Lantern Ghost Tours — Local services in Melbourne

The reason I have given 3 stars is because on the 2 tours we attended we had very different experiences. Because people have different tastes, they may well be equally popular. The first tour we did was of Altona Homestead. It was run by a lass whose name escapes me, but she was brilliant. She had a depth of understanding of the history of the place, combined with an ability to tell a story that was very impressive. She took us on a walk around the area as well, before leaving us to explore the place and take photos etc. We were very impressed. Our second experience could not have been more different. Based on our first experience, and on my personal professional knowledge of Ararat's J-Ward, I booked the Lantern tour. During the introduction when our 2 hosts informed the group that "if we wanted a history tour, we'd come to the wrong place" my anticipation started to diminish. When he asked the group "What do we want?" and they responded "ghosts!" it diminished a bit further. When they started handing out EM radiation detectors, apparently confusing Hollywood movies with hard science, I started looking for the exit. I must say that there were people in the group who enjoyed this tour, but I would rather have stayed at home and stuck knitting needles in my eyes whilst re-arranging my sock drawer. So I suppose that people who, like me, enjoyed the first tour I mentioned would not have liked the J-ward tour. Conversely, however, people who enjoyed J-ward may still have enjoyed Altona because the hostess did hand out "detection" equipment - she just did it in a more low-key,...

Disappointing and Unprofessional Experience

We attended the Altona Homestead Ghost Tour and Investigation, and unfortunately, it was utterly disappointing. Our tour guide, Timea, rushed through the history of the location, providing only a brief rundown before leaving us to conduct a self-guided investigation—without any real instruction on how to use the equipment properly.

The group size was far too large, making it nearly impossible to immerse ourselves in the experience. People were loud, and the sound of shoes stomping on the floorboards completely disrupted any chance of hearing or sensing anything paranormal. To make matters worse, the house wasn’t even dark, as the bright outside lights flooded the space, eliminating any eerie atmosphere.

Timea seemed more interested in someone's questionable ghost photo than in providing a meaningful experience. But the biggest disappointment came at the end of the night when my dad—who is an actual Medium—had a real encounter. Instead of acknowledging it, Timea ignored him and talked over us as we tried to share what had happened with the group. Her complete lack of interest was frustrating and unprofessional.

I regret spending $324 for four people on this tour. It was not worth the money, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone looking for a genuine paranormal...

We (group of 5) did the J Ward lunatic asylum night tour (not the overnight one!) last night. Fantastic and informative! Great fun and well explained. Good pace - enough time to go into several rooms and areas on your own. Photos and video welcome, just not of the actual tour, understandably. There are two energy detectors and a spirit box to be used and shared around (although last night people tended to just hang onto them - I was given the energy reader but couldn't hold it and take photos at the same time - lol). Our spirit box chatted constantly through the night - was a bit difficult to make our partly because of the acoustics and people talking at the same time. I'm more if a sceptic nowadays, but - unless the equipment was rigged - something seemed to be detected all night long! Our guides were great - willing to take questions and giving advice without being too pushy or trying to convince of us anything. Nothing theatrical. Great to learn about the history of the 'patients'/prisoners. Group is hit and miss - depends on who comes. Finished after 12am, so late night. Consider staying in Ararat....