Did you know that Port Adelaide was once nicknamed ‘Port Misery’ and that its past is marred with stories of murder and mayhem? This Fringe season why not try something new and explore the dark side of one of Adelaide’s oldest suburbs with the Port Adelaide Ghost Crime Tour.
Part guided history tour; part ghost hunt this two-hour walking tour explores the fascinating histories behind the suburb's most iconic buildings, allowing participants to visit haunted sites and – if you are really lucky – make contact with the spirits of those who remain.
It was a balmy Saturday night as my guest and I wove our way through the noise and crowds of the Port Fringe Street Party to meet with our tour guide Joanne and her assistant Karen. Unperturbed by the noise around us Joanne led us across the street to our first location where we learned about the port's humble beginnings as nearly uninhabitable swamp land. From there we weaved through the streets of Port Adelaide, tracking its rise as an established colony and uncovering the many humorous, dark and disturbing stories about the people who lived there and the places they called home.
What happened to the young Chinese sailor whose body was found floating in the river? Who murdered the Russian sailor who dared sneak away from his ship? You’ll have to take the tour to find out. While you are there hear the morbid story of the mayor who held office for just three weeks, learn the hilarious origins of the original Port Adelaide Police Station, discover why many of the port's residents get that sinking feeling and find out about the well intentioned government incentive which led to Port Adelaide’s death rate rising to three times the national average.
Unlike many other historical tours (whose itineraries are often rigidly structured) the Port Adelaide Ghost Crime Tour is very relaxed and guide Joanne is a friendly, welcoming woman who clearly loves what she does. Armed with historical photographs, a fantastic sense of humor and an impressive knowledge of the Port, she led us on a leisurely stroll through the suburb, answering questions, pointing out landmarks and paranormal hotspots and even giving advice on how to improve your chances of capturing evidence of paranormal activity. The time seemed to fly by and before I knew it we had reached our final destination – The Port Dock Brewery Hotel. It was here in the hot, claustrophobic darkness of the hotels underground basement and tunnel system that we got to try our luck as paranormal investigators, using tools such as EMF readers and spirit boxes to attempt to make contact with the hotel’s resident ghosts. I was just one of a handful of people in the group who were willing to use the devices and while I didn’t succeed in making direct contact with the spirits I did have a rather exciting (and seemingly inexplicable) experience in the darkness of the tunnels.
Whether you believe in the paranormal or are just a history buff the Port Adelaide Ghost Crime Tour will enthrall and entertain. Comfortable shoes are a must as there is plenty of walking involved and it is worth packing your camera and voice recorders as you may well capture something completely unexpected.
