Gladstone Gaol Ghost Tours Set To Bring Historic SA Prison Back To Life
Standing beneath the towering stone walls of Gladstone Gaol, one thing becomes pretty obvious — if those walls could talk, they’d have some stories to tell.
And after almost 150 years of history, they’re about to start talking again.
The historic Mid North landmark is entering its next chapter.
Lantern Ghost Tours, Australia’s largest ghost tour operator, has officially been awarded the licence to reactivate Gladstone Gaol, with plans to bring new life to the heritage site.
Gladstone Gaol Ghost Tours Launching This Halloween
First on the list is opening the doors after dark, with ghost tours set to take visitors inside the historic gaol in time for Halloween. Ghosts, Crime & Paranormal Encounters will give visitors the chance to step inside the old prison walls and explore the stories, secrets and reported paranormal encounters that linger within.
Lantern Ghost Tours said while the paranormal experiences are a major drawcard, the project is about much more than ghost stories.
The team hopes the revival of Gladstone Gaol will create new opportunities for the local community, including jobs for tour guides, customer service staff and casual operational employees as the attraction grows.
They also hope the renewed interest in the historic site will provide a boost for other Mid North businesses, including accommodation providers, cafes and pubs.
“Having seen the benefits at other rural towns across Australia, we hope Gladstone will become another must-visit heritage destination in regional South Australia,” they said.
The team said every tour is built on extensive historical research, with a focus on sharing the real stories of the people connected to the gaol.
“While our ghost tours explore reported paranormal experiences and local folklore, they’re firmly grounded in documented history,” they said.
“We see ourselves as custodians of these remarkable heritage sites, helping preserve the stories and introducing them to a whole new generation of visitors.”
And with almost 150 years of history behind the walls of Gladstone Gaol, there’s no shortage of stories to tell.
“This is more than a ghost tour. It is a journey into the stories, the suffering, and the secrets of Gladstone Gaol… where the past is never truly silent.”
Over the years, visitors have reported unexplained happenings throughout the gaol — from footsteps and whispers to cold spots and the feeling of being watched.
The History And Hauntings Of Gladstone Gaol
The Warden’s House, morgue, chapel and old prison blocks all have their own stories attached, including the tragic tale of Eliza Evershed, who died just days before her release.
But ghosts aside, the future plans for Gladstone Gaol go well beyond the paranormal.
The Historic Mid North Landmark Enters its Next Chapter
Lantern Ghost Tours has revealed a long-term vision to create a café and heritage accommodation at the site, transforming the former prison into a destination people can experience day and night.
“Of course, a project of this size involves a tremendous amount of work, and we know it will take a dedicated team and plenty of community support to make this vision a reality,” they said.
“We are incredibly grateful for all the encouragement we’ve already received and look forward to sharing regular updates as the restoration progresses.”
Whether you’re a believer, a sceptic, a history lover or just someone who wants to say they spent the night inside an old prison, Gladstone Gaol is preparing to open its doors again.
The only question is… are you game?
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