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Victoria’s Government House Tours

4 Jul 2022 ‐

27 May 2024

10:00 am ‐ 12:00 pm

Adult: $18 Concession: $13 Child: $10

National Trust Member: $12

Upcoming Dates: 6 May 2024 27 May 2024 1 July 2024 5 Aug 2024 2 Sep 2024 7 Oct 2024 28 Oct 2024 2 Dec 2024

9.45am to 12pm

King's Domain Government House Drive Melbourne VIC 3004

Located on Bunurong Country

Discover Melbourne’s rich heritage in the grand State Rooms of Government House

Join us on a guided tour of the grand State Rooms of Government House and get a unique insight into the constitutional, ceremonial, international and community engagement duties of the Governor.

Visitors will be guided through the State Apartments which includes the State Hall, State Drawing Room, State Dining Room and the Ballroom to learn about the history of the house and its relevance in today’s society.

The tour will incorporate a visit to La Trobe’s Cottage , the original home of Victoria’s first Lieutenant-Governor, Charles Joseph La Trobe.

From July, two tours will run simultaneously. To manage capacity, one tour will commence at Government House and conclude at La Trobe’s Cottage. The other will commence at La Trobe’s Cottage and conclude at Government House.

Important Informatoin

Note: Tours will be confirmed 7 days in advance and is subject to a minimum of 6 people, maximum 10 people.

Tickets are on sale from 1 month prior to the tour date.

Tickets are not transferable.

If a ticketholder’s name needs to be changed this must be communicated in writing to the email [email protected] at least 4 days prior to the tour date. Attendees whose names are not provided in advance will not be permitted entry into Government House, in line with security protocols.

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Take a step back in time and discover Australia’s convict beginnings at this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.

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The original home of Victoria's first Lt. Governor, Charles Joseph La Trobe from 1839 to 1854.

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“It was completely dilapidated but entirely magical.”

If you take Gradient House at face value, it’s lovely—picturesque, even. Set among the pedigreed estates of Kooyong Road in Toorak, one of Melbourne, Australia’s most affluent communities, this whitewashed 1890 dollhouselike domicile seemingly floats atop a verdant garden. Classic, old-world, decidedly unfussy. Inside, it’s something else entirely.

Purchased in 2017 by a well-traveled couple with three young kids under the age of five, Glenn says there was a lot of interest around the Federation house from the community. “This house was a time capsule of sorts,” he tells ELLE DECOR. “With waist-high grass and old outbuildings, it was completely dilapidated but entirely magical. And right from the outset, the client was keen to retain that magic.”

The brief was twofold: to restore and conserve the house’s Federation aesthetic—the Aussie answer to the Queen Anne style—and bring it into harmony with the attitudes of today, all while making it amenable to the growing needs of a young family. “It would be the place they would raise their kids,” Glenn noted, “a place that fosters that sense of discovery in something different from the recurrent cookie-cutter house.”

.css-12zwr2e{font-family:Sabon,Sabon-styleitalic-roboto,Sabon-styleitalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-size:1.625rem;font-style:italic;letter-spacing:-0.0225rem;line-height:1.2;margin:0rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-12zwr2e{font-size:1.9375rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-12zwr2e{font-size:1.9375rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-12zwr2e{font-size:2.75rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-12zwr2e b,.css-12zwr2e strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-12zwr2e em,.css-12zwr2e i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;}.css-12zwr2e i,.css-12zwr2e em{font-style:italic;font-family:Sabon,Sabon-styleitalic-roboto,Sabon-styleitalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;} “It’s a poetic experience that evolves with its inhabitants.”

Firstly, the design team added a 7,000-square-foot ultramodern extension to the back of the house, complete with a series of glazed-in indoor-outdoor living spaces that open out onto a backyard. In orienting the house toward nature, the architects hoped to play into something more primordial: “There’s this term in architecture called prospect-refuge, ” Glenn explains. “It goes back to survival among cave dwellers who felt safest with their back to the wall with an outward view of dangerous animals. In design, these setups…offer the ultimate sense of security.”

