Australia’s Most Haunted House - Monte Cristo Homestead

If you like the adrenaline shock of a good fright or enjoy delving into the paranormal, then a trip to the most haunted house in Australia, the Monte Cristo Homestead in Junee might be one for your bucket list.

Most Haunted Places in Australia – Monte Cristo Homestead

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Touted to be Australia’s most haunted house, Monte Cristo Homestead in Junee has quite the reputation for turning even the biggest sceptics into quivering messes. Want to visit?

The History of the Monte Cristo Homestead in Junee

Established in 1885 by Christopher William Crawley the Monte Cristo Homestead has endured quite a horrific history including stories of infidelity, suicide, murder and more!

Built in the Victorian style, the Monte Cristo Homestead was built on a hill overlooking the township of Junee. It was a symbol of Christopher Crawley’s success. It should be noted that Christopher fathered 10 children with his wife Elizabeth, and it is said a further 10 with various maids in the Monte Cristo home. Who could imagine that Monte Cristo would become Australia’s Most Haunted House?

When Christopher Crawley died in late 1910, his wife Elizabeth Crawley became overwhelmed and locked herself inside the house. She converted the attic into a small chapel where she spent most of her time, leaving the house only twice in the 23 years between Christopher’s death and her own in 1933.

The last members of the Crawley Family left the house in 1948 and it was left to deteriorate until it was purchased in 1963 by Reginald and Olive Ryan.

The Ghosts That Haunt Monte Cristo Homestead

The Monte Cristo Homestead is said to have over 10 ghosts haunting its rooms and grounds, many of them are said to be Crawley family members.

A maid, reputedly pregnant with Christopher Crawley, is said to have jumped from the balcony to her death. Her ghost is said to haunt the veranda and a ghostly blood stain has been said to mark the spot of her impact.

Harold was the son of another young maid. He was hit by a coach on the Monte Cristo site and sustained horrific head injuries. He was chained to the coach house and could be heard screaming from the township below. Eventually, Harold was placed in an asylum when he died. His chains can be heard by visitors to the coach house.

A second ghost haunts the coach house, a young apprentice by the name of Morris. Morris became unwell and rather than attending to his duties, remained in bed. His master decided to teach him a lesson and set his straw mattress on fire expecting that Morris would jump up. Unfortunately, Morris was too unwell and was burned alive. Visitors can often hear his screams from the coach house.

Ethel, Christopher Crawley’s infant granddaughter, was said to have died in 1917 when her nursemaid (reporting that she was pushed by an invisible force) dropped her down the stairs. It said that children visiting the Monte Cristo Homestead become irritable when climbing the stairs. Adult visitors report feeling hands pushing them in the back around this area, or even dripping their hands.

Both Christopher and Elizabeth are also said to haunt the most haunted house in Australia.

Strange Lights and Orbs at Monte Cristo Homestead

Along with the ghosts of Monte Cristo Homestead, lights, orbs, weird mists and whispers are often noted by visitors. Some visitors even report becoming overwhelmed with nausea or sadness when on site.

Oh, and then there’s also the strange things that happen to animals on site!

Touring the Monte Cristo Homestead

The Monte Cristo Homestead is open for tours on Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday, and every day of the NSW School Holidays, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. No bookings are required. A family ticket is currently $45.00.

Ghost tours run every Saturday from 6.00 pm and require a booking.

Before you visit, make sure to listen to The daredevil of Monte Cristo on Conversations with Richard Fidler.