I have stayed at Gladstone Gaol many times but this is the first time I have written about my experiences there.
Please note that this is not an investigation report as I was there to experience rather than question everything that took place. A bit of a break from working the paranormal, instead, this time, I just take the location in.
All photos of the gaol were taken the morning after.
Please note that this is not an investigation report as I was there to experience rather than question everything that took place. A bit of a break from working the paranormal, instead, this time, I just take the location in.
All photos of the gaol were taken the morning after.
Mornings are Not for Some...
Our destination - the historic Gladstone Gaol. It is awfully hard to rouse my partner from sleep at times and I knew this day was going to be a particular trial. We were off to Gladstone, South Australia, to spend the night at an old gaol, one we have stayed at many times before. However, when saying yes to the invite, I forgot to take into account that my partner, Meg, was working a night shift and as such would have only gotten home at 8am this very morning. It was now 2pm and I would likely need some trickery to get her up.
Pondering on the situation, I walk back into my office to start firing off emails, when I hear a familiar grunt and growl from the bedroom. She is awake. Apparently the alarm had gone off some time ago and the snooze function was periodically waking her up every 10 minutes. The growl was disapproval, the grunt was begrudging acceptance.
Packing the car was a quick and mostly solo affair. Everything was dumped on the back seat – warm over-clothes, food, bedding, and a few electronic gadgets.
With the car packed we were off. Saying goodbyes to the cat as we walk out the door I look at Meg who still looks a little grumpy at the situation. Thinking on my feet I think of the one thing that may instantly cheer her up... the promise of a cryptozoological wonder that we could visit along the way. Meg has a real interest in the cryptid side of the unknown, so I threw that out there knowing full well it was only a half truth.
Still, it worked.
Pondering on the situation, I walk back into my office to start firing off emails, when I hear a familiar grunt and growl from the bedroom. She is awake. Apparently the alarm had gone off some time ago and the snooze function was periodically waking her up every 10 minutes. The growl was disapproval, the grunt was begrudging acceptance.
Packing the car was a quick and mostly solo affair. Everything was dumped on the back seat – warm over-clothes, food, bedding, and a few electronic gadgets.
With the car packed we were off. Saying goodbyes to the cat as we walk out the door I look at Meg who still looks a little grumpy at the situation. Thinking on my feet I think of the one thing that may instantly cheer her up... the promise of a cryptozoological wonder that we could visit along the way. Meg has a real interest in the cryptid side of the unknown, so I threw that out there knowing full well it was only a half truth.
Still, it worked.
The Lochiel 'Loch Eel'. Meg was not so impressed but I like it! (Photo by Donama) We hit the road with much gusto. We were a little behind schedule but the gaol had been sitting there for 130 odd years so I was not worried it was going anywhere.
An hour or so into our journey I began to feel the anxiety of the half truth promise I made earlier. Driving through Lochiel I told Meg to keep her eyes out to the waters of Bumbunga lake, as the cryptid was near.
Soon, several dark 'humps' could be spied out on the muddy shore... along with a sculpted plastic pipe neck and head.
"Can you see it?"
"What?"
"The Lochiel Monster!"
She turns her head to where I am pointing and lets out a little sigh.
Fail.
We continue on our way...
An hour or so into our journey I began to feel the anxiety of the half truth promise I made earlier. Driving through Lochiel I told Meg to keep her eyes out to the waters of Bumbunga lake, as the cryptid was near.
Soon, several dark 'humps' could be spied out on the muddy shore... along with a sculpted plastic pipe neck and head.
"Can you see it?"
"What?"
"The Lochiel Monster!"
She turns her head to where I am pointing and lets out a little sigh.
Fail.
We continue on our way...
Incarcerated... for the Night!
