Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or simply curious about Victoria’s more mysterious side, there’s something thrilling about stepping into the shadows of history. Across the state, eerie laneways, haunted hotels, and chilling colonial sites await those brave enough to explore them. From ghost tours under the stars to spine-tingling tales passed down through generations, these haunted experiences invite you to uncover stories that still whisper through the cracks.
Ready for a frightful adventure? Let’s dive into some of Victoria’s most fascinating ghost tours and haunted locations… if you dare.
One of Victoria’s most iconic and eerie landmarks, the Old Melbourne Gaol is notorious for its dark past. Between 1842 and 1929, the prison housed some of Australia’s most infamous criminals—including bushranger Ned Kelly, who was hanged here in 1880.
Today, the gaol offers ghost tours by candlelight, paranormal investigations, and even late-night lock-ins. Walk through solitary confinement cells, hear chilling accounts of the inmates, and feel the weight of history pressing in. It’s one of Melbourne’s most popular supernatural experiences for good reason.
👉 Tour tip: The “Ghosts? What Ghosts!” night tour is a great option for first-timers.
If you’re craving a night of ghostly tales mixed with great food, the Victoria Hotel in Woodend serves up the perfect blend. This historic hotel, dating back to the 1860s, has long been linked with paranormal activity—and now, you can experience it firsthand through their Paranormal Investigation and Dinner events.
Start the evening with a delicious meal in the charming dining room before joining experienced investigators to explore the hotel’s haunted history. From ghostly whispers to unexplained temperature drops, many visitors have reported eerie encounters during these investigations.
It’s an atmospheric night out that pairs country hospitality with a spine-tingling twist!
👉 Pro tip: Book early—these events sell out quickly, especially around Halloween!
The windswept coast between Port Fairy and Warrnambool isn’t just scenic—it’s steeped in shipwreck stories and sea-bound spirits. Over 600 vessels met their end here, earning it the chilling nickname “Shipwreck Coast.”
Local legends speak of ghostly sailors and eerie calls from the ocean on stormy nights. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool runs night tours that dive into these watery tales, where costumed guides and immersive storytelling bring the past back to life.
👉 Don’t miss: The interactive “Tales of the Shipwreck Coast” sound and light show.
🚂 Ballarat’s Ghostly Gold Rush Tales
Once a booming hub of gold and ambition, Ballarat is rich in both history and hauntings. Sovereign Hill is well known by day, but it takes on a more mysterious atmosphere after dark. Lantern Ghost Tours run hauntingly informative walks through Ballarat’s streets, laneways, and former asylums.
Expect a blend of history, drama, and paranormal tales—all delivered by engaging guides who bring the past to life (and death).
👉 Insider tip: Book a spot during winter for extra atmosphere—foggy nights add serious drama.
For those who crave a truly intense ghost tour, J Ward is a must. Originally a goldfields prison turned asylum for the criminally insane, this historic site is as disturbing as it is fascinating. Walk the same corridors as some of the most feared inmates and hear the chilling stories that still echo through its walls.
Tours include a deep dive into both the building’s grim past and the spirits who may never have left.
👉 Expect the unexpected: Paranormal investigations sometimes pick up unexplained activity…
🕯️ Ghosts of Geelong: Laneways, Gaols, and Graves
Geelong may not scream “haunted,” but its streets tell another story. From the Old Geelong Gaol to the murky whispers around Steampacket Gardens, this waterfront city has its own collection of ghostly tales.
Twilight ghost tours reveal a side of Geelong you’d never expect—shadowy figures in the windows, unexplained knocks, and stories of tragedy beneath the city’s modern face.
👉 Perfect for: Those new to ghost tours who want a mix of history and mystery.
👻 Tips for a Great Ghost Tour Experience
Whether you’re a ghost tour newbie or a seasoned supernatural sleuth, these tips can make your experience even better:
Dress for the weather – Many tours are outdoors and run rain or shine.
Bring a torch or use your phone’s light – It adds to the experience and helps with uneven paths.
Keep an open mind – You don’t have to believe in ghosts to enjoy the atmosphere and storytelling.
Ask questions – Guides are often full of extra stories and juicy tidbits.
Respect the space – Many sites are of cultural and historical significance.
Final Frights: Will You Walk with the Spirits?
Victoria’s ghost tours aren’t just about scares—they’re windows into the past, filled with stories that shaped our state. Whether you’re treading the corridors of a haunted asylum or standing where waves claimed ships long ago, these experiences stay with you.
So next time you’re craving something a little different—something that raises the hairs on your neck—consider stepping into the unknown. After all, in Victoria, history is never truly dead…