Ghosts & Hauntings

'Haunted' homestead is scaring away tourists

By T.K. Randall
May 3, 2018 ·  3 comments

A haunted reputation can sometimes deter, rather than attract tourists. Image Credit: sxc.hu Built back in 1851 around a decade before its closest neighboring town, the historic homestead has over the years become synonymous with tales of lost souls and angry spirits.

Now though, new owners Belinda Turner and Brian Snelson are trying to shake the building's association with the paranormal because they fear it is scaring away tourists.

Their goal is to re-establish the homestead as a place of historical interest while also offering activities such as camping and stargazing in place of paranormal investigation.

"There are some articles we have read online and it is quite interesting to read the feedback," said Turner. "Not everyone is into ghosts and that was definitely portrayed in the Facebook comments.""People will not come here if they think it is haunted."

The biggest problem with the homestead's haunted reputation is that Chinese tourists, who have been flocking to Australia in record numbers, are uncomfortable visiting places associated with ghosts.

"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," said City of Greater Geraldton economic development officer Hanjie Davis.

"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."

Source: ABC.net.au | Comments (3)

Tags: Haunting, Oakabella