A 2-hour guided night tour through Brisbane's most haunted laneways. Ghost stories, hidden history & spine-tingling encounters.
About This Tour
Step into the shadows of Brisbane with our Laneway Ghost Walk — an evocative and atmospheric night tour that plunges you into hidden alleyways, haunted corners, and the whispering ghost stories of Brisbane's colonial past. Under the glow of old-style streetlamps, our knowledgeable and theatrical guides bring the city's dark history to life — from convict-era cruelty to Victorian-era mysteries and unexplained phenomena that persist to this day.
Brisbane's laneways hide more than shortcuts — they harbour secrets, echoes of tragedies, and legends that refuse to fade. This isn't a horror show. It's a carefully researched blend of local lore, architectural history, and genuinely spine-chilling storytelling. Whether you're a paranormal enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a unique Brisbane night-time experience, this ghost walk shows you a side of the city most people never see.
What You'll Experience
Explore narrow alleys and hidden passages that once bustled with colonial-era life — now silent, atmospheric, and full of character. Walk through Brisbane's oldest surviving backstreets.
Hear chilling tales of apparitions, lost souls, and unexplained phenomena tied to Brisbane's past — from convict-era brutality to mysterious disappearances in the early 1900s.
See heritage-listed buildings illuminated in a completely different light — literally. Learn about their former residents, dark events, and the architectural details that tell hidden stories.
Learn about crime, scandal, social upheaval, and the underbelly of Brisbane in times gone by. Our guides draw on primary historical sources, court records, and newspaper archives.
Our guides aren't just history experts — they're performers. Using dramatic pacing, sound, shadow, and surprise, they create an immersive, multi-sensory experience you won't forget.
Low light, old stone, wrought iron, and moody architecture make for incredible nighttime photography. We pause at the best spots so you can capture the atmosphere.
The Route
The exact route and stops may vary to maintain the element of surprise, but here's a taste of what to expect on a typical evening.
7:15 pm — Gather
Meet your guide at a central Brisbane CBD landmark (details in booking confirmation). After a brief safety overview and mood-setting introduction, the group steps into the first laneway. The city noise fades. The stories begin.
7:30 pm — First Stops
Walk through Brisbane's oldest surviving backstreets — remnants of the Moreton Bay penal settlement that shaped the city. Hear about the harsh conditions, escape attempts, and the spirits said to still linger in these sandstone corridors.
8:00 pm — Deep Laneways
Venture deeper into hidden alleys and heritage-listed passages. Pause at marked spots where each building's story is told — who lived there, what happened behind closed doors, and why locals still cross the street to avoid certain doorways.
8:30 pm — Haunted Sites
Stop at Brisbane's most notorious "haunted" locations — an old warehouse, a shuttered storefront, a derelict building where tragic events occurred. Your guide recounts eyewitness accounts, ghostly sightings, and unexplained sounds that have been reported for decades.
9:00 pm — Historical Context
Learn how the city's darker chapters — organised crime, poverty, floods, and wartime secrets — feed into Brisbane's ghost lore. History and legend intertwine in ways that blur the line between fact and fiction.
9:15 pm — Final Stop
The tour ends in a quiet courtyard where you can ask questions, share personal reactions, and hear one last story that your guide saves for the bravest groups. Optional post-walk drinks at a nearby laneway bar (own expense).
Tour Options
All prices in AUD per person. Contact us for group discounts or private bookings.
Gallery
Guest Reviews
★★★★★ 4.7/5 average from 203 reviews. Read more on TripAdvisor and Google.
"Absolutely brilliant night out. Our guide was captivating — equal parts historian and actor. The stories sent shivers down my spine. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Brisbane, even if you don't believe in ghosts!"
Laneway Ghost Walk — October 2025
"Way better than we expected. Fascinating Brisbane history mixed with genuinely spooky stories. The laneway stops were incredibly atmospheric and our guide was theatrical without being cheesy. A must-do."
Laneway Ghost Walk — September 2025
"A unique way to experience Brisbane at night. Learned so much about the city's convict past and darker history that I'd never have discovered otherwise. Great for visitors and locals alike — I've lived here 10 years and was surprised!"
Midnight Ghost Walk — November 2025
"Did the Midnight Walk for my partner's birthday and it was incredible. The extended route takes you to some really atmospheric spots, and the supper stop at the laneway bar was the perfect ending. Already booked a private walk for my team at work."
Midnight Ghost Walk — December 2025
Before You Go
Wear comfortable, closed shoes. Brisbane laneways have uneven pavements, cobblestones, and occasional steps. Leave the heels at home.
Bring a light jacket. Even on warm Brisbane nights, narrow laneways trap cool air and shadows feel chillier than open streets.
Use your phone camera. Low light + old stone + moody architecture = atmospheric photos. Night mode recommended.
Arrive 10–15 minutes early. The group gathers before the walk starts, and we depart on time to keep the schedule on track.
Wear dark clothing. Not required, but it adds to the atmosphere — and you'll blend into the laneways like a local ghost.
Light rain? We still walk. A little drizzle only adds to the atmosphere. We cancel only for unsafe conditions (storms, heavy rain).
FAQ
It's designed to be atmospheric and suspenseful rather than terrifying. The focus is on storytelling, real history, and local legends. Some moments can be genuinely spooky — our guides are excellent at building tension — but it's not a horror experience. Think eerie, not screaming.
Children aged 10 and above are welcome, with parental discretion advised. Some stories involve dark historical events (crime, death, hardship). Children under 10 are not recommended. For families with younger children, consider our daytime Brisbane tours instead.
Light rain? The tour runs — it adds to the atmosphere. If conditions are unsafe (heavy rain, storms, lightning), we reschedule to the next available date or offer a full refund. See our terms and conditions for the full weather policy.
The walk meets at a central Brisbane CBD landmark. The exact meeting point is provided in your booking confirmation email. It's easily accessible by public transport — TransLink buses and trains serve the CBD, and there's parking nearby.
The standard Laneway Ghost Walk is $69 per person. The extended Midnight Ghost Walk is $99 per person including supper. Private group bookings start from $550 for up to 10 guests. Group discounts are available — contact us for details.
Book via our online booking system. Advance booking is strongly recommended as tours frequently sell out, especially on weekends and around Halloween (October). You can also call us on +61 7 1234 5678 or email info@cooeetours.com.au.
Comfortable closed-toe shoes are essential — laneways have uneven surfaces. A light jacket is recommended, even on warm nights. Dark clothing is encouraged (but not required) to maintain the atmosphere. See our full tips section above.
Absolutely. Private ghost walks are popular for birthdays, hens/bucks nights, team-building events, and corporate functions. We can customise the route, add drinks and canapés, and even provide paranormal investigation equipment for a unique add-on. Get in touch to discuss your event.
More Cooee Tours
Combine your ghost walk with another Brisbane or Queensland experience.
Why Cooee Tours
Cooee Tours delivers immersive, local experiences that go beyond the typical tourist route. Our ghost walk guides are expert storytellers — researched, rehearsed, and passionate about bringing Brisbane's hidden past to life. We prioritise safety, cultural respect, historical accuracy, and unforgettable memories. With 16+ years of experience and 12,000+ happy travellers, we're Queensland's trusted tour operator.
Learn more about Brisbane's history: Museum of Brisbane · State Library of Queensland · Brisbane Heritage · Visit Brisbane