14/09/2026
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Old Parramatta Gaol Events – FAQs
How long have you been running events at Old Parramatta Gaol?
We’ve been running ghost tours and paranormal investigations at Old Parramatta Gaol since 2013, so we’ve had the privilege of investigating this incredible location for more than a decade.
How often do you run events?
At present, we generally run events at Old Parramatta Gaol around 3–4 times per month.
Why don’t you run events every weekend?
APPI is a small, volunteer-run organisation. Everyone involved has full-time jobs, families and other commitments, and we also run paranormal events at a number of other historic locations throughout NSW. We do this because we genuinely love it, and we run as many events as we reasonably can while still maintaining the quality of the experience. Added to this, we are not the only people who operate at the Gaol. It is used frequently for filming and training purposes etc.
Why are the events always sold out?
Believe it or not, they usually aren’t! Historically, most of our Parramatta Gaol events have taken a couple of weeks to sell out. Recently, however, interest in the gaol has absolutely exploded and tickets have been selling extraordinarily quickly. We’re incredibly grateful for the interest, but we know it can also be frustrating for people who miss out.
Why can’t you just add more dates?
Unfortunately, it isn’t quite that simple. We need to work around the availability of Old Parramatta Gaol, including film productions, private bookings and other activities at the site. We also run events at other locations and need enough experienced volunteers available to safely and properly run each event.
Can’t you just put more people on each event?
Technically, we could. But we won’t. Increasing numbers would mean larger groups, less time participating in experiments and ultimately a poorer experience for everyone who has paid to attend. We deliberately cap our numbers so our events remain enjoyable, interactive and personal.
When are new tickets released?
Tickets are released month by month, depending on the availability of the gaol and our team. We don’t have a set date on which future months are automatically released. When new dates are ready, we announce them on our social media pages.
Why don’t you release six or twelve months of dates at once?
Because we simply don’t have confirmed access to the gaol that far in advance. Its availability can change due to filming and other bookings, so we only release dates once we know we can confidently run them.
Can I reserve tickets before they go on sale?
No. To keep things fair, tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis once an event goes live.
Can I book a private ghost hunt at Old Parramatta Gaol?
Unfortunately, no. We no longer offer private bookings at Old Parramatta Gaol.
We have offered private events in the past, however we experienced a number of situations where bookings were made but deposits were not paid, or groups cancelled only a few weeks before their event. This left us responsible for the venue booking and made those events simply too risky for a small, volunteer-run organisation.
For that reason, we made the decision to discontinue private bookings at Old Parramatta Gaol. All of our events at the gaol are now scheduled public events, with tickets available individually when they are released.
Are all Parramatta Gaol events the same?
No. We run several different formats, including ghost tours and paranormal investigations of different lengths. Always read the individual event description before purchasing so you know exactly what type of experience you’re booking.
Is a ghost tour the same as a ghost hunt?
No. A ghost tour is primarily a guided experience focusing on the history, darker stories and reported hauntings of the gaol. A ghost hunt is a hands-on paranormal investigation where guests participate in experiments and use investigation techniques and equipment.
Will I definitely experience something paranormal?
We wish we could order the ghosts in advance! Paranormal activity can never be guaranteed. Some nights can be incredibly active and others much quieter. We will never manufacture activity or pretend something paranormal has happened when it hasn’t.
Can children attend?
Age restrictions vary depending on the event. Please check the individual event listing before purchasing, as some events are strictly for older teenagers or adults while special events may be designed specifically for younger guests.
Why are ticket numbers limited if demand is so high?
Because selling the maximum possible number of tickets isn’t our priority — providing a great experience is. Old Parramatta Gaol is enormous, but paranormal investigating works best in smaller groups. We’d rather have people leave wanting to come back than squeeze extra people in simply because we can.
I keep missing out. What’s the best way to get tickets?
Follow our social media pages and watch for announcements about upcoming ticket releases. When we announce an exact release date and time, we recommend being ready when tickets go live, particularly while demand is unusually high.
Do you accept Companion Cards?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept Companion Cards. As a small, volunteer-run business with strictly limited numbers at our events, every attendee occupies one of the available places. Providing complimentary companion admission would mean absorbing the cost of that place, which unfortunately isn’t something we are currently able to accommodate.
Are you going to keep running events at Parramatta Gaol?
As long as we continue to have access to the site and are able to run our events there, absolutely. We’ve been investigating Old Parramatta Gaol since 2013 and have no intention of disappearing. 😉
