04/08/2025
Our last ghost hunt at Old Government House certainly didn’t disappoint — the energy was high from the moment we began.
During the Ganzfeld sessions, we had everything from heavy iron doors swinging shut to phantom hands brushing against guests. One participant asked the chef to close the oven, and almost immediately we heard the sound of a heavy metal door. People reported chairs shaking, the feeling of being tickled, shoulder taps, chills, and strange shifts in sound through their headphones. There was humming, old-style music, and even a gentleman in a hat who swore someone was playing with the back of it.
Temperature changes swept through the space, one guest tasted cinnamon out of nowhere, and a chatty mid-teen girl seemed very proud of her role in the house — she chattered away about breaking eggs and tripping in her dress. The name “Maria” came up repeatedly, along with the unmistakable sound of children running and laughing through the kitchen.
The Estes sessions were just as fascinating. We picked up knocks, wimpering, and repeated references to three teenagers, Governor Macquarie, and intriguing snippets like “last thing you wanna know” when asked about Elizabeth. Guests experienced shadow play, curtains moving, footsteps, and even a wardrobe door swinging open. The spirits weren’t shy either — calling people “vermin,” commenting on “sins,” and teasing with phrases like “hat smile” without revealing more.
Names came through often, especially “David,” along with a playful but slightly cheeky streak — swearing, jokes, and even repeated references to “daddy.” There were physical sensations of movement nearby, footsteps in doorways, and temperature drops. We ended the night with the spirits announcing, “We’re gonna leave soon… tea time.”
It was one of those nights where the atmosphere felt thick with history and personality — a reminder of why this location remains one of our most active.
This photo was taken at the moment the wardrobe door opened on its own. We’re still struggling to identify the mysterious hand captured in the shot. It appears to be wearing an older style shirt with a ruffled cuff — yet the lady in the photo had nobody standing on either side of her.
Want to join us at our next adventure, at Australia’s oldest public building?
https://events.humanitix.com/a-ghost-hunt-at-old-government-house-16-august-2025