REDLANDS’ haunted past is stepping back into the spotlight with small business owner Jack Sim relaunching his Redlands Ghost Tours after COVID-19 brought operations to a halt.
Sim, owner and director of Ghost Tours Australia, is reigniting interest in the region’s rich and mysterious history with the return of two immersive experiences: the Haunted Redlands Ghost Bus Tour & Dinner at the Grand View Hotel and Ormiston House After Dark.
Both events are set to launch in late February and early March this year.
The revival comes amid growing local appetite for stories of historic hauntings, legends and myths woven through the Redlands region.
Local guide, actress and storyteller Sarah Speller — the face of the Redlands Ghost Tours — said preserving and sharing local history is central to the experience.
“It’s about recognising the pioneers of the past… It’s the backbone of what makes a community,” she said.
The tours aim to inspire inquisitive locals to explore the layered history of their surroundings while attracting visitors to the bayside region.
Beyond storytelling, the initiative is designed to support local businesses and aligns closely with Redlands City Council’s Events Strategy 2024–2029.
“On the Haunted Redlands Ghost Bus Tour and Dinner at the Grand View Hotel, we will meet at the hotel and visit various locations around the Redlands coast region, hear stories at those locations before ending up back at the hotel to have a lovely dinner in the recently renovated landmark Hotel,” Sim said.
Drawing on extensive firsthand research, Sim has spent years collecting stories from those connected to some of the region’s most iconic historic sites.
“In all, I have interviewed about 40 people who worked at historic places like the Old Courthouse Restaurant, the Grand View Hotel, Whepstead Manor, Ormiston House or lived in or around Spook Hil,” he said.
“The stories that we are sharing on the tours come from local people or people who visited the Redlands.
“Some of the stories go back as far as the 1950s and even earlier.”
Ghost Tours Australia is a long-established operator in historic tourism, also running popular tours in Brisbane, Toowong Cemetery, Ipswich and Charters Towers.
Those interested in supporting the small business and uncovering the haunted history of Redlands can call 0401 666 441, email bookings@historicaustralia.com.au, or visit https://ghosttoursaustralia.com.au/redlands-ghost-tours/
