Paranormal Activity Beyond Perth City
A remnant of the old Eastern Railway Line, the Swan View Tunnel was an engineering marvel, in its day. The rocky Darling Range terrain made it hard to blast through, and with a distinct lack of occupational Health and safety in the 1800s, it’s no surprise that a couple of workers sadly perished during its construction. Once steam engines were chugging through the tunnel, it soon became apparent that there was a lack of ventilation, and workers were overcome by fumes. It’s said these poor souls haunt the dark, echoing tunnel. Part of John Forrest National Park, you can walk through the tunnel as part of a wander along the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail - waterproof shoes, a torch and a sense of adventure are essential.
It will come as no surprise that the oldest licensed hotel in Western Australia, Guildford’s Rose & Crown Hotel, is serving spirits. Opened in 1841, the extensive cellars and tunnels beneath its ornate dining rooms are said to be haunted. There have been strange sightings of figures dressed on colonial clothing in the old cellars, which have been converted into a very unique bar. Book an overnight stay at the grand old hotel – if you’re feeling brave.
Guildford Colonial Gaol was established after a spike in drunken behaviour, thanks to the town’s three public houses. Amongst its many petty criminals and scoundrels, it housed WA's most famous bushranger, Moondyne Joe, who was caught at the Swan Valley’s Houghton Winery two years after escaping from Fremantle Prison. The old goal is part of the fascinating self-guided heritage walk trail, starting and ending at the Old Guildford Courthouse - now home to the Swan Valley Visitor Centre.
For a spooky seafaring tale, it’s hard to go past the Alkimos Shipwreck, which can be seen poking through the waves at low tide. From a lookout point, signage shares the ill-fated story of the ship, striking reef in the 1960s. The SS Alkimos was plagued by misfortune, murders, breakdowns and onboard ghost sightings. Divers and photographers tell tales of paranormal activity near to its remnants.
Fun fact, Toodyay was first known as ‘Newcastle’. The Avon Valley town’s Newcastle Gaol Museum is a must-visit for lovers of bushranger tales and peculiar goings-on, with strange lights and apparitions reportedly sighted. Toodyay is even home to the annual Moondyne Joe Festival. He certainly got around!
