DIARY OF A GHOST HUNTER

In the dead of night on Sydney’s Parramatta River, an abandoned asylum sits cloaked in darkness – Gladesville Mental Hospital, once known as Tarban Creek Lunatic Asylum. The History of Gladesville Mental Hospital Gladesville Mental Hospital’s story begins in colonial Sydney with lofty ideals and grim realities. Opened in 1838 as the Tarban Creek Lunatic Asylum, it was Australia’s first purpose-built mental hospital. The site – aptly located at Bedlam Point on the river – was initially designed by Colonial Architect Mortimer Lewis and meant to house just 60 patients in humane conditions. Early superintendents like Dr. John Thomas Digby and later Dr. Frederick Norton Manning sincerely aimed to “treat” rather than merely confine the mentally ill. Manning in particular, after studying overseas, condemned the asylum’s original “prison-like” atmosphere and worked to minimize restraints and improve diets and recreation by the 1870s. In 1869 the name was changed from “Lunatic Asylum” to Gla...

Nestled in the picturesque town of Richmond, about 25 km northeast of Hobart, Richmond Gaol is Australia’s oldest intact colonial gaol—built between 1825 and 1840 using convict labor  Initially erected as a courthouse in 1825 (just a year after Richmond was proclaimed a village), it gradually expanded over 15 years to include a cookhouse, men’s and women’s wings, solitary confinement cells, and a surrounding sandstone wall by 1840  . 🛏️ Facilities & Daily Life: Cold Stone, Brutal Rules The Layout & Buildings include a Men’s wing, chain-gang sleeping rooms, holding rooms, a cookhouse, flogging yard, privy, and the only surviving example of a female solitary cell in Tasmania  Solitary Cells These notorious cells measure just 2 m × 1 m—dark, utterly confined, and completely silent. A bucket and a thin blanket were the only company, with bread and water for nourishment. Prisoners spent up to 21 days inside, forbidden even to speak. For us today even spending an hour confi...

Perched on a cliff’s edge at Medlow Bath with sweeping views of the Megalong Valley, the Hydro Majestic Hotel stands as a jewel of Edwardian architecture—and a hotspot for paranormal activity. Known for its luxurious past and distinctive Art Deco charm, this grand hotel also harbours chilling tales of tragic deaths, spectral figures, and eerie encounters that have become part of Blue Mountains folklore. A Brief History of the Hydro Majestic Established in 1904 by retail tycoon Mark Foy, the Hydro Majestic was originally designed as a hydropathic retreat, offering mineral water therapies and strict diets in the European spa tradition. Foy imported marble, mirrors, and even a dome from Chicago, installing them in the now-famous Casino Lobby and Grand Dining Room. Over the decades, the hotel transitioned into a glamorous high-society getaway, hosting politicians, socialites, and international performers. But beneath the glitz, strange events whispered through the hallways—events th...

Callan Park - NSW ARCHIVES Callan Park, located in Lilyfield, Sydney, is a site rich in history and folklore, known for its heritage-listed buildings and tales of hauntings. Historical Overview Originally inhabited by the Wangal and Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the area was later developed into the Garry Owen Estate in 1839 by Crown Solicitor John Ryan Brenan. In 1874, the New South Wales government acquired the estate to establish the Callan Park Hospital for the Insane, which opened in 1878. The hospital was designed following the Kirkbride Plan, emphasizing moral therapy and the therapeutic value of natural surroundings. The facility operated under various names, including Callan Park Mental Hospital and Rozelle Hospital, until its closure in 2008 . 👻 Haunting Legends Callan Park is reputed to be one of Sydney's most haunted locations. Legends speak of over 1,000 former patients buried in unmarked graves on the grounds, with some accounts suggesting the hospital ...

One of the earliest reported ghost sightings in the region appeared in 1877. A Newcastle newspaper’s Wallsend correspondent wrote of “a deal of excitement” in Plattsburg (now part of Wallsend) over rumors that a house on Devon Street was haunted Crowds of curious onlookers gathered at night, and even a local constable kept watch, suspecting a prank. According to the report, those present heard “a noise like a stone or ball rolling along the house… [which] stopped with a hollow thud, accompanied with a hissing” noise This mysterious disturbance fueled speculation that a ghost was responsible. The August 23, 1877 edition of the Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate documented this “Real Ghost Story” on page 2 trove.nla.gov.au, making it one of the first long-form ghost narratives in Hunter Valley’s press. Here it is - the original comes from trove.nla.gov.au A Real Ghost Story. [FROM OUR WALLSEND CORRESPONDENT.] A DEAL of excitement has been caused in Plattsburg by ...

A Singleton telegram to the Sydney Telegraph of Tuesday last says: - The town is much excited over the supposed appearance of a ghost. Some years ago a man named Vickery, who had in his possession a large sum of money, is alleged to have left Singleton one night for his home at Bulga, and to have been seen for the last time when going down to the river near Fawcett's paddocks. He never reached home, and his disappearance up to the present moment is altogether unaccounted for. Since Pickery vanished there have been rumours of strange lights and apparitions about the locality in which he was last seen alive. It is said that a well-known resident, while walking along the road one evening in the gloaming, overtook, as he thought, a personal friend, and he tapped this supposed friend on the shoulder, only to find that his hand met no resistance, but went through something unsubstantial. The wraith or form, which he tried to touch, immediately vanished. During the last month ...

