several ghosts are known to still wander the halls.
2. Princess Theatre (Melbourne, Victoria)
Not all hauntings are thought to be bad luck and the Princess Theatre in Melbourne is a prime example. Theatre companies believe that seeing the appearance of their inhabitant ghost Frederick Baker (stage name ‘Federici’) during rehearsals is a good omen. Committed to his trade and respected by patrons of the theatre, Frederick, a talented bass-baritone singer who died during a performance of Mephistopheles in Faust, often has a seat in the dress circle reserved for him
3. Ballarat Gaol (Ballarat, Victoria)
A former maximum security prison, Ballarat Gaol which closed in 1965, can unfortunately no longer be found in its former form with any remaining buildings being used by the University of Ballarat. During its heyday thirteen prisoners were executed at the gaol but it is the remains of seven criminals left on the grounds that could be to blame for the regular haunting and chilling sensations felt by those in the town.
4. Quarantine Station (Sydney, NSW)
The first port of call for those arriving from the colonies, this place ended up being a hub of disease and illness with many never leaving the site….and it seems this is true to this day with a reported 55 spirits still roaming the halls.
5. Monte Cristo Homestead (Junee, NSW)
A harmless-looking country house during the day, Monte Cristo Homestead isn’t a place you would think of as being haunted. But it is. It is in fact, a house that has held the record of ‘Australia’s most haunted private residence’ for decades. From unseen forces on the stairs, to strange whisperings and flickering lights, this certainly isn’t a place you would want to remain long after dusk.
6. Sydney Airport (Sydney, NSW)
One of the more recently haunted locations in Australia, reported sightings of the spirits roaming the airport have only been recorded in the last 20 years. That doesn’t make a deserted airport, at night any less scary though does it?
7. The Alkimos (Nr. Perth, WA)
From day one it definitely wasn’t smooth sailing for The Alkimos. From construction workers being welded into the hull of the ship, to when it became stranded off the coast of Perth the ship, it seemed, was cursed. With several supposed sightings and eerie goings on it is clear the ship and its inhabitants haven’t found their final resting spot just yet.
8. National Film and Sound Archive (ACT)
This building used to be the National Institute of Anatomy so it isn’t a surprise that the place has its fair share of spirits making their presence felt.
9. Redback Range Tunnel (Picton, NSW)
Reports suggest a woman was mown down by a train in the tunnel in 1916 and it is her spirit who allows this small town the reputation of “most haunted town”.
10. Richmond Vale Rail and Mining Museum (Kurri Kurri, NSW)
Now a rail and mining museum, Richmond Vale was a mine which operated from 1910 to 1967. During operation over 54 lives were lost and it is the voices and screams of these lost souls that remain in the still visible mine shafts.
If you’re an avid scare seeker then you won’t be disappointed if you choose to visit any of Australia’s most haunted sights…but if you’re like the rest of us; happy to be terrified in a cinema with friends, being able to return to the comfort, and safety, of our own homes afterwards, then we suggest you just go and check out Paranormal Activity 4 on October 18th.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/P5qBWu93frk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParanormalActivityAU
History Recap Featurette
Clip 1 – ‘Running Through The House’
Clip 2 – ‘Levitate’