Halloween Hotels: Australia's Scariest Boutique Stays with Style

Australia’s haunted hotels offer a spine-tingling adventure for those brave enough to explore them, especially during the eerie season of Halloween. From the creaky halls of old colonial inns to grand heritage properties, these ghostly lodgings are steeped in unsettling tales of lost souls and mysterious happenings. 

Visitors can experience the thrill of the unknown as they check into places like the spooky Q Station on the North Head of Manly – reported to b one of Australia’s most haunted sites – or Hotel Windsor, Melbourne where the grand old Dame Nellie Melba is said to reside and sometimes be heard singing through the halls. 

If you're craving a night filled with chilling stories and the possibility of ghostly encounters, Australia’s haunted hotels promise an unforgettable, otherworldly experience.

What better time to visit than Halloween, when the atmosphere is charged with excitement and mystery?

These haunted hotels go beyond the typical vacation, inviting guests to immerse themselves in ghost tours, séances, and eerie historical reenactments. As the veil between the worlds grows thin during this time of year, the strange and supernatural seem even more palpable. 

So, whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or simply seeking a unique thrill, spending Halloween in one of Australia’s haunted hotels will leave you with stories that are sure to be unforgettable, whatever the reason – if you’re brave enough to stay the night.

The Windsor

East Melbourne
|
Melbourne

Step into the enchanting world of Hotel Windsor, a Melbourne gem that perfectly blends history, modern luxury – and one very famous ghost story which may or may not be true – together for one fabulous stay, if you dare.

Located on the illustrious Spring Street, this five-star hotel is surrounded by the iconic Parliament House, the vibrant theatre district, and the elegant boutiques of Collins Street, making it the ideal base for discovering the city's cultural treasures.

Established in 1883, Hotel Windsor is not just a place to stay; it's a timeless gathering spot where generations of families and friends have created lasting memories. With its 180 exquisitely appointed rooms, a celebrated tradition of Afternoon Tea, and a charming pub, this hotel invites you to indulge in a serene escape from the urban hustle.

But the allure of Hotel Windsor goes beyond its elegant accommodations and rich heritage; it’s also home to whispers of the past. 

Guests often report hearing a ghostly serenade through the halls when they stay – that of Dame Nellie Melba, the famed soprano who frequented the hotel – her voice echoing through the corridors as if still performing for an adoring audience. And if you're seeking a thrill, you can also venture nearby to the Princess Theatre, where the spirit of actor Frederick Federici is said to linger, adding an intriguing layer of history, and perhaps even a spine-chilling story to your overall experience.

Whatever happens, and whether you're savouring high tea or exploring the nearby gardens, Hotel Windsor offers a unique blend of luxury and the supernatural, ensuring your visit is both memorable and unforgettable.

Manly
|
Sydney

Welcome to Q Station, a hidden treasure on the North Head of Manly, where history whispers through the walls of its beautifully restored accommodations. 

This unique hotel, once a Quarantine Station for arriving migrants, offers a captivating blend of heritage and modern comfort… with a bit of a haunted twist. 

Set within the stunning Sydney Harbour National Park, Q Station provides guests with breathtaking views and access to lush bushland, making it an idyllic retreat just a stone's throw from the bustling city. The accomodation itself reflects the site's storied past, featuring original architectural details that evoke a sense of nostalgia, and hotel rooms which are in fact the original accommodation areas that people migrating to Australia for the first time would have stayed in. The rooms are even divided into first, second and third class; with the old staff quarters also now providing cottage accommodation, ideal for small groups or families.

One thing you’ll also notice is that the buildings of Q Station have also been kept in pristine original condition – we’ve talking old yellow paint colours, heavy window panes and high ceilings are all part of the building landscape, plus ceiling fans for hot nights.

But Q Station isn't just about tranquil getaways; it's also a hub for the curious and adventurous. Venture beyond your room and discover the intriguing tales of its haunted past, where echoes of former residents linger. The infamous after-dark tours invite brave souls to explore the grounds, where ghostly figures and chilling stories come to life. From the old staff quarters to the eerie Shower Block, visitors have reported spine-tingling encounters that hint at the many lives once lived here. So if you’re seeking a brush with the paranormal along with your peaceful escape, Q Station promises an unforgettable experience that marries comfort with a touch of the mysterious.

