Historic Gladstone Gaol reopens with Halloween ghost tours

The site opened to the public this weekend, just in time for Halloween, with sold-out ghost tours attracting history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. Project coordinator Naomi Bailey expressed excitement about the community’s enthusiasm, noting the high demand for tours necessitated additional bookings.

“The community really wanted to be here as well, they were showing it through booking of the tours, and the takeaway was the interest. We sold out,” Ms. Bailey stated. “We had to open additional tours, and we’ve got really strong bookings every Saturday night.”

Local leaders echoed Bailey’s sentiment, recognizing the Gaol’s importance to the region’s tourism. David Catford, president of the Gladstone Community Development and Tourism Association, described the site as “the jewel in the crown” of the Southern Flinders tourism area. A one-off open day in 2025 drew approximately 1,300 attendees, confirming continued interest.

Constructed in 1879, the Gladstone Gaol was initially intended to alleviate pressure on prisons in Port Augusta and Adelaide. It operated for nearly a century, evolving from an all-gender facility to a military prison during World War II, and eventually focusing on inmate reintegration. The facility closed in 1975 due to a lack of plumbing.

Gladstone local and tour guide Steve Schultz highlighted the community’s efforts to preserve the site following its closure. Previous uses included ghost tours, accommodation, and event hosting. The previous caretakers retired in 2022 following a decrease in volunteers after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visitors Lindi and Shelley, who traveled from Clare, expressed their delight at the reopening. “I think this is fantastic,” Lindi said.

Future plans include the launch of a café and restoration work to facilitate events and further exploration of the site’s history. “We really want to balance the heritage nature of the site and really complement it with events and activities that are coming through,” Bailey explained. Anthony Van Zeventer, a traveler from Philip Island, Australia, unexpectedly visited on opening night and praised the community’s support for the site.