Step into Brisbane's darker past with a 2-hour walking tour through South Brisbane Cemetery. Discover stories of notorious criminals and local legends in an atmospheric setting that’s been part of the city since 1866.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Light walking; suitable for most fitness levels
Wildlife
History
The cemetery was established in 1866, serving as Brisbane's primary burial site during the city’s early growth period.
Conservation
The site is actively maintained with efforts to preserve its historical integrity and manage visitor impact.
Historic Australia
Step into Brisbane's darker past with a 2-hour walking tour through South Brisbane Cemetery. Discover stories of notorious criminals and local legends in an atmospheric setting that’s been part of the city since 1866.
Historic Australia operates from Brisbane City, Queensland, offering guided walking tours that explore the region’s haunted sites, true crime history, gold rush heritage and local landmarks.
The business presents a wide range of experiences across Brisbane and regional locations including Lutwyche Cemetery, Toowong Cemetery, South Brisbane (Dutton Park) Cemetery, Goodna Cemetery, Ipswich Cemetery, and Charters Towers. Tours vary from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours and include specialist options such as the Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour - The Original, Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour - The Other Side, South Brisbane Cemetery Ghost and Boggo Road Jail crime tours, Haunted Brisbane and Ipswich CBD walks, and Charters Towers history and cemetery tours.
Guided by experienced storytellers, many tours emphasize historical research and on-site interpretation. Several cemetery tours request participants bring a torch; the South Brisbane tour is led by lantern light and provides a complimentary book. Some experiences pair historical storytelling with hands-on activities, for example the Venus Gold Battery experience and gold panning sessions at Venus Gold Battery.
Historic Australia offers both ghost and crime-focused walks, alongside history tours that examine gold rush heritage and notable local figures. Group sizes are intentionally limited on selected tours to maintain an intimate atmosphere and enhance safety on walking routes. Booking information, specific meeting points, accessibility details and exact durations are provided per experience at time of reservation.
Offerings also cover Ipswich Cemetery, Haunted Ipswich CBD, Goodna and Nundah cemeteries, bundled multi-tour events and seasonal scheduling with flexible dates and public holidays.
Location
Brisbane City, QLD
Base for many tours
Tours Offered
19
Ghost, crime, history and gold tours
Guides
Experienced storytellers
Guided walking tours
Tour Lengths
1–2 hours
Typical tour durations
Select dates, choose a guided experience, and reserve a spot on Lutwyche, Toowong, Ipswich, Goodna or Charters Towers tours.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour involves a walk around uneven cemetery grounds, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
Bring a flashlight
Optional but helpful for better visibility in shaded areas and during evening tours.
Arrive early
Get ready and settle in a few minutes before the tour begins.
Be respectful
Remember that you’re entering a historic cemetery; maintain a respectful attitude toward the site and visitors.
Comfortable walking shoes
Needed for a comfortable walk over uneven terrain.
Notebook or camera
Capture photos or jot down interesting stories.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during the walk.
Compact flashlight
Useful if the tour extends into dusk or for better visibility.