A Ghost Hunt at Old Government House
Experience the supernatural at Old Government House, Australia's oldest surviving public building. Constructed between 1799 and 1818 by convict labor, this Georgian-style mansion served as the 'country residence' for the first ten Governors of New South Wales. Nestled within 200 acres of parkland overlooking the Parramatta River, the house has been a silent witness to centuries of stories, secrets, and perhaps, spirits.
Please note that this is not a ghost tour. We will not be guiding you through the house to share its history and reported hauntings. Instead, this experience will be interactive, offering a different approach to exploring the location.
Notable Residents:
Event Itinerary:
Important Information:
Join us for an unforgettable evening where history and mystery intertwine. Will you encounter the echoes of the past?
Please Note:
Before booking this event please read the following as per our terms and conditions that are agreed at the point of sale: All payments in full are non-refundable and non-transferable regardless of any circumstances. When you make a booking with us it is entirely your responsibility to ensure that you are able to make the event date that you have booked, as APPI Ghost Hunts & Tours cannot offer a refund or transfer your places onto another event date if you or any of your party are unable to attend. The reason for this is that all places are paid for in advance to our locations, which means we are still liable for these costs even if you cannot attend the event.
On booking this event/venue you agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Accessibility Information:
Please note that this tour includes one set of steep stairs, which may be challenging for some guests. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the location, full accessibility cannot be guaranteed. If you have any mobility concerns or require further information, please contact us before booking, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Experience the supernatural at Old Government House, Australia's oldest surviving public building. Constructed between 1799 and 1818 by convict labor, this Georgian-style mansion served as the 'country residence' for the first ten Governors of New South Wales. Nestled within 200 acres of parkland overlooking the Parramatta River, the house has been a silent witness to centuries of stories, secrets, and perhaps, spirits.
Please note that this is not a ghost tour. We will not be guiding you through the house to share its history and reported hauntings. Instead, this experience will be interactive, offering a different approach to exploring the location.
Notable Residents:
- Governor John Hunter (1799-1800): Commissioned the original construction of the house, replacing Governor Arthur Phillip's initial cottage.
- Governor Lachlan Macquarie (1810-1821): Along with his wife, Elizabeth, expanded and transformed the residence into an elegant Palladian-style home, reflecting their vision for the burgeoning colony.
- Governor Charles FitzRoy (1846-1855): His tenure was marked by personal tragedy when his wife, Lady Mary FitzRoy, died in a carriage accident near the house in 1847.
Event Itinerary:
- 7:00 PM – Orientation Tour Begin with a guided walk through the historic rooms and corridors of Old Government House. Familiarize yourself with the layout and learn about the significant events and personalities that have shaped its past.
- 7:30 PM – Team Formation Participants will be divided into small groups, each led by an experienced paranormal investigator.
- 7:45 PM to 9:15 PM – Experiments: Conduct paranormal research using a variety of different experiments, including specialised equipment, parapsychology experiments and spiritual methods
- 9:15 PM – Debrief and Refreshments Gather to discuss findings and share personal experiences.
- 9:30 PM – Event Conclusion
Important Information:
- Age Requirement: Participants must be 18 years or older.
- Attire: Wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes suitable for walking and standing.
- Equipment: All necessary paranormal investigation tools will be provided. Please bring a torch.
- Booking: Spaces are limited. Advance booking is essential to secure your spot.
Join us for an unforgettable evening where history and mystery intertwine. Will you encounter the echoes of the past?
Please Note:
Before booking this event please read the following as per our terms and conditions that are agreed at the point of sale: All payments in full are non-refundable and non-transferable regardless of any circumstances. When you make a booking with us it is entirely your responsibility to ensure that you are able to make the event date that you have booked, as APPI Ghost Hunts & Tours cannot offer a refund or transfer your places onto another event date if you or any of your party are unable to attend. The reason for this is that all places are paid for in advance to our locations, which means we are still liable for these costs even if you cannot attend the event.
On booking this event/venue you agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Accessibility Information:
Please note that this tour includes one set of steep stairs, which may be challenging for some guests. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the location, full accessibility cannot be guaranteed. If you have any mobility concerns or require further information, please contact us before booking, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Investigation Report:
Old Government House, Parramatta NSW
Date: 29 March 2025
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Weather: Clear skies, temperature around 19°C, light winds
During our first investigation at Old Government House, we held four vigils in different spots: the Macquarie bedroom, the dining room/drawing room, the servants' quarters, and the Macquarie cellar.
The weather was just right for exploring the paranormal, with a waxing gibbous moon providing some nice light over the historic building, and the temperature was around 19 degrees with a slight wind. Investigators shared a variety of unusual sensations and experiences, which hinted at the presence of spirits in the house.
Summary of Investigation Findings:
Macquarie Bedroom - Parapsychology Experiment:
EVP/Equipment & Portal - Dining room & drawing room:
Spiritual - Servants Quarters & Kitchen
Estes Experiment - Macquarie Cellar
Below is some of the feedback we received. (Where marked “x2” or “x3,” multiple participants with headphones responded at the exact same time, reinforcing the intensity of the experience.)
Cellar Comments:
Overall, the investigation showed a variety of paranormal interactions, and we were blown away by the experiences. Participants had different sensations and communications that suggested a strong spiritual presence at Old Government House. We can't wait to see what else this amazing location will bring, and more research and investigations could help us learn more about the history and spirits connected to this important site.
