Haunted Brisbane Walking Tour

Haunted Brisbane Walking Tour

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Posted 2017-12-17 by Mayfollow
Did you know that Brisbane is believed to be the second most haunted township in Australia? Or that the atrocities encountered by convicts during the early days of Brisbane's settlement weren't just confined to the infamous St Helena Island?

Welcome to Queen Street Mall and surrounds, so very much more than a shopping experience as I discovered on a recent Walking Tour with Brisbane Ghost Tours.

Meeting at the entrance of the Brisbane Arcade, we delighted in the beauty of this heritage-listed specialist retail precinct with its Terazzo Floors, balustrades and wood panelling. In spite of its elegance, this building, constructed in 1923, has a dark history that was re-countered with theatrical flair, as befitting the occasion.



Our walk continued to a laneway that I have never previously encountered despite being granted "local" status after twenty-five years living in the River City. Our guide provided details of the importance of this area during Brisbane's early settlement, sharing tales of horrific brutalities against the convicts, including the site of Brisbane's first gallows.



We continued ambling along, with a gentle stream of history from our Guide, always fascinating with a dash of bleak.

Do you know where Brisbane's first hospital was situated? Do you know why its success rate in healing was so appalling? Do you know where on Queen Street Mall the daily floggings openly occurred as a lesson to other prisoners?

Heading towards the river we came to another street never previously encountered on which the second oldest building constructed by convicts in Brisbane sits. Another interesting history lesson with a decidedly spooky outcome. I look forward to a return visit to the Museum of Queensland and Convict History - in daylight, thank you very much.





After only 90 minutes walking in close proximity to the mall, we learned which pubs, eateries, and other establishments were said to be haunted. We also heard of an appalling Workplace-Health-And-Safety-Meets-The-Exorcist issue during colonial days at the old Print Building, which now houses the Department of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Let's just say that's a building I am now keen to avoid.

Did we encounter any paranormal activity during our walk? No, not at all, though I am attending a function soon at the Brisbane Arcade which no doubt, will have me watching out of the corner of my eye for anything out of the norm.

As a girl who was bored by history at school, I will add that the Haunted Brisbane Walk Tour was a great way to bring the history of early Brisbane to life. What a great learning tool! The gentle walk through dark laneways only enhanced the experience, as did our passionate host. Despite its sometimes gruesome content, I believe this would be a fine family activity, particularly for middle year school-aged children and older.



Tours run on a Thursday and Saturday commencing at 7:30 pm. For bookings contact :

Phone: 07 33447265 or 0401666441
Email: [email protected]

Prices:
Adults : $26
Adults Concession: $20
Children/Teens (5 -17years): $15
Family( Two Adults, Two Teens): $65

In future, entering the Queen Street Mall from Roma Street Railway Station will forever have a slightly different feel about it.



#brisbane_city
#fun_things_to_do
#ghost_tours
#haunted_houses
#history
#tours
#unusual_things_to_do
%wnbrisbane
217030 - 2023-06-16 07:31:26

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