intouch Magazine

Sep 12, 2023

Spooky Season Arrives at Maitland Gaol with More Halloween Ghost Hunting Experiences

Shaina Craig and Daisy Hawksworth from Maitland Gaol are gearing up for Halloween.

Prepare to see strange goings on and hear things going bump in the night! This October, Maitland Gaol is channelling its scary side with a bumper series of paranormal events that explore the former maximum security facility’s haunted history and spine tingling stories.


Thought to be one of the Hunter’s most haunted sites, Maitland Gaol will get into the spirit of the spooky season by putting on more ghost hunting and paranormal investigation evenings than ever before.

Maitland Gaol Visitor Experience Lead Shaina Craig said the Gaol’s ‘paranormal activities were always popular.

‘There’s nothing quite like exploring the Gaol’s storied cells and hallowed halls by torchlight,’ she said. ‘Whether you’re a self proclaimed expert in the occult or a bit of a scaredy cat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.’

Ghost Hunting 101 is a fun introduction to ghostly goings on, with a vigil, spirit box, K2 meters and more.

‘And for those who are serious about the really scary stuff, The Residence is a premium experience that takes visitors inside one of the Gaol’s more active paranormal sites – the former Lt Governor’s residence – and uses more advanced techniques to commune with souls in the great beyond,’ Ms Craig said.

‘Hardened hunters can even pair both experiences together on the scariest night in the run up to Halloween – Friday the 13th – during our special double header evening.’

But that’s not all, Maitland Gaol is also catering to little ones looking to get that quintessential Halloween trick or treat experience, with parents and children invited to Snitch’s Spooky Halloween Spectacular from 5.00pm to 9.00pm on Tuesday 31 October.

This is a family friendly event where kids can explore the Gaol through a themed trick or treat scavenger hunt, get stuck into arts and crafts, take cell selfies and enjoy a monster mash disco.

‘Little goblins and ghouls can dress up, use the clues to complete the scavenger hunt and solve some riddles, and pick up plenty of sweet treats along the way,’ Ms Craig said.

  • Ghost Hunting 101 (ages 15 and up) – 6, 13, 14, 20, 27 and 31 October. Tickets are $55 per person.

  • The Residence (adults only) – 7, 13 and 21 October. Tickets from $100 per person.

  • Snitch’s Spooky Halloween Spectacular – 31 October. Adult and child packages from $20.

For more information and to book a ghastly and ghoulish experience at Maitland Gaol this Halloween, visit www.maitlandgaol.com.au/whats-on