The gates to Gladstone Gaol (looking out from the inside).
| We pull into Gladstone at about 5:30pm and meet with the group we were to spend the night with, all of them people I have met through ghost tours or previous investigations. A great group of people that I have spent some fun nights with. Just for quick introductions: I met Robert and Daniel waaay back when I used to be a back up ghost tour guide at old Adelaide Gaol, Rebecca joined me when a very randy male ghost tried to pick me up via the ghost box at Torrens Island Quarantine Station, Lorraine who I have spent more than a few evenings with in some of Adelaide's creepiest locations, and Tarn whom I have investigated some great spots about the place. | Hold it! Would you like to know a little about the history of Gladstone Gaol? Alison Oborn of Paranormal Field Investigators has written a short history snippet about the gaol here: History of Gladstone Gaol 1881 - 1975 (will open in a new window) |
After 'hellos' and 'its been a whiles' are exchanged the majority of the group left to grab some dinner. Myself, I was happy with a humble meat pie and sausage roll so stayed back with Meg.
This was essentially the start of the night for me as after I unpacked the car and sorted our beds out – mind you I felt like part of an old couple as I pushed the single beds together in our cell – I went for a little walk around to see what had changed here, and what had stayed the same.
It was good to catch up with Deb and Rose who have done some wonderful things at the gaol - it would not be until the following morning that I will realise the dreaded 'Gladstone Rash' is no longer a thing (For those who have been visiting for a while) - the place is now really well maintained and quite clean!
It was good to catch up with Deb and Rose who have done some wonderful things at the gaol - it would not be until the following morning that I will realise the dreaded 'Gladstone Rash' is no longer a thing (For those who have been visiting for a while) - the place is now really well maintained and quite clean!
B-Block. Another area of the gaol that will accomodate you and your belongings for the night. As said, it has been a few years since I last visited the gaol and was interesting to see some mock ups in some of the cells. A body outline on the floor of a cell, crime scene tape over the door, spots of red (i'm guessing meaning to be blood) clue us onto how this 'victim' met their end.
It was during this time that the first piece of strangeness took place. A strange noise, like a raspberry being blown (ie a mouth fart) near the tower. Meg automatically assumed it was me as my rather childish nature will at times see me making such noises, but it was not.
It was during this time that the first piece of strangeness took place. A strange noise, like a raspberry being blown (ie a mouth fart) near the tower. Meg automatically assumed it was me as my rather childish nature will at times see me making such noises, but it was not.
Kitchen (top) and Dining Hall (bottom) Continuing my walkthrough I ventured to the old kitchen and dining hall. I was really hoping to see this area left open as past experiences have shown me that these two places provide the most intrigue. I was not disappointed. Walking through the creaking door, I passed into the gloom as night was really starting to set in. I didn't bother with a torch as I know this location well and I find 'feeling' a place out in the dark to be a little more exciting than poking around with a torch.
Although it was getting quite dark inside I could still make out the silhouettes of the tables and chairs set out in two rows. When I got close to the tables I could also just make out the strange wave/swirling pattern that is painted on some of them. I have never found out what these shapes are about, I'll have to ask.
The old feelings started to come back. A heavy anxiety and uncertainty that I had felt here before. I am not psychic, sensitive or anything like that but I can still be affected by the feel of a place. I guess it could be psychological as gaols and the like are built as a place of incarceration, and hope is usually left at the front gate.
Although it was getting quite dark inside I could still make out the silhouettes of the tables and chairs set out in two rows. When I got close to the tables I could also just make out the strange wave/swirling pattern that is painted on some of them. I have never found out what these shapes are about, I'll have to ask.
The old feelings started to come back. A heavy anxiety and uncertainty that I had felt here before. I am not psychic, sensitive or anything like that but I can still be affected by the feel of a place. I guess it could be psychological as gaols and the like are built as a place of incarceration, and hope is usually left at the front gate.
Through to the 'drunk tank'. Passing into the dining hall I turn to my left and see the door that goes through to the 'drunk tank', another area where I have felt and experienced some rather strange events. On previous stays I have seen people be overcome by either feelings of authority or feelings of abuse and neglect. It is always a strange thing to watch someone take on anothers mannerisms and behaving in a way that is 'not them'. I wondered if we would experience the same that night?
I poked through the little rooms that branched off the main room. Each was barren except one room with an old metal cupboard sitting to one side, and another room with a few seats arranged within. Nothing had really changed in here.
I poked through the little rooms that branched off the main room. Each was barren except one room with an old metal cupboard sitting to one side, and another room with a few seats arranged within. Nothing had really changed in here.