See Inside This Old-World Melbourne Home

Inside meanwhile, Glenn worked alongside interiors head Clementine Jacobs, basing their design narrative around color. The house (appropriately named Gradient House) is a master class in color grading. “The colors we used told a story between the rooms,” Jacobs says. Smoky greens and sophisticated blues create a progressive traverse from room to room, where one moment ends and another begins. And yet, each exists on its own terms. It’s a proper Mark Rothko painting come to life. “The gradients of color in this house are reflective of the gradients of life,” Glenn adds. “It’s a poetic experience that evolves with its inhabitants.”

“First, you’ve got to quiet it down,” Glenn explains when asked about his process. “Then you choose which moments to elevate and turn into theatrical moments.” And there are plenty of those (thanks to the help of stylist Jess Kneebone , designer Sally-Anne Walton , who collaborated on the furniture curation, and Nicole Rosenberg, who helped with styling): Center stage in the house is the sitting room, which Glenn and Jacobs filled with velvety, jewel-toned furnishings that pop against the cheery Caribbean-blue walls. Across, a moody study is accented by a sultry mustard yellow sofa that pops against the inky Prussian-blue backdrop. Jovial scenes offset the home’s sleek aesthetic, playing out in the children’s colorful terrazzo-lined bathroom and safari-themed bedrooms , styled by Rosenberg. Furniture arrangements throughout the house add to that cocooning effect, from snug corner groupings to a sleek dining room table with a garden view to trump any on-screen entertainment (popcorn, please!).

Materials—both inside and out—were selected with the long view in mind: The brass and marble finishes are expected to patina with time, and the walled garden (designed by Paul Bangay with a nod to the free-flowing aesthetic of Australian landscape design icon Edna Walling) features sprawling creeper and wisteria that was planted with considered foresight. “It’s a well-built, honest piece of architecture and environs that will be better in 20 years’ time,” Glenn added.

Now any unsuspecting guest would be quick to assume that this impressive house tour has come full circle, but there’s more. Keen eyes may spot a certain set of discrete stairs in the middle of the house that lead to an entire hidden lower floor. “People can come and go from the house and not know that this added floor exists unless they are invited down,” Glenn laughs, noting that the subterranean project—which holds a gym, garage, wine bar, and mud room for the kids—was by far their biggest challenge, considering they had to dig the level beneath the front garden. In fact, from beginning to end with COVID-19 thrown into the mix, the project took 24 months to complete.

“People can come and go from the house and not know that this added floor exists.” —Ed Glenn

But the results were well worth the wait. “Often with large spaces, you end up feeling like you’re in a hospital with furniture in it,” Glenn says. “We wanted to create an intimate wine bar where five people could be invited down to escape for a drink and a cozy little experience.” Nothing beats those secret architectural details that add mystery and intrigue—you just need to know where to look.

Rachel Silva, the Assistant Digital Editor at ELLE DECOR, covers design, architecture, trends, and anything to do with haute couture. She has previously written for Time, The Wall Street Journal, and Citywire.

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Government House community tours

School groups, community groups and members of the public are invited to take part in tours at Government House, Victoria.

The tours are led by a senior member of the Government House staff. They offer a unique insight into the constitutional, ceremonial, international and community engagement duties of the Governor.

Visitors will be guided through the State Apartments  to learn about the history of the House  and its contemporary role.

About the Government House Tour  

• Tours are offered on Monday  and Friday mornings at 10.00am - 11.30am
• Tours are 1 hour and 30 minutes in length, with opportunity for Q&A throughout 
• Government House tours are  free
• For school groups, the tours are best suited to secondary students in Year 9 and above
• Students must be accompanied by, and under the direct supervision, of their teacher/s
• Visitors need to pass through a security checkpoint and bag inspection before entering
• Minimum group size: 15
• Maximum group size: 25
• Advance bookings are essential
• For security purposes, bags are not permitted inside the House.  Bags and backpacks will be stored in a safe location within the grounds.

