Are These Australia’s Creepiest Towns? Why Travelers Are Warning You to Stay Away
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Australia is a land of sunburnt beauty, friendly faces, and endless adventure—but even in our wide brown land, there are places that send a shiver down the spine. While most of us are drawn to the coastlines, bustling cities, and outback wonders, some towns have earned a reputation for being downright creepy. Whether it’s a tragic history, eerie silence, or just a feeling you can’t shake, these places have left travellers and locals alike with goosebumps—and a strong desire never to return.
So, what is it about these towns that makes them so unsettling? Is it the abandoned buildings, the tragic tales, or something more intangible? Let’s take a closer look at some of Australia’s most notorious 'creepy' towns, as voted by those who’ve dared to visit—and lived to tell the tale.
Queenstown, Tasmania: The Ghost of a Mining Past
Once a bustling mining hub on Tasmania’s wild West Coast, Queenstown now feels more like a set from a post-apocalyptic film than a thriving community. The hills are stripped bare from decades of mining, leaving behind a stark, lunar landscape. One traveller described the drive into town as 'like being in a crater on the moon,' with the colours drained from the world.
The town’s economic decline has left many homes empty, and those who remain often do so out of necessity rather than choice. Houses have been known to sell for as little as $80,000—a bargain, perhaps, but at what cost? Some former residents have spoken of feeling physically ill while living there, and even local doctors have warned newcomers: 'This place is going to destroy you.' It’s no wonder Queenstown tops the list for many as Australia’s eeriest town.
Aberdeen, NSW: Shadows of the Past
Aberdeen might look like your typical country town, but visitors often report a sense of deep unease. The streets feel empty, the atmosphere heavy. Some say it’s the abandoned abattoir that adds to the gloom, but others point to the town’s dark history. Aberdeen was the childhood home of Katherine Knight, infamous for one of Australia’s most gruesome murders in 2000. Locals joke—perhaps a little too seriously—that the town is full of 'either suicidal or homicidal' people. Whether it’s the history or just the vibe, Aberdeen leaves a lasting impression—and not a pleasant one.
Belanglo State Forest, NSW: The Forest of Nightmares
If you’re a true crime buff, you’ll know Belanglo State Forest as the site of the infamous backpacker murders committed by Ivan Milat in the 1990s. The forest’s reputation hasn’t improved with time; in 2010, it was the scene of another grisly murder. Visitors report an unnatural silence—no birds, no wind, just an oppressive stillness. One motorcyclist described it as if 'the whole forest was waiting with bated breath to see if you were foolish enough to enter.' Even in daylight, Belanglo is not for the faint-hearted.
Port Arthur, Tasmania: Haunted by History
Port Arthur is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, but beneath the surface lies a history of suffering and tragedy. Once a brutal penal colony, its ruins are said to be haunted by the ghosts of convicts and guards alike. The 1996 mass shooting, which claimed 35 lives, still casts a long shadow over the site. Ghost tours are a popular attraction, but many visitors report genuinely chilling experiences—unexplained noises, sudden cold spots, and a feeling of being watched. As one visitor put it, 'It’s like pushing through water—the air is just heavy with sadness.'
Gympie, Queensland: Folklore and Fear
Gympie might not have the same tragic history as some of the other towns on this list, but it’s no less unsettling for some. Locals share stories of debts settled in violent ways, and the town’s atmosphere reportedly changes after dark. By day, it’s a sleepy regional centre; by night, it’s a place where old stories and urban legends come to life. Is it just folklore, or is there something more to Gympie’s reputation?
Tennant Creek, Northern Territory: Remote and Restless
Tennant Creek sits in the heart of the Northern Territory, far from the comforts of city life. In the late 1990s, it made headlines for violence and unrest, and some say the town has never really shaken off that reputation. Travellers passing through at night have reported feeling an immediate sense of danger—security grilles on every window, and an atmosphere that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. For many, Tennant Creek is a place best left in the rearview mirror.
Why Do These Places Feel So Unsettling?
It’s easy to dismiss these stories as urban legends or the overactive imaginations of travellers, but there’s often a kernel of truth at the heart of every tale. Many of these towns have histories marked by hardship, violence, or tragedy. Abandoned buildings, empty streets, and a lack of community spirit can all contribute to a sense of unease. Sometimes, it’s just the isolation—being far from help, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, can make even the bravest soul feel vulnerable.
But perhaps the real reason these places feel so creepy is that they remind us of the darker side of human nature. They’re a stark contrast to the sun-drenched beaches and friendly towns we usually associate with Australia. They’re a reminder that, even in paradise, shadows can linger.
Should You Visit?
If you’re a fan of ghost stories, true crime, or just love a good shiver down your spine, these towns might be worth a visit—during daylight hours, at least! Many of them have fascinating histories and are home to resilient communities who’ve weathered more than their fair share of storms. But if you’re easily spooked, you might want to stick to the well-trodden tourist trails.