The indigenous prisoners section. Hall leading to 'dorm cells' (upper) and a look to outside from a cell window (lower) After I left the kitchen area I walked to the nearby 'Indigenous prisoners section'. This section is walled off from the rest of the gaol and makes up a small 'cell block' and a walled in yard. The 'cell block' is more of a dormitory block with the 'cells' being larger rooms capable of accomodating up to eight prisoners.
This section also houses a solitary confinement cell, which is interesting being amongst more 'dorm' style rooms. For many it is this section of the gaol that is the most creepy and at night it is incredibly dark with not a lot of moonlight able to make its way in.
After my walkthrough I spent a short time sitting alone in each of these sections before heading back to the main building where I was greeted by the others returning from their dinner. I was regaled with stories of their meals, none of which seemed to receive great reviews. It would seem the humble aussie meat pie really did serve me well.
This section also houses a solitary confinement cell, which is interesting being amongst more 'dorm' style rooms. For many it is this section of the gaol that is the most creepy and at night it is incredibly dark with not a lot of moonlight able to make its way in.
After my walkthrough I spent a short time sitting alone in each of these sections before heading back to the main building where I was greeted by the others returning from their dinner. I was regaled with stories of their meals, none of which seemed to receive great reviews. It would seem the humble aussie meat pie really did serve me well.
Getting Into It!
Lay of the land - door on left with concrete surround leads to the kitchen/dining section... Brick surrounded gateway to right takes you through to the indigenous section. Our night focussed on these two areas. With food out of the way and everyone settled we could kick the night off. Some of the group had investigated the gaol before and knew of some of the stories and where some of the more active locations were. The rest had no idea as it was their first time. We all agreed that the kitchen, dining room and indigenous sections would be the targets for the night. This fell in great with the fact that I had just felt out those locations so would be interesting to see if those feelings changed with a larger number of people.
We started off in the drunk tank. We arranged the seats under the windows of the main room. K2s (a pretty standard emf detector) were set in each doorway that led to the smaller rooms. Voice recorders were set and a video camera began to record. We sat in our seats and went lights out...
I pass this written piece over to Robert and Daniel for a moment as they fill you in with what happened next:
We started off in the drunk tank. We arranged the seats under the windows of the main room. K2s (a pretty standard emf detector) were set in each doorway that led to the smaller rooms. Voice recorders were set and a video camera began to record. We sat in our seats and went lights out...
I pass this written piece over to Robert and Daniel for a moment as they fill you in with what happened next:
Where we sat in the drunk tank. The following photo is taken from where the seats are looking towards the doorways. "We had the basic equipment in there, with five K2 meters, one at the foot of each cell door. We also had a Ghost box and the first time it was turned on, Tarn and Daniel were sure it said Rob. I only took their word for it because as I didn't hear it.
When we did have the Ghost Box on properly we heard a name we thought sounded like 'Daniel'. When we said something about it sounding like 'Daniel', the Ghost Box came out absolutely clearly with the name 'Daniel' at around the same time I said the name myself. It was almost slow and deliberate in the way it was done: "Dan-i-el," like it was done to get his/our attention. Needless to say that didn't make him feel too comfortable.
I started peppering it with questions in order to make sure it was interested in Daniel. "So you want Daniel to go in by himself?" "You definitely want Daniel to go in there by himself?" "You don't want me or anyone else to go in?" That sort of thing.
At the end of the day, whatever it was seemed to be interested in Daniel.
One time we asked something like "what do you think about Daniel being here?" and Tarn thought she heard "c*nt" come up.
"Oh," I just say without thinking, "so do you think Daniel is a c*nt?"
No positive or negative response came from that.
When we did have the Ghost Box on properly we heard a name we thought sounded like 'Daniel'. When we said something about it sounding like 'Daniel', the Ghost Box came out absolutely clearly with the name 'Daniel' at around the same time I said the name myself. It was almost slow and deliberate in the way it was done: "Dan-i-el," like it was done to get his/our attention. Needless to say that didn't make him feel too comfortable.
I started peppering it with questions in order to make sure it was interested in Daniel. "So you want Daniel to go in by himself?" "You definitely want Daniel to go in there by himself?" "You don't want me or anyone else to go in?" That sort of thing.
At the end of the day, whatever it was seemed to be interested in Daniel.
One time we asked something like "what do you think about Daniel being here?" and Tarn thought she heard "c*nt" come up.
