Altona Homestead Ghost Tour: A Lantern-Lit Night of Chills and Curiosity
History, mystery, and more than a few goosebumps — this westside ghost tour might just give you something to talk about over tea.
If you’ve ever wandered past Altona Homestead at night and felt a chill that wasn’t just the sea breeze, you’re not alone. This unassuming bluestone building, right near the beach in Logan Reserve, is the setting for one of the west’s most intriguing after-dark experiences — and yes, it involves a lantern, a ghost or two, and more than a few shivers.
We sent Seniors in Melbourne contributor Dimi along with two friends to check it out. Here’s what she had to say…
Lantern Ghost Tours Melbourne
A night out in Altona — dinner, ghost stories, and great company
“We made time for a warm dinner at a local Altona restaurant before the tour, and it didn’t disappoint! It’s an easy spot to get to — just over the West Gate Bridge, and there’s free parking right beside the Homestead.”
– Dimi
Once fed and rugged up (gloves, scarves and beanies highly recommended), the trio meet their guide, Timea, outside the homestead’s beach-facing door. Lantern in hand, Timea introduces the group to the site’s history and what to expect during the tour.
Related reading: Old Melbourne Ghost Tour: Discover the City’s Haunted Past
“She took us on a walk around the nearby park and local streets, stopping to share stories of apparitions, eerie sightings, and some fascinating — and tragic — moments in Altona’s past,” says Dimi.
“One of the most surprising stories? A sanatorium for infectious diseases called Cut Paw Paw, established back in 1882. I’d never heard of it!”
The walking portion is mostly flat, with no stairs, and the whole tour runs for around 90 minutes. Dimi recommends wearing comfortable walking shoes and being on time — and don’t be surprised if a few costumed kids turn up in ghostly makeup for the fun of it.
Into the homestead: history, hauntings, and paranormal tools
After their outdoor wander, the group returns to the warmth of the homestead — and the ghostly tales don’t let up.
Inside, Timea shares the story of Alfred and Sarah Langhorne, who built the homestead in 1842.
Tragedy seemed to follow the family and their staff, and over the years many visitors have reported unexplained happenings — from footsteps to flickering lights to furniture moving of its own accord!
“We were introduced to actual paranormal equipment that we could use while walking around the rooms,” Dimi says. “Timea kept the lights on mostly, but gave us a heads up if she turned them off. We all wandered around asking questions and hoping for a response… I’d say everyone was very curious, not afraid at all!”
From eerie nursery tales to cold spots in the dining room, it’s a tour full of atmosphere — but Dimi said what stood out most was the fun, inclusive vibe.
“Young and old had a great time together. We learnt so much about Altona’s history! Timea was knowledgeable, made it fun, and her passion for what she does is very obvious. We’d absolutely recommend the Lantern Tours of Altona Homestead — actually, I’m eager to do more!”
Plan Your Visit
Altona Homestead Ghost Tour
Where: Logan Reserve, Altona (just over the West Gate)
Getting there: Free parking nearby, or take the Werribee line to Altona Station (5 min walk)
Duration: ~90 minutes
Accessibility: No stairs, mostly flat, standing during outdoor talks
When: Evenings from 8.30 pm — check Lantern Ghost Tours for dates and bookings
Tip: Dress warmly! And bring your sense of humour — and curiosity.
Make a Night of It: Dinner Before the Ghosts
Before the tour, Dimi and her friends stopped for dinner at Forestta Italian on Pier Street — and it was the perfect way to start the evening.
“Warm, welcoming, and just a short stroll from the homestead,” Dimi said. “We had a lovely meal before rugging up for the tour. Highly recommend!”
If you’re planning to make a night of it, here are a few local spots worth checking out:
- Forestta Italian – Cosy and classic, with woodfired pizzas and hearty pastas
- Stella Pizza Cafe – Casual and friendly, great for a quick bite before your tour
- Pier 71 Bar e Cucina – Modern Italian with great mains and cocktails
- Hopheads Altona – A relaxed craft beer bar with rotating brews and share plates
- Spice Yard – Indian fusion favourites in a stylish setting
- Altona Sports Club – A little further away, but a good option if you’re after a bistro-style meal with bay views and easy parking
Tip: Book an early dinner (ghost tour starts at 8.30pm) so you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy your meal and stroll (or drive) to the meeting point at the homestead in Logan Reserve.
More from Lantern Ghost Tours
If Altona whets your appetite for the eerie, Lantern Ghost Tours also run:
- Old Melbourne Ghost Tour (Melbourne CBD)
- Ghosts of the Old City (Williamstown)
- Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour (Bacchus Marsh)
Whether you’re in it for the history or hoping to spot something from the other side, these tours are a great group activity — and a fun way to see a side of Melbourne you won’t find in the guidebooks.
Do it, we say — you won’t be disappointed!
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The Seniors in Melbourne team were hosted as guests of Lantern Ghost Tours. All opinions are the writer’s own.
