Halloween is my favorite time of the year. Even though I consider myself a bit too old to trick or treat I always make sure to dress up, decorate the house and have a bit of a party to celebrate the occasion. Unfortunately Halloween isn't as widely celebrated in Australia as it is in the U.S but if you look hard enough you can always find something happening near you. So basically this post will just be a list of towns/cities and the various Halloween events happening in them. I'll sort them by state to make it easier to read.
VICTORIA
Melbourne/Docklands - CADBURY SCREME EGG HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
This event is a first for the Docklands, which will temporarily be turned into the 'Darklands' and runs from October 28th to October 31st
http://www.halloween-australia.com/content/cadbury-screme-egg-halloween-spooktacular
Melbourne - CREEPSHOW 2011
CREEPSHOW returns to the Espy on October 29th with burlesque dancers, DJs and a huge lineup of bands.
http://tickets.oztix.com.au/default.aspx?Event=23035
Melbourne - THE ASTOR
THE ASTOR theatre in St Kilda will be showing a triple-feature comprised of George Romero's original Dead trilogy on October 30th. They will be screening Poltergeist and Carrie on October 31st
http://www.astor-theatre.com/
Melbourne - MELBOURNE ZOMBIE SHUFFLE
The Melbourne Zombie Shuffle is scheduled for October 30th and currently has over 8,000 people attending. Check their Facebook page for times and locations TBA.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=128185013925375
Beechworth - BEECHWORTH GHOST TOURS
BEECHWORTH GHOST TOURS will be running a special Dead Time Tour at the abandoned Mayday Hills Asylum. It is described as "a specialised and extended paranormal investigation tour for diehard paranormal fans only"
I've been on a (slightly unauthorised) night tour of this asylum and highly recommend it.
www.beechworthghosttours.com
Korumburra - HALLOWEEN AT COAL CREEK VILLAGE
A safe environment for children to trick or treat. Best costume competition, scarecrow competition, ghost train rides and much more.
http://www.coalcreekvillage.com.au/
NEW SOUTH WALES
Sydney / Luna Park - MAGIQUE HALLOWEEN CIRCUS 2011
Set on the Stages of Luna Parks Sydneys Big Top in 2011 Magique Halloween Circus will showcase Australias Best: Magicians + Grand illusion shows, Hypnotists, Pole Dancers, Burlesque Shows, Aerialists & Trapeze Acts, Fire Twirlers & Jugglers, Stilt Walkers, Unicyclists and death defying stunts, Contemporary & Acrobatic Dance Showcases, Contortionists, Sword Swallowers and much more.
http://www.magique.com.au/Magique-Halloween-Circus%20.html
Sandy Point - TRICK OR TREAT LOCATION
St George Crescent will be a great place to take children for trick or treating, which you won't really find a lot of opportunities for in Australia unfortunately.
http://www.halloween-australia.com/content/st-george-crescent-sandy-point
Sydney - HORRORS FRIGHT PARTY
An open event at the Burdekin Hotel on October 29th
http://www.halloween-australia.com/content/horrors-fright-party-burdekin-hotel
Sydney/The Rocks - GHOST TOURS
Get dressed up, visit haunted locations, win prizes and finish up at the local hotel for refreshments
http://www.ghosttours.com.au/
Darlinghurst - VAMPIRE STORIES - HALLOWEEN REBIRTH
"A dark variety spectacular that combines breathtaking performances including vocal burlesque and aerial acts, with just the right amount of kitsch and humor throughout the five sexy, risque tales