"Oh," I just say without thinking, "so do you think Daniel is a c*nt?"
No positive or negative response came from that.
The view from where we were seated. The 'middle cell' Robert refers too is second from the left. The centre cell wanted to draw Daniel toward it. That particular one had Tarn's K2 in front of it and the light for that was more pale than the rest. We couldn't work out if the power was actually being drained or the batteries needed to be changed. We were trying to get Daniel to agree to go in there but he didn't like the idea of it at all and kept baulking. In the end I'm a bit "oh f*ck this" and said I'll go in there with him and he was fine with that.
We took the tape recorder with us and a Ghost Box.
I can't really remember too much about being in there, though, I do remember asking whether it wanted me to leave this particular room now we had Daniel in there and it appeared the answer was 'yes'. I barked that I wasn't going to go anywhere so it would have to get me to leave.
We were getting a bit of K2 action to almost act as answers to the questions as well. Ash and I had to duck out which gave us an excuse to have Daniel in there by himself. When we returned it was decided to go back to the kitchen to have a tea break.
We took the tape recorder with us and a Ghost Box.
I can't really remember too much about being in there, though, I do remember asking whether it wanted me to leave this particular room now we had Daniel in there and it appeared the answer was 'yes'. I barked that I wasn't going to go anywhere so it would have to get me to leave.
We were getting a bit of K2 action to almost act as answers to the questions as well. Ash and I had to duck out which gave us an excuse to have Daniel in there by himself. When we returned it was decided to go back to the kitchen to have a tea break.
The inside of the 'cell' and the wardrobe/cupboard. While we were gone we decided to leave the tape running on top of the wardrobe in the cell that wanted Daniel. The reason being we wanted to hear back whether anything happened, be it noises or voices or both. When we got back to collect the equipment there was no way Daniel was going to go back into that cell. When I grabbed the recorder to see how long it had been running for, I found the thing had switched off. Bringing it back home, I've discovered the damn thing didn't wind up recording anything at all.
Daniel was sure he turned it on.
I was sure Daniel turned it on.
We saw the lights and settings for it turning on.
This became a bit of a feature for the sections we went to. The only area I have a full tape recording of is the kitchen. I don't mind that because that was where we've got some interesting evidence which is going to be hard to explain.
I had a feeling whatever it was attempted to follow Daniel but gave up when getting no real response.
Daniel said that when he was in there by himself he felt as though someone was touching him. It was because of that there was no way he was going to go back in there.
The Drunk Tanks certainly were an interesting place to investigate and take in."
- Robert and Daniel
Daniel was sure he turned it on.
I was sure Daniel turned it on.
We saw the lights and settings for it turning on.
This became a bit of a feature for the sections we went to. The only area I have a full tape recording of is the kitchen. I don't mind that because that was where we've got some interesting evidence which is going to be hard to explain.
I had a feeling whatever it was attempted to follow Daniel but gave up when getting no real response.
Daniel said that when he was in there by himself he felt as though someone was touching him. It was because of that there was no way he was going to go back in there.
The Drunk Tanks certainly were an interesting place to investigate and take in."
- Robert and Daniel
Anyone want some 'splodge'? Prisoner daily meals for 1884! From the drunk tanks we moved to the dining area and it was here that we heard what can only be descibed as a disembodied voice. Many in the group heard it but there was some differences in opinion on what we thought it had said. For some it said 'I am still here' for others 'I am still listening'. The voice was caught on a digital voice recorder but what is being said is still to be decided upon.
For me the voice was great as previous trips have had me hear other, similar voices. These too have been caught on voice recorders but in these previous instances the voice was only picked up as a breathy moan/sigh/growl but one we knew we had heard words in... just the recorder did not seem to pick up the nuances of the sound.
For me the voice was great as previous trips have had me hear other, similar voices. These too have been caught on voice recorders but in these previous instances the voice was only picked up as a breathy moan/sigh/growl but one we knew we had heard words in... just the recorder did not seem to pick up the nuances of the sound.
Sleep and a Crappy Breakfast (For me Anyways...)
