Melbourne has its fair share of haunted places and grim ghosts. With Halloween just around the corner, we thought we’d find some of the city’s most eerie locations and creepy stories. Visit any one of these haunted places around Melbourne, and see if you notice anything amiss. Could it be the voice of a woman in the distance, or the cold hands of a dead murderer? Check out these haunted places of Melbourne, and bring a friend for safety!
1. Princess Theatre
The Princess Theatre is home to one of the most legendary ghosts of Melbourne, the famous actor Frederick Baker, also known as Frederick Federici. True to his job, his exit from life was dramatic and memorable. On opening night of Faust, Federici had a starring role as the devil Mephistopheles. In the final scene, he was meant to take Faust with him down to hell. As the trapdoor lowered, Federici had a heart attack. However, the audience had no idea, and his fellow actors insisted that he was on stage the whole time, bowing at curtain call with the rest of the cast.
📍163 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000
2. Hotel Windsor
Hotel Windsor is a regal place that’s steeped in history, and often welcomed guests who were visiting the nearby Princess Theatre. Established in 1883, it has seen several notable guests check in and out during its lifetime. Some guests, however, did not leave. Dame Nellie Melba, famed operatic soprano of the early 20th century, is rumoured to be one such guest. Her famous voice can be heard singing through the corridors.
📍111 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Old Melbourne Gaol
This grim gaol saw many hangings during its time in operation, including the hanging of the infamous Ned Kelly. Old Melbourne Gaol regularly conducts ghost tours that invite you to explore the dark and confined spaces of the prison. Listen to some eerie stories of the unexplained that have steadily built up over the years, and see if you can keep your cool in this historic prison.
📍377 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
4. Melbourne General Cemetery
Established in 1853, this massive cemetery stretches across 43 hectares, and is home to many of Melbourne’s notable historical figures. It’s no wonder then, that it would be home to some happy haunts too. Melbourne General Cemetery used to run night tours, and while they aren’t operating at the moment, you can sign up to their mailing list for updates. Otherwise, the cemetery is open 365 days a year, so you can take a stroll through the grounds during opening hours, and see if any of the residents will come out to play.
📍College Cres, Parkville VIC 3052
5. Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market was once home to Melbourne’s first cemetery. 10 thousand graves of early settlers, including John Batman, were estimated at the site. While about 1000 bodies were exhumed and transferred to other cemeteries, an estimated 7000 to 9000 burials remain in the site. That leaves thousands of spirits free to roam the markets every night. Think about that the next time you’re looking for fresh produce.
📍Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
6. Hosier Lane
The iconic Hosier Lane is not just a place for cool graffiti. The ghost of Melbourne’s very own Jack the Ripper, Frederick Bailey Deeming, is rumoured to roam the alleyway at night, putting his cold, clammy hands around the necks of anyone unfortunate enough to cross his path.
📍Hosier Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
7. Pentridge Prison
It’s hard to believe, but Pentridge Prison is now home to a bustling beer garden, an intimate wine bar, a restaurant, a cinema and more. But, given its history, the prison is home to a few ghosts as well. From 1929, this prison was the site of all Victorian executions, including Ronald Ryan, the last prisoner who was hanged in 1967. There used to be ghost tours in the D Division section of the prison, however, these aren’t available anymore. Now, you can take historic tours through the B and H Divisions. While there’s no mention of ghosts, there are night tours available for those over the age of 16, with plenty of chilling stories to hear. See what’s available here.
📍1 Champ St, Coburg VIC 3058
8. Abbotsford Convent
This may be a vibrant hub for creativity, but back in the day, Abbotsford Convent was once home to thousands of young women and girls. Many of these young women were destitute, and unfortunately suffered a life of hardship at the Convent. Nuns used the young women for free labour, and today, many people visiting the Convent have reported feelings of eeriness, or seen ghostly young girls roaming the corridors and laundry rooms.
📍1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
9. Williamstown
This seaside suburb of Williamstown is full of mysterious alleyways and old history. Grab a lantern, learn of drunken sailors and colourful characters, and explore abandoned morgues, hidden laneways and forgotten burial grounds on a ghost tour. Get your tickets here.
📍Williamstown, VIC 3016
10. Point Cook Homestead
Travel to the 1850s at Point Cook Homestead and learn the secrets of the Chirnside family. Surrounded by trees, beach and farmland, you’ll explore the nooks and crannies of this 25 acre heritage property by moonlight. The homestead is still haunted by Thomas Chirnside, and ghost tour operators say that this location has one of their highest levels of paranormal activity. Get your tickets here.
📍1 Point Cook Homestead Road, Point Cook, VIC 3030
11. Altona Homestead
Once the home of the Langhorne family in the 1800s, the Altona Homestead is now home to the Altona Laverton Historical Society. And while they hold Devonshire tea sessions in the daytime, the ghosts come out at night. Sarah Langhorne, in particular, has been spotted peering out the windows. Learn about the deaths linked to the building and the hauntings that followed on a ghost tour. See more here.
📍128 Queen St, Altona VIC 3018
12. Village Cinemas Rivoli
You might want to avoid the Rivoli if you’re scared of ghosts. An old lady has been seen in the foyer, gently dusting, while an old man has been seen sitting in Row P of Cinema One. A staff member has also reported whispering voices in the stairwell.
📍200 Camberwell Rd, Hawthorn East VIC 3123
13. Como House
Como House and Garden is a popular place for weddings. However, underneath the glamour of the Armytage family home, you’ll find some ghostly experiences. Ethel Armytage, who died at the age of seven, has been known to roam the second floor, and her mother Caroline has also been spotted. While there aren’t any ghost tours (anymore), there are guided tours that you can take during the safety of the day. See more here.
📍Williams Rd &, Lechlade Ave, South Yarra VIC 3141