FRIDAY THE 13TH GHOST TOUR

2010-08-12T01:02:00.001-07:00

The royal oak Hotel.

Hi again all. Well the Wilson family can put another notch on the board of life experience. As the title suggests we attended the Launceston Ghost Tour on Friday the 13th. The tour group met at the Royal Oak Hotel at around 730pm. Little did we know we were standing on the side of a street where tragic events had taken place many moons ago.

The tale is one of unrequited love between the Royal Oak handyman Cyrill, and the young lady Elizabeth. It's a story of a bitter jealous banker, a murdering master, and a man that desperately searches for his lost love. It concludes on a drunken stormy night. A night of bloodshed, a night of horror, a night so disturbing that those involved still exist within the shadows, within the cold dead stone that forms the foundations of the City of Launceston and the base of the Launceston City Ghost Tour.

Note the lamp post on the left picture has a blue glow and the same lamp post pictured on the right has an orb? Photos were taken less than a second apart, one with flash one without.

St Albert's Hall. Said to be haunted by a singing lady that prefers to only let her presence be felt by musicians.

St Vinnie's and Sons Funeral Parlour car park. Note the orb centre of picture.

The Princess Theater is said to be haunted by three ghosts. My personal favorite is believed to be Mr Oldaker; now known as the ladies ghost as he's mostly witnessed by females. He appears well dressed, often bowing and removing his top hat or waving to the ladies. It's good to see there's still some gentlemen in the world. Who said chivalry was dead!

Another orb? After describing this hotels haunting our guide informed us that a local has taken it upon his or her self to run up this street dressed as a ghost. The costume is one that I myself have worn; the old white sheet over the head trick! Apparently this person is so far harmless, just running up the street toward the tour. Unfortunately I didn't witness this but I'm sure that like me many people would see the funny side. Good to see some initiative from the Launnie locals doing their best to help the tour. And hey, -- apparently there's an occasional streaker near the fountain in the park! Strange thing is he doesn't come out during winter! Launceston winter nights can be a bit chilly on the willy!

The Launceston Roman Baths. After telling us the story of the screaming maid Mary, our guide told us to photograph this window as we may capture something interesting.

Above,The quill and Cane Restaurant. Once a boys school, there's an interesting story here.

Right, Strange lights inside St Johns Anglican Church. This church was over a 100 years in the making. Lady Charlotte Balfour is buried underneath the church. It is believed to haunted by three ghosts.

Below, Some photos of the church taken with and without flash. Note the windows in the tower glow when no flash is used. The last photo is of the side of the church. You wouldn't think it's part of the same building.

Nothing unusual here...The white dot?

See the white mark in the centre circle.

This area was presented to us as devils alley. Our guide informed us that there is another name but because of the children present devils alley was sufficient. I wonder what the other name was considering that a whore house used to be at the end of the alley. Note the horbs, I mean orbs in the picture. Often lavender or citrus oil can be smelt here as the whores that did not bathe regularly smeared it over their bodies to give them an appealing scent. Mmm Yummie...not! Good pictures are often taken here.

SUMMING UP.

I attended this tour with my wife and three children. We all enjoyed it immensely. I would like to share more of the stories with you but I would hate to ruin it, and I think you should experience it for yourself. The stories and history in the tour are not only spooky, but educational and uniquely Tasmanian. I recommend this to people of all ages looking for some adventure. There is some walking involved so wear comfortable shoes. I can't say that I actually witnessed a ghost on the night, but I think they are there and besides; if ghosts showed up every night, then there would be no mystery, no unpredictability about them. Ghosts or no ghosts it's a worthwhile and memorable experience. You never know unless you have a go.

JASON WILSON.

LAUNCETON GHOST TOUR

FRIDAY THE 13TH GHOST TOUR