It’s worth it though – if you can get through the night. Q Station boasts the title as Sydney's only hotel with a private beach – and it’s just a 5-minute drive from Manly or 30 minutes by ferry from the city.

Canberra City
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Canberra

Considered to be one of the most haunted cities in the world, it’s no surprise that Canberra claims to to have one the most ghostly hotels too. 

First opened in 1926 at the birth of the nation’s capital, Hotel Kurrajong Canberra is not only heritage-listed, but has always been a cornerstone of the nation’s political landscape, once also serving as a residence for influential figures, including Prime Minister Ben Chifley. Unfortunately, Chiefly died there too – from a heart attack on the evening of June 13, 1951, in the room 214 – and so, the ghost story begins. 

According to former guests, and even some of the staff – his ghost in a grey suit has been seen wandering around that room, and he is often seen around balcony's or near windows, pointing towards the Parliament House; so anyone staying there, better prepare to be frazzled.

More than just spine-chilling residence though, the Hotel Kurrajong also a place which offers a glimpse into the past, with a twist of contemporary comfort. 

As you step through its beautifully refurbished doors, you’ll find echoes of yesteryear woven into every detail, from the stunning Art Deco décor and intricate hard-carved woodwork to the intriguing vintage black-and-white photographs that adorn the walls and tell stories of a time gone by. The soft glow of ambient lighting also sets the tone at this enchanting and slightly spooky hotel haven, and you’ll be surrounded by the vibe of yesteryear as you sink into plush furnishings with a glass of wine gin your room, and indulge in exquisite dining at the onsite restaurant Chifley’s Bar & Grill. 

While it still holds its historic glamour and ghostly allure, Hotel Kurrajong has been refurbished to its original grandeur, with 21st century comforts carefully incorporated throughout each of the 147 beautifully appointed rooms. Suites have separate sitting areas, and amenities include room service, offered 24/7, a terrace and a garden, and a 24-hour gym – so all guests are sure to enjoy their stay amongst the haunting elegance. 

The perfect place to explore the vibrant culture of Canberra, whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure – all while surrounded by a captivating sense of nostalgia, and perhaps leave with a special spooky story to tell. 

The Rocks
|
Sydney

If you’re looking for a bit of a scare, step into the enchanting embrace of Harbour Rocks Hotel, where history whispers through the walls and ghostly tales linger in the air.

Nestled in the heart of Sydney's oldest neighbourhood, this boutique heritage hotel, built in 1887 on the grounds of the city’s first hospital, invites you to explore its captivating past. 

Once a gritty locale teeming with sailors and brothels, The Rocks now boasts vibrant cafes and artisan shops, but as a historic locale, it’s also not just the living who stroll the cobblestone streets here. Along with the fact that the Harbour Rocks Hotel used to be home to a hospital, legend also tells of Eric, a heartbroken seafarer, eternally searching for his lost love, Scarlett, whose tragic fate unfolded just as they were to be wed. Scarlett contracted tuberculosis and died not long after she said "yes’", and Eric reportedly died just weeks later, the cause rumoured to have been from a broken heart.

Thus, guests have reported eerie encounters – shadows flickering in the corners, inexplicable footsteps echoing through empty halls, and glimpses of Eric’s ghost wandering the nearby streets. 

The hotel though, is divine, and perfectly placed – with each of the 59 rooms and suites at the Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney featuring a flat-screen LCD TV, a desk and an iPod docking station, plus a minibar and tea/coffee making facilities standard in all accommodation, and some also with sitting areas and/or sofa beds; and offering awesome harbour views. 

The Rocks is also prime real estate in Sydney and so the hotel has a 5-star location – just 5 minutes' walk from Circular Quay, the Museum of Contemporary Art and several dining and nightlife options plus only a 10-minute walk from the Royal Botanical Gardens, and not far from the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Every corner in this hotel and niche neighbourhood here though, has a story, and many stays which come with a brush with the supernatural – so be prepared… 

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Daniela Aroche
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Sydney, Australia

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