Moreton Bay’s Spooky spots to visit

Halloween is slowly beginning to take form as a tradition in Australia, as we slowly embraced the ways of our mates over in the USA. The Moreton Bay Region has its fair share of places where you might spot a ghost or two.

Caboolture Historical Village throw a Halloween party each year, the perfect way to freak out your friends with a self-guided tour of a 4ha site with around 70 buildings, some of them more than 100 years old.

The hospital started out as a family home in Caboolture before being restored into Riverview Private Hospital, which operated from 1920 to 1939.

With no records of the number of patients whose lives ended during its operating years, but those who believe in ghostly beings, say they can feel the presence of spirits within its walls.

The old Bauer House (AKA Glenowen Homestead) has witnessed some deaths over the years. One tale from a security guard who was on duty at the time of a music festival, upon doing his rounds swears he heard a young lady enjoying the party from inside the locked-up building.

the village occasionally host a series of its regular Mystic Jewelz Guided Paranormal Tours. Run by para investigator and spiritual medium Jewelz Wraight.

“Join me as we look through beautiful historic buildings, and possibly interact with the resident spirits, having an authentic paranormal experience in a safe, educational environment,” Julie says.

Children are welcome on the day tours. Visit the MysticJewelzAU Facebook page to book.

Of course, if you'd rather visit a few ghostly places on your own (with the advantage of being able to bail at any time if it gets too scary), take a ride to some of these "spooky" sights.

Fort Bribie built during the WWII outbreak, in support against raiding warships. Originally it was fairly primitive, however, as the invasion of the Japanese became more than originally anticipated, the bunker’s tactical position prompted it to be upgraded into a major facility.

The now dilapidated building sits on the north-eastern side of Ocean Beach, just up from the Fort Skirmish bunker on the northern side of Woorim Beach.

They say that there is thought to be a hidden underground war hospital. The original plans included a casualty dressing station, some eyewitness accounts confirm the hospital, while speculation remains around whether it was underground, or even used. The spooky site is only accessible via 4WD and is inland through bush behind the bunker site.

HMQS Gayundah at Woody Point boasts an eerie site when the ships skeleton sits under the moonlight.

While the ship was purposely sunk to act as a wind breaker, it does have a ghostly presence at night.

Gaining its name after an Aboriginal word for Lightning, started as a gunboat and was one of Queensland Navy’s first ships. Driven by two steam engines, it was equipped with the ability to hold up to 75 tonnes of coal at a maximum speed of 10 knots, enabling it to travel 1300 km at a time. The Gayundah arrived in Brisbane in 1885, having a chief duty to protect the coastline of Queensland.

It was sold to Brisbane Gravel Pty Ltd in 1921, and was used on the Brisbane River as a sand and gravel barge. Then, in 1958, Redcliffe Town Council purchased the ship and put it in its present position.

If you are searching for some “pioneering” paranormal activity, Dayboro Cemetery is definitely a place to explore. The several striking monuments and sweeping valley views define the site. Grave sites, with pioneer families rumoured to be buried there, are over 100 years old.

If you have any interest in vampires, you should include Yugar Railway Tunnel on your list. The Samford tunnel us known to be home to a rare bat colony.

Used for nearly 30 years as a rubbish dump, the tunnel came under University of Queensland control for bat testing purposes. Can vampires be hiding in the 82m of darkness?

If you want a gentler spooky experience the Gollum Tree at Scarborough may be more to your liking. Local tradition is that Gollum, from the renown Lord of the Rings, lives inside an ancient pine near Scarborough Beach. Step around the tree quietly — for you can disturb the host.