Have you ever visited a town that gave you the creeps? Do you think these reputations are deserved, or are they just the stuff of legend? We’d love to hear your stories—share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! And if you have a 'creepy town' to add to the list, let us know. Who knows—maybe your tale will be the next to send a shiver down someone’s spine!
Read more: 'We need help': Is this getaway destination disappearing soon?
So, what is it about these towns that makes them so unsettling? Is it the abandoned buildings, the tragic tales, or something more intangible? Let’s take a closer look at some of Australia’s most notorious 'creepy' towns, as voted by those who’ve dared to visit—and lived to tell the tale.
Queenstown, Tasmania: The Ghost of a Mining Past
Australian towns and sites have been dubbed the 'creepiest' by travellers and locals, with chilling encounters shared and warnings issued to avoid them. Credit: Wikipedia
Once a bustling mining hub on Tasmania’s wild West Coast, Queenstown now feels more like a set from a post-apocalyptic film than a thriving community. The hills are stripped bare from decades of mining, leaving behind a stark, lunar landscape. One traveller described the drive into town as 'like being in a crater on the moon,' with the colours drained from the world.
The town’s economic decline has left many homes empty, and those who remain often do so out of necessity rather than choice. Houses have been known to sell for as little as $80,000—a bargain, perhaps, but at what cost? Some former residents have spoken of feeling physically ill while living there, and even local doctors have warned newcomers: 'This place is going to destroy you.' It’s no wonder Queenstown tops the list for many as Australia’s eeriest town.
Aberdeen, NSW: Shadows of the Past
Aberdeen might look like your typical country town, but visitors often report a sense of deep unease. The streets feel empty, the atmosphere heavy. Some say it’s the abandoned abattoir that adds to the gloom, but others point to the town’s dark history. Aberdeen was the childhood home of Katherine Knight, infamous for one of Australia’s most gruesome murders in 2000. Locals joke—perhaps a little too seriously—that the town is full of 'either suicidal or homicidal' people. Whether it’s the history or just the vibe, Aberdeen leaves a lasting impression—and not a pleasant one.
Belanglo State Forest, NSW: The Forest of Nightmares
If you’re a true crime buff, you’ll know Belanglo State Forest as the site of the infamous backpacker murders committed by Ivan Milat in the 1990s. The forest’s reputation hasn’t improved with time; in 2010, it was the scene of another grisly murder. Visitors report an unnatural silence—no birds, no wind, just an oppressive stillness. One motorcyclist described it as if 'the whole forest was waiting with bated breath to see if you were foolish enough to enter.' Even in daylight, Belanglo is not for the faint-hearted.
Port Arthur, Tasmania: Haunted by History
Port Arthur is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, but beneath the surface lies a history of suffering and tragedy. Once a brutal penal colony, its ruins are said to be haunted by the ghosts of convicts and guards alike. The 1996 mass shooting, which claimed 35 lives, still casts a long shadow over the site. Ghost tours are a popular attraction, but many visitors report genuinely chilling experiences—unexplained noises, sudden cold spots, and a feeling of being watched. As one visitor put it, 'It’s like pushing through water—the air is just heavy with sadness.'
Gympie, Queensland: Folklore and Fear
Gympie might not have the same tragic history as some of the other towns on this list, but it’s no less unsettling for some. Locals share stories of debts settled in violent ways, and the town’s atmosphere reportedly changes after dark. By day, it’s a sleepy regional centre; by night, it’s a place where old stories and urban legends come to life. Is it just folklore, or is there something more to Gympie’s reputation?
Tennant Creek, Northern Territory: Remote and Restless
Tennant Creek sits in the heart of the Northern Territory, far from the comforts of city life. In the late 1990s, it made headlines for violence and unrest, and some say the town has never really shaken off that reputation. Travellers passing through at night have reported feeling an immediate sense of danger—security grilles on every window, and an atmosphere that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. For many, Tennant Creek is a place best left in the rearview mirror.
Why Do These Places Feel So Unsettling?
It’s easy to dismiss these stories as urban legends or the overactive imaginations of travellers, but there’s often a kernel of truth at the heart of every tale. Many of these towns have histories marked by hardship, violence, or tragedy. Abandoned buildings, empty streets, and a lack of community spirit can all contribute to a sense of unease. Sometimes, it’s just the isolation—being far from help, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, can make even the bravest soul feel vulnerable.
But perhaps the real reason these places feel so creepy is that they remind us of the darker side of human nature. They’re a stark contrast to the sun-drenched beaches and friendly towns we usually associate with Australia. They’re a reminder that, even in paradise, shadows can linger.
Should You Visit?
If you’re a fan of ghost stories, true crime, or just love a good shiver down your spine, these towns might be worth a visit—during daylight hours, at least! Many of them have fascinating histories and are home to resilient communities who’ve weathered more than their fair share of storms. But if you’re easily spooked, you might want to stick to the well-trodden tourist trails.
Read more: 'We need help': Is this getaway destination disappearing soon?
