WA’s ‘haunted’ Homestead becomes too spooky for guests

This homestead in Western Australia has had to drop it’s spooky status because it was freaking out its guests.

While tales of enraged spirits and lost souls were once a major drawcard for the Oakabella Homestead, the owners are now trying to rebrand the historical attraction because it’s scaring visitors away.

giphy (6)

Once known as the most haunted building in Western Australia, the homestead is famous for several deaths including that of a worker who accidentally shot himself and the death of a three-year-old child, reports the ABC.

Current owners, Belinda Turner and Brian Snelson are now focusing on the rich history of the homestead, which was built in 1851, 10 years before it’s closest neighbouring town.

“Not everyone is into ghosts and that was definitely portrayed in the Facebook comments,” Turner told the ABC.

“People will not come here if they think it is haunted so that is why we are bringing it back to the history.”

According to the ABC, the City of Greater Geraldton’s economic development officer Hanjie Davis, haunted buildings are a major “turn-off” for Chinese tourists.

“I am Chinese and I have lived in Australia but if you tell me that this place is the most haunted estate then I would be scared,” she told the ABC.

The Midwest region where the homestead is located is very popular for Chinese tourists, with major natural draw cards like Port Gregory Pink Lakes and the Abrolhos islands.

“A lot of people think they have so much to offer but without knowing and understanding Chinese culture it is very difficult to find what appeals to the Chinese people,” Davis said.

“The Chinese, we believe are more interested in learning about our country,” said Turner.

“They want to know how the original people ate, how they cooked their food and we want to go down the line of showing them good old Aussie tradition.”

Though there will still be the occasional night tour of the Homestead for those interested in the personal lives of ghosts, Snelson told the ABC the main focus will be on heritage tours, stargazing nights and traditional high teas.

Advertise with us

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

ghost ghost tour haunted Oakabella Homestead Western Australia