In 2006, the town of South Shields in Tyne and Wear, England, became the unlikely setting for one of the most aggressive and bizarre hauntings ever reported in the UK. This was not a centuries-old legend passed down in whispers. This was recent, documented, and witnessed by multiple people — including seasoned paranormal investigators. The events that took place in this modest red-brick terraced house defied logic, challenged belief systems, and terrified everyone involved. A Normal Family… Until It Wasn’t The haunting began quietly — as these things often do. The couple at the center of the story, who have remained largely anonymous and are referred to by pseudonyms Marc and Marianne, lived in the home with their young son, just three years old at the time. Their lives were ordinary — until one night in December 2005, things began to unravel. It started with a simple but unnerving incident: a child’s rocking horse was found inexplicably moved across the room. At first, Marc and M...

If you’re fascinated by eerie places, spine-chilling ghost stories, and a slice of Australian history, then you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving into the intriguing past of one of New South Wales’ most infamous locations – the Morisset Insane Asylum, nestled in the quiet town of Morisset near Newcastle. Ready to uncover its secrets? Let’s go! The Beginning: When and Why Was Morisset Insane Asylum Created? Back in the early 1900s, mental health care was a very different beast from what it is today. In 1908, the Morisset Insane Asylum was established to serve as a psychiatric hospital primarily for patients from the Hunter Region and northern NSW. The government needed a facility to care for those struggling with mental illnesses, and Morisset was chosen for its remote and tranquil setting—ideal, they thought, for healing. The asylum was built with a mix of imposing brick buildings and sprawling grounds. It was designed not just as a hospital but as a self-sufficient commun...

May 26, 2025 If you’ve ever seen a paranormal team playing old-timey music in a haunted house or calling out names from the past, they might be using something called the Singapore Theory — even if they don’t know it by name! So, what is it? The Singapore Theory is the idea that we can encourage spirits to communicate by re-creating familiar environments from their time. In other words, if you make things feel like “home” to the ghost, they might be more willing to respond. This could mean: Playing music from the era the spirit lived in Wearing period-appropriate clothing Speaking in the style or language of the time Re-creating old scenes using furniture or props It’s a bit like triggering a memory — but for a spirit. Why is it important? Because it makes communication more natural. Imagine being a spirit from the 1800s. Suddenly, a bunch of modern people with strange gadgets barge in, asking questions in a way you don’t understand. Would you respond? Probably not. ...

                                                    Tucked away in the heart of South Australia lies one of the country's oldest and most haunted buildings: the Old Adelaide Gaol. With its weathered sandstone walls, foreboding architecture, and a legacy soaked in death and despair, the gaol (as it's traditionally spelled in Australia) is a magnet for ghost hunters, history buffs, and skeptics alike.  But what is it about this centuries-old prison that continues to stir whispers of the paranormal? A History Built on Punishment and Pain The Old Adelaide Gaol was officially opened in 1841 and operated until 1988, making it one of the longest continuously used prisons in Australian history.  Built to house South Australia's most hardened criminals, it quickly gained a reputation for its harsh conditions, severe punishments, and the frequent presence of...

  "Is my house haunted?" This question often arises when individuals experience unexplained phenomena such as strange noises, cold spots, or objects moving without apparent cause. People seek to understand whether these occurrences are signs of a haunting or have natural explanations. Before we jump to conclusions, let’s talk about what people usually report when they think their house is haunted. I’m talking about: Strange footsteps when no one’s home Doors opening or closing on their own Cold spots in warm rooms Lights flickering Feeling like someone’s watching you And of course… the classic: things moving with no explanation Sounds familiar? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. These experiences are unsettling, but they don’t automatically mean your house is haunted. Rule Out the Obvious One of the first things I tell people is this: Rule out the normal before you jump into the paranormal. We’ve gone into plenty of homes where faulty wiring caused the...

  Bloody Bridge , located in Kingston on Norfolk Island, is a historic structure entwined with a dark and intriguing legend from the island's convict era.   Built during the early 19th century by convict labor, the bridge spans a small stream that flows into Cemetery Bay. The Bloody Bridge - Norfolk Island According to local lore, the name "Bloody Bridge" originates from a gruesome event during its construction.It was originally built by the convicts so that they could cross the stream during flooding. It's said that an oppressive overseer relentlessly drove his convict work gang to the brink, leading them to retaliate by embedding a pickaxe in his skull .   Fearing punishment the convicts decided to wall up the body of the dead overseer into the bridge's stonework. Pretending to be ignorant when questioned about the man's sudden disappearance all well well for the work gang until the replacement overseer noticed blood oozing from the still wet mortar. The ta...

  Headless  Ghost. A N.S.W. Mystery. A correspondent writes to a  Sydney paper : — Many years ago a retired sea captain built a large house in  a lonely spot at the junction of Limeburners' Creek and Karuah River (Port Stephens), and therein reared a large family, After the old dad' went west,' most of the family being married, the house was taken by a fisherman with a large family.   At night they were disturbed by footsteps, doors opening and shutting, crockery rattling and on moonlight nights the figure of a woman without a bead would be observed. As three fierce dogs were kept, no stranger could approach unmolested. On one occasion one of the sons fired point- blank at the figure, without effect. The fisherman's family were away, and the house remained closed. One night some young fellows from Karuah were fishing close by.   A storm coming on they took refuge in the empty house. They propped a log against the door, and lo,  ...