Book a tour 

To book a tour as a member of the public, please visit the Eventbrite page  and select your preferred date.

To book a school or community group tour, please contact the Office of the Governor at  [email protected]

In your email, please include:

• Name of school or community group
• Year level and number of students (for school groups)
• Preferred tour dates (please provide a range of dates)

Where we are

Getting there

Check the  Metro Tunnel website  for transport disruptions as part of the tunnel works.

Public transport

You are encouraged to take public transport:

To walk: Government House (Government House Drive) is about a 15-20 minute walk

To tram: You can take the St Kilda Rd/Coventry St tram - routes 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72 - and get off at the Grant Street - Police Memorial stop. It is then a further five-minute walk.

There is metered parking on Linlithgow and Birdwood Avenues, but there may be limited availability.

More information

Contact the Office of the Governor at:

• Email:  [email protected]
• Phone:   +61 3 9655 4211

Lantern Ghost Tours

Multi award winning ghost tours with Australia's largest ghost tour operator

Australia's most famous ghost tours.

OUR FEATURED TOURS

Mainly Indoors

120 Minutes

GRAMPIANS: J Ward Lunatic Asylum Ghost Tour

Visit Australia's home to the criminally insane. Discover the residence of notorious criminals including Chopper Read, Gary Webb and William Wallace. Visit burial grounds, hangman's gallows and spirits lingering in eternal unrest.

ADELAIDE: Adelaide Gaol Ghost Tour & Investigation

Be incarcerated in Australia's longest continuously operating gaol. With 45 hangings and a burial site, it's no surprise more than 12 spirits haunt the 147 year old building. Also includes the use of paranormal equipment. Not for the faint hearted.

Street Tour

SYDNEY: Ghost Tour around the Rocks

Come back in time with us to historic Sydney. A time when prisoners were the law, public executions were commonplace and the Rocks Push ruled the street. We will also squeeze in visits to Sydney’s best insta photo spots.

MELBOURNE: Old Melbourne Ghost Tour

Journey back to a time of opium dens, poor houses supplying bodies in the name of advancing medical science and famous opera singer Federici giving his most dramatic performance. Includes Melbourne’s best insta spots.

ABOUT  US

WE HAVE BEEN VISITING AUSTRALIA’ MOST HAUNTED LOCATIONS FOR OVER 15  YEARS

Be incarcerated in a lunatic asylum, visit an abandoned morgue or be a ghost hunter for the night. Lantern Ghost Tours run multi-award winning tours to Australia's most haunted locations. Our tours have featured on all major TV stations, newspapers and radio including Great South East, Coxy's Big Break, Sunrise, Channel 7 News, Eat Play Stay.

Learning about the gruesome details of its history is intriguing as much as it is ominous and tragic. Our guide was so passionate in her story telling, you could tell she cared deeply about the city’s history. There’s also great opportunities to see great views...

Maria H- Google Review

My daughter and I enjoyed trying out the divining rods and felt a little freaked out. Would definitely recommend booking this and including the meal if you can afford it, it's well worth the money. The food was 5 star and the staff were so friendly.

Fiona W- Google Review

Fantastic tour! The guides were very informative about the history…They were bubbly and made the night very enjoyable. Got to use some equipment and experienced some paranormal activity too! Highly recommended it. Looking forward to coming back.

Katarzyna P- Google Review

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Acknowledgement of Country

Our programming exists on what always was and always will be the land of the people of the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, as well as to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the wider Melbourne community and beyond. Indigenous sovereignty has never been ceded in Australia and we are mindful of this in everything we do, given our focus on the modern built environment.