Our sleeping rooms where in the cells that branched off this block. The fire was absolutely welcome in the bitter cold! I head to bed at about 2:30 am. I used to pull all nighters at these things but now I feel a half decent sleep before a trip home is more advantageous. Still, at Gladstone Gaol, even in bed you may have yourself an experience. Fortunately for me no cell bed spooky shenanigans took place. I have a rule, well more of a want, to not have the unseen residents of a location bother me while im trying to get some shut eye.
I fall asleep to the sounds of the rain now lightly pattering on the roof and the crackling of logs in the fire place. Every now and then these background sounds are punctuated with a laugh in the distance... it is probably a few of the others up and about, continuing through the night, but in a place like this it is a little eerie.
I wake up with the sunlight filling the cell. Meg is still fast asleep and nudging her produces nothing but a grunt and a groan... much the same as any other morning really. I hear some strange conversation coming from outside my room. Something about a blue breast?
I have no idea. I may still be asleep. My legs start to work and I pull myself from the double stacked mattresses (top Gladstone Tip, double stack the mattresses if you have them available otherwise you will feel the bed boards!) The morning is cold, really cold. I pull on a bath robe (dont judge me) and my ugg boots (seriously, don't) and head out to join the others. They are seated around the fire, hot coffees in their hands, talking about the previous nights experiences.
I fall asleep to the sounds of the rain now lightly pattering on the roof and the crackling of logs in the fire place. Every now and then these background sounds are punctuated with a laugh in the distance... it is probably a few of the others up and about, continuing through the night, but in a place like this it is a little eerie.
I wake up with the sunlight filling the cell. Meg is still fast asleep and nudging her produces nothing but a grunt and a groan... much the same as any other morning really. I hear some strange conversation coming from outside my room. Something about a blue breast?
I have no idea. I may still be asleep. My legs start to work and I pull myself from the double stacked mattresses (top Gladstone Tip, double stack the mattresses if you have them available otherwise you will feel the bed boards!) The morning is cold, really cold. I pull on a bath robe (dont judge me) and my ugg boots (seriously, don't) and head out to join the others. They are seated around the fire, hot coffees in their hands, talking about the previous nights experiences.
What would you prefer for your breakfast? Half frozen banana.. or this? Yeah, thought so... After packing the car we say our goodbyes. Myself and Meg are invited to join Rebecca, Lorraine and Tarn for a hot breakfast at a not too distant cafe. I decline the offer and we make our way home. It was as I was eating a half frozen banana for my breakfast (not a good thing) that I get a image message from Tarn.
Of course it was a photo of her eggs, bacon, sausage, fried tomato and toast. I throw my half frozen joke of a breakfast out the car window...
I hope the Loch Eel likes bananas!
Of course it was a photo of her eggs, bacon, sausage, fried tomato and toast. I throw my half frozen joke of a breakfast out the car window...
I hope the Loch Eel likes bananas!
Thank You
As always it was a great stay at Gladstone Gaol. Great friends and paranormal enthusiasts were the stars of the night with the old stone buildings forming the perfect set... and the cold, rain lashed darkness didn't hurt either.
If you like the idea of spending the night in an old gaol, locked down, sleeping in the old cells, then Gladstone is most definitely for you. The accomodation rates are incredibly reasonable ($20 a night at time of writing) and the gaol is at your pleasure. Just respect the building and the items within and it will be around for generations to come.
Call Gladstone Gaol at (08) 8662 2200
If you like the idea of spending the night in an old gaol, locked down, sleeping in the old cells, then Gladstone is most definitely for you. The accomodation rates are incredibly reasonable ($20 a night at time of writing) and the gaol is at your pleasure. Just respect the building and the items within and it will be around for generations to come.
Call Gladstone Gaol at (08) 8662 2200
Please post your comments below!
Including anything you may pick up from the photos
As well as having written over 300 articles about all things paranormal, strange, dark and bizarre for The Paranormal Guide, Ashley is also the producer and director of the sites videos and The Paranormal Guide Podcast.
"Basically I love a good story and even better if it has a dark or paranormal twist!"
Find Ashley on Facebook HERE!
Ashley founded, owns and operates The Paranormal Guide.
"Basically I love a good story and even better if it has a dark or paranormal twist!"
Find Ashley on Facebook HERE!
Ashley founded, owns and operates The Paranormal Guide.
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