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Weather: Clear skies, temperature around 19°C, light winds
During our first investigation at Old Government House, we held four vigils in different spots: the Macquarie bedroom, the dining room/drawing room, the servants' quarters, and the Macquarie cellar.
The weather was just right for exploring the paranormal, with a waxing gibbous moon providing some nice light over the historic building, and the temperature was around 19 degrees with a slight wind. Investigators shared a variety of unusual sensations and experiences, which hinted at the presence of spirits in the house.
Summary of Investigation Findings:
Macquarie Bedroom - Parapsychology Experiment:
- Throughout the evening, participants commonly experienced cold sensations, particularly around their hands.
- Many reported feelings of chest tightness and throat pain, contributing to an overall sense of unease.
- A recurring figure, described as a man, was noted standing over individuals on several occasions.
- Many felt the presence of children, with one lady describing a tiny hand resting on her arm.
- Investigators reported sensations resembling footsteps surrounding them and the eerie feeling of a sad, sick child, accompanied by a faint lullaby heard through headphones.
- Several participants experienced muscle spasms, with one woman unable to keep her legs still.
- There were also reports of a handbag being tugged and multiple touches felt on arms, faces, and legs.
- Two individuals described the sensation of a blindfold being slid down their faces, and a few experienced heart palpitations, while others sensed a presence in a corner of the room.
- A loud bang was reported near a small group, though no one else heard it.
EVP/Equipment & Portal - Dining room & drawing room:
- Portal Communication: Responses indicated sadness among the spirits, with a favorite color mentioned as purple.
- The name "Betsy" emerged, along with the word "Death." (Could've been referring to Betsy Bourke who died in that room?)
- Spirits expressed sorrow over dying early, and blue shoes were noted.
- Participants also felt a gust of wind and reported being touched, with the number of spirits present communicated during questioning.
- Discussions included theories about the death of Lady Fitzroy, referencing being "set up" and murder.
- EVP/Equipment: A whisper was recorded when inquiring about the cook's name, and cat balls were activated when mentioning Governor Bligh.
- Whispering was detected, tagged by team leader Jax.
- K2 meters showed significant activity, with multiple voices and whispers captured.
- The number "Eight" was mentioned regarding spirits in the room, and a clear "yesss" was heard in response to a question.
- Additionally, an audible whistle was noted by half the group, along with knocks responding to inquiries, while a female whimper was recorded after asking if they should leave.
Spiritual - Servants Quarters & Kitchen
- Mirror scrying: Participants reported seeing an old face with a dark side, with one girl recognizing her dad's face.
- Some observed eyes disappearing or moving, while others felt the presence of an old lady named Erin.
- Additional findings included eye movement, eyebrow movement, and a half face appearing, similar to previous experiences.
- One participant's nose appeared wider, and another noted a beard and frown, along with closed eyes.
- Several participants also described seeing a figure in the corner.
- Pendulum/Spirit Wheel: Communication occurred through the pendulum and spirit wheel, with one lady reaching out to Lady Fitzroy, who expressed she didn’t want to be there. A guest believed the spirit's name was Hailey, which was confirmed by the wheel.
- Answers from the pendulum consistently matched those from the wheel.
- One gentleman's pendulum didn’t move, as spirits refused to communicate with him.
- In another session, one side of the room showed no pendulum movement, while the other side was active, indicating varied spirit presence.
- The investigation revealed a rich tapestry of interactions with spirits throughout the sessions.
Estes Experiment - Macquarie Cellar
- The cellar at Old Government House was incredibly active throughout all four group visits.
- The responses from the spirit box took a noticeably dark turn, with two groups in particular being drawn to the back corner of the room.
- One guest, Alyssa, had her name called out multiple times. When she wore the headphones, she experienced an overwhelming flood of voices that she couldn’t control, forcing her to leave the cellar immediately.
Below is some of the feedback we received. (Where marked “x2” or “x3,” multiple participants with headphones responded at the exact same time, reinforcing the intensity of the experience.)
Cellar Comments:
- Names & Figures: -Robert, George, Simon, Myles, James, Eddy, Andy, Fiona, Adele, Roslyn, Lachie, Dean, Ethan, John - "Alyssa" (repeated multiple times)
- Disturbing & Explicit Phrases: - "Bondage" - "Kill" / "Knife you" - "That slut" / "Slut" - "I’ll kill you" - "Rape" - "Murder" - "I’m dead" / "Am I dead?" - "Resistance" / "Stop" (x2) / "Don’t stop" - "It hurt" - Explicit language, including several sexual references Unsettling & Cryptic Phrases: - "Laugh" / "Energetic" (x2) - "I see you" / "Come out" / "Gone" - "Most of our time" - "Say nothing" / "It’s a test" - "Behind the keys" - "Somebody keep" - "It’s terrible" - "I’m naked" - "Who wants a snack?" - "Remember that" (x2) - "Let’s talk"
- The atmosphere in the cellar was noticeably tense, with many participants feeling uneasy. It was hard to tell if the energy was leftover from the past or something else, but the night definitely had its share of intense and unsettling moments.
Overall, the investigation showed a variety of paranormal interactions, and we were blown away by the experiences. Participants had different sensations and communications that suggested a strong spiritual presence at Old Government House. We can't wait to see what else this amazing location will bring, and more research and investigations could help us learn more about the history and spirits connected to this important site.