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EVENTS IN DOWNTOWN MELBOURNE

Museums of Brevard 3rd Annual Holiday Tour of …

December 2, 2022 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

For the third year, Museums of Brevard is offering holiday tours of eight of its historic homes. Taking place over the first three weekends of December, this tour showcases the architectural styles of the late 19th century to the mid-20th century in Florida. The homes will reflect the season, with many offering goodies such as cookies and ornaments.

Participating museums include:

• Green Gables at Historic Riverview Village, Melbourne • The Moore Cultural Center, Mims • Pritchard House, Titusville • Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station • Sam’s House, Merritt Island • Field Manor Homestead, Merritt Island • HS Williams/Lawndale 1895, Rockledge • Historic Rossetter House Museum and Garden, Eau Gallie

Tickets are available on-line only.  Tickets are limited to 150 people, and this event will sell out.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

The bodyguard, may 3, 2024 @ 8:00 pm - may 26, 2024 @ 10:00 pm, mother’s day sale, may 8, 2024 @ 10:00 am - may 11, 2024 @ 5:30 pm, mother’s day weekend with a twist, may 11, 2024 - may 12, 2024, farmer’s market at riverview park, may 11, 2024 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

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MELBOURNE MAIN STREET 2004 Vernon Place Melbourne, FL 32901 321.724.1741 [email protected]

South Yarra House makes a sculptural statement in Melbourne

South Yarra House by Pandolfini Architects explores the interplay of compression and expansion through a series of surprising sculptural objects in Australia

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South Yarra House by Pandolfini Architects is noticeably restrained and deceptively simple, if you walk past, admiring the eclectic assortment of apartment buildings and Victorian-era homes on this busy street in Melbourne, Australia. But venture behind its bold, seemingly impenetrable gate and a second spirit reveals itself. The home’s full expression encompasses minimalist architecture , robust materiality and a design guided by the interplay between compression and expansion.

South Yarra House: a haven of urban tranquility 

To meet the owner’s request for privacy and tranquility, the home reveals little to the passerby beyond its monolithic concrete form, which hovers above the speckled concrete and metallic gate. The architects compare the front façade to a 'blank canvas' onto which the leafy trees lining the street cast ever-changing shadows throughout the day.

Upon passing through the gate, the home’s hidden personality unfolds. Led by Myles Baldwin Design, the landscape design and its dialogue with the architecture are integral to the residence. The home’s heavy concrete form appears airy as it floats above the front garden. A delicate assemblage of Mondrian-like windows etched in reeded glass adds a geometric playfulness hidden from the street.

Inside, the striking double-height foyer is defined by a sinuous concrete staircase, the first in a series of surprising structural forms within. Adjacent to the staircase is the protruding outline of an abstract form clad in clay-toned brick. With their distinct identities, the objects are akin to a series of sculptural pieces on permanent display. Meanwhile, the ground level’s polished concrete flooring is punctuated with large stones, forming a layer the architects describe as a 'metaphorical extension' of the garden.

The expansive foyer transitions into a tunnel-like hallway. Black timber battens line the walls and conceal the doors that open onto the various bedrooms. The effect enhances the feeling of privacy while exploring the dynamic between expansion and compression. Back in the foyer, the staircase ascends towards the kitchen, dining, and living space. 

Here, it’s revealed that the abstract brick form is in fact a discreet bar detailed with stone battens, walnut herringbone floors, and aged brass. Yet another sculptural volume demarcates the kitchen, appearing as a zigzagging stone block contrasted by the sleek materiality and curved object edges surrounding it. The main living space opens onto an ample terrace and pool overlooking the garden.

The home sprawls upwards across four floors, condensing its footprint to allow for ample garden space. Materials were selected with consideration for their longevity and minimal maintenance, ‘potentially the most consequential’ choice in terms of sustainable design. 

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Grace Bernard is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant covering design, culture, and travel. In addition to her editorial experience, she has worked as a communications strategist at architecture studios including Walker Warner, Aidlin Darling Design, and SOM.

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Journey back to Old Melbourne on our award winning Melbourne Ghost Tours

7 Spookiest Ghost Tours in Melbourne in 2024

Looking for the spookiest ghost tours in Melbourne? A Melbourne local who knows this city well (and who scares easily!), I’ve got you covered with my top picks for tours.

With a rich history spanning centuries, Melbourne is no stranger to the supernatural. The city has had its fair share of eerie tales and hauntings stretching back centuries.

One of the best ways to learn about this spooky history is by taking a ghost tour in Melbourne. These tours take visitors to the most haunted places in Melbourne and tell the tales behind the tragedy there.

Buildings and laneways that look fairly innocuous by day gain a whole new level of spookiness once the sun goes down and you begin to learn about the murderers, heartbreakers and criminals who once strolled these streets.

And even if you don’t see a ghost, you’ll definitely learn a whole lot about Melbourne’s history.

I’ll admit that I’m not the bravest person, but I occasionally enjoy a good scare, and these ghost tours tick that box perfectly. I’ve been on some of these tours and definitely got goosebumps at times!

So, if you’re up for a bit of adventure and don’t mind a few creepy moments, let’s dig into Melbourne’s spookiest ghost tours.

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

What's in this article (Click to view)

My top 3 Melbourne ghost tour picks

Hidden bars & creepy tales tour.

✔️ Great storytelling ✔️ Visit to 3 pubs

Old Melbourne Ghost Tour

✔️ Operator specialises in ghost tours ✔️ Use of ghost-hunting equipment!

Pentridge Prison Night Tour

✔️ Notorious Melbourne prison ✔️ Plenty of stories shared

What to expect on a ghost tour

If you’ve never done a ghost tour before, you can expect a blend of history, horror and often humour. The tour guides are usually excellent storytellers and they really know how to set the mood.

It’s all done with a healthy dose of dramatic flair – think shadows dancing on walls, sudden cold spots and maybe even a ghostly apparition if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you see it).

Some tours up the ante by offering you the chance to play ghost hunter with some pretty spooky gadgets. One of the Melbourne ghost tours I went on included dowsing rods – a method of divining spiritual energy that dates back centuries. It was very spooky watching the rods move on their own!

It’s one of the more quirky things to do in Melbourne , but it can make for a fun night out in Melbourne .

Best ghost tours in Melbourne

Here are my picks for the best Melbourne ghost tours, guaranteed to give you goosebumps – and a dose of history.

1. Hidden Bars & Creepy Tales Tour of Melbourne CBD

My top Melbourne ghost tour pick is this Hidden Bars & Creepy Tales Tour of Melbourne . This tour explores the CBD’s famous spots, interwoven with tales of historical intrigue and spectral sightings.

The itinerary includes a stroll past Melbourne’s iconic laneways, Queen Victoria Market, Old Melbourne Gaol (now a top Melbourne museum ) and Chinatown. You’ll also visit lesser-known haunted places such as Pink Alley, the haunting grounds of a child whose murder remains a cold case.

During the tour, you’ll visit three of Melbourne’s most renowned and historical bars. A glass of wine or beer may help calm those nerves!

While there’s no guarantee you’ll encounter a ghost, you will get an engaging mix of ghostly narratives and historical insights into Melbourne.

The tour is run by Drinking History Tours , who have quite a reputation for delivering a potent blend of history and high spirits during their Melbourne walking tours . They’ll leave you with a map of Melbourne’s best bars so you can continue bar-hopping (and ghost-hunting).

Tour groups are small, so you’ll get plenty of opportunities to ask your guide about ghosts in Melbourne.

Note that the tour cost doesn’t include drinks, so you’ll need to bring cash or a card to cover these.

Essential tour information:

• Tour duration: 3 hours
• Group size: 12 people
• Minimum age: 18 years
• What’s included: Map of Melbourne bars, photos from tour, professional guide
• Read reviews

>> BOOK THE HIDDEN BARS & CREEPY TALES TOUR OF MELBOURNE CBD <<

2. Old Melbourne Ghost Tour

The Old Melbourne Ghost Tour is my second choice if you’re looking for ghost tours in Melbourne. I recently did this tour, so I speak from personal experience when I say that you may squeal out loud at times!

Run by the acclaimed Lantern Ghost Tours , this tour is a phenomenal way to get up close and personal with Melbourne’s often macabre history.

Starting at the Young and Jackson Hotel and winding your way to end in Chinatown, this ghostly expedition unravels some intriguing mysteries. Did Jack the Ripper ever prowl these streets? Who murdered that young girl and why?

Our guide was not just a skilled storyteller but also a psychic who shared her experiences of ghostly encounters.

She even brought her dowsing rods along, and it was quite freaky watching the rods move on their own when we were in particularly haunted places.

Others on our tour said they felt chills and hands on them in particular spots.

The tour is billed to last 1.5 hours, but our tour stretched a bit longer, as our group really got invested in the stories.

A word of advice from our guide: come with an open mind. This tour appeals to both sceptics and believers alike, and we certainly had both in our group.

The Old Melbourne Ghost Tour is included in the Melbourne and Beyond Pass , meaning you can save money by bundling it with other attractions. Read my full review of the Melbourne Pass to find out how it works. 

• Tour duration: 1.5 hours
• Group size: 20 people (but our group was a little larger than that)
• Minimum age: 8 years old – if your little ones are brave
• What’s included: Walking tour, local guide

>> BOOK THE OLD MELBOURNE GHOST TOUR <<

3. Pentridge Prison Night Tour

Once a formidable prison and now a site run by the National Trust of Victoria, you can take a peek at Pentridge Prison’s grisly past on the Pentridge Prison Night Tour .

This after-dark tour in Melbourne offers a glimpse into the dark and troubled past of one of Australia’s most notorious prisons. I recently headed to Coburg to take this tour on a Friday evening.

During the tour, you’ll get an insight into life in the notorious H Division – more commonly called Hell Division – which was created in 1958 to deal with the baddest of prisoners. Infamous inmates like armed robber Mark “Chopper” Read, Ronald Ryan (the last person to be executed in Australia) and Shantaram author Gregory David Roberts, who escaped from this prison and fled to India, were all housed here during the almost 40 years it was open.

But this tour isn’t some sort of glorified criminal fan club. The aim is to paint a realistic picture of Pentridge’s brutal history from 1851 to its closure in 1997.

Our guide Michelle told fascinating stories – including her own experience of being at the prison when a prisoner escaped!

The first half-hour of the tour is spent outside learning about the history of the prison before heading inside H Division to explore the fascinating multimedia exhibits that share stories from former prisoners and prison guards.

While the tour isn’t specifically focused on ghostly tales, there are 44 bodies buried at Pentridge – so it’s no surprise that the prison is considered to be haunted. Get ready to be “incarcerated” at Pentridge Prison, home to Australia’s hardest and longest-serving prisoners, some of whom may still roam the corridors…

• Tour duration: 90 minutes
• Group size: 20 people
• Minimum age: 16 years
• What’s included: Guided tour, entry to Pentridge Prison
• There are also daytime tours of both B and H Divisions – book online here

>> BOOK THE PENTRIDGE PRISON NIGHT TOUR <<

4. Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour  

Another tour run by paranormal professionals Lantern Ghost Tours, this spooky Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour combines history, ghosts and pubs for an informative and spooky night out. This is a new offering from the company, so I haven’t tested out the creepiness level of this tour yet.

As you traipse through Melbourne’s shadowy lanes and dimly lit pubs, your guide will bring the city’s past to life.

One highlight of the tour is a visit to a former police station that’s now a haunted pub. Grab a pint and soak in the eerie atmosphere – the venue’s infamous for a chilling murder that remains unsolved.

Later, step into a dark alley where the ghost of a tragic love affair is said to roam.

The tour also includes tales about the Rialto Intercontinental and the Olderfleet Building, as well as the mysteries of one of Melbourne’s most scandalous member clubs.

The journey concludes at the iconic Young and Jackson Hotel, where a young lady is said to haunt patrons, showing off her slashed throat.

Important to know about this tour is that drinks aren’t included in the price, so make sure to bring enough for a pint or two.

• What’s included: Local guide

>> BOOK THE SPIRITS AND ALES HAUNTED PUB WALKING TOUR <<

5. Old Melbourne Gaol: Ghosts? What Ghosts!  

The Old Melbourne Gaol is said to be one of Melbourne’s most haunted places, so it’s no surprise that it offers its own ghost tours.

On this 90-minute Old Melbourne Gaol Ghost Tour , you’ll explore the gaol in the darkness of night and hear chilling tales of prisoners who met their end at the gallows.

Here, petty criminals lived alongside vicious murderers between 1845 and 1929. As the setting for 133 hangings, including that of infamous bushranger Ned Kelly, the gaol’s walls echo with tales of despair and death.

As you wander through the prison’s cold, cramped cells, tales of ghostly sightings and unexplainable occurrences will send shivers down your spine – you’ll definitely be looking over your shoulder!

Keep in mind that the gaol does get chilly at night, so dress warmly. This tour also isn’t recommended for kids under 12, so if you have young ones who are interested in the gaol, it might be better to visit during the day .

• Tour duration: 1 hour
• Group size: 30 people max
• Minimum age: 12 years old
• What’s included: Guided tour, admission to Old Melbourne Gaol

>> BOOK THE OLD MELBOURNE GAOL GHOST TOUR <<

6. Ghosts of Williamstown Guided Ghost Walking Tour  

About 25 minutes southwest of the Melbourne CBD is the bayside suburb of Williamstown. This historic seaport town, once the original capital of Victoria, has a vibrant past teeming with colourful ladies, convicts and drunken sailors, so it has its fair share of stories to tell – including some ghostly ones.

This Ghosts of Williamstown Guided Walking Tour kicks off at the Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre and covers about 2 kilometres of walking over 2 hours.

One of the tour’s highlights is a visit to Victoria’s oldest morgue. Here you might meet the ghosts of children and young men believed to still linger in this abandoned place.

Then, step into an opium den straight out of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries , where you’ll get a taste of 19th-century decadence and decay.

In an interesting twist, the tour also includes a visit to one of the last remaining operational time ball tower, a navigational aid. Here you’ll encounter the spirits believed to protect this important historical monument.

To make your ghost-hunting experience more authentic, you can even use dowsing rods to see if you can detect any paranormal beings on the tour.

To join this tour , you’ll need to make your own way to Williamstown, as the company doesn’t offer hotel pick-ups.

• Tour duration: 2 hours
• Minimum age: 8 years old
• What’s included: Ghost tour with guide, access to buildings not open to the public

>> BOOK THE GHOSTS OF WILLIAMSTOWN GUIDED GHOST TOUR <<

7. Altona Homestead Ghost Tour  

Located to the west of the CBD, the Altona Homestead has a rich past dating back to the 1840s.

During the day, it’s home to the Altona Laverton Historical Society, but at night it’s the paranormal that attracts visitors.

Many visitors and paranormal investigators, drawn by the countless stories of supernatural sightings, have spent nights here.

On this Altona Homestead Ghost Tour , you can step inside each room of this historical home, and you might just meet a ghost or two. While a ghost encounter can’t be guaranteed, given the homestead’s history the paranormal activity level here is high.

The tour doesn’t include transport to Altona, so you will have to make your own way there. But if you’re up for an eerie evening, the trip will be worth it.

• What’s included: Ghost tour with guide

>> BOOK THE ALTONA HOMESTEAD GHOST TOUR <<

Best time to take a ghost tour in Melbourne

Melbourne’s rich history and abundant ghostly tales make any time of the year a great time for a ghost tour.

The darker Melbourne winter months of June, July and August add an extra layer of chill to your ghostly encounters, while the summer months offer milder weather for those who’d rather not bundle up for their paranormal pursuits.

While Australia may not officially celebrate Halloween, the spirit of the spooky season is alive and well, and some might argue that it’s the ideal time to take one of these ghost tours in Melbourne. Some tour companies host special events and activities to coincide with Halloween.

Haunted hotels in Melbourne

Want to spook yourself even more and stay the night in a haunted hotel? Here are some of Melbourne’s most haunted hotels…

• The Hotel Windsor: Known as Australia’s most haunted hotel, The Hotel Windsor has been a hotbed for ghostly encounters, largely attributed to its long-standing history since 1883. Today it’s one of Melbourne’s best 5-star hotels .
• Hotel Sophia: This hotel, located in the heart of Melbourne, is renowned for its chilling tales of spectral guests who have never checked out.
• Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge: Located in Coburg, this hotel is situated on the former site of Pentridge Prison. The hotel beautifully protects the site’s heritage… and maybe you’ll see a ghost?

Final thoughts: Ghost tours in Melbourne

Whether you’re a supernatural enthusiast, a history buff or a complete sceptic, a ghost tour in Melbourne can be a fun way to spend an evening.

They’re more than just a spooky thrill ride: they offer a unique blend of history and storytelling – and maybe even an encounter with the supernatural.

But even if you don’t see a ghost, you’ll leave the tour with a whole lot of knowledge about Melbourne’s sordid and often tragic history.

And you’ll have a bit more appreciation for the buildings and alleyways you’re exploring during the day. I know I now have a completely different view of the city after going on these Melbourne ghost tours.

FAQs about Melbourne ghost tours

Am i guaranteed to see a ghost on a ghost tour in melbourne.

While the tours are designed to be entertaining and informative, encountering actual ghosts is not guaranteed. Many participants have reported eerie experiences, but the tours are primarily for storytelling and historical exploration. You never know your luck, though!

What should I do if I have a paranormal experience during the tour?

If you have a paranormal encounter during a tour, let your guide or fellow participants know. They’ll be able to advise on what to do and how to document the encounter.

What do I need to bring on a ghost tour in Melbourne?

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. You may also want to bring a camera or recording device if allowed by the tour operator. Some tours provide torches , but it’s always a good idea to bring your own just in case.

Are ghost tours suitable for children?

It ultimately depends on the specific tour and the child. Some tours may have age restrictions, while others may be more suitable for older children. Be sure to check with the tour operator before booking a tour with younger children. Don’t worry, there are plenty of other kid-friendly activities in Melbourne .

Found this article useful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

Would you take a ghost tour in Melbourne?

Related posts

Before you go… you might like these Melbourne travel posts:

• The absolute best things to do in Melbourne
• 15 awesome walking tours in Melbourne
• The most delicious food tours in Melbourne
• The most haunted places in Melbourne

Best Melbourne resources

• Check out my Melbourne travel guide for everything you need to know about planning a trip to Melbourne
• Look for flights to Melbourne on Skyscanner .
• Book accommodation on Booking.com or Expedia for your Melbourne trip. The Ovolo Laneways Hotel is a good choice in the CBD.
• You won’t really need a car in Melbourne, but if you do want to get out of the city, then rent a car through DiscoverCars .
• Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet Pocket Melbourne to help plan your trip.

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About THE AUTHOR

I’m Rebecca, a Melbourne local excited to show you the best of Melbourne. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. After living abroad for 8 years, I’m back home in Melbourne, rediscovering this city that I love and have missed. My aim is to help you find the best things to do in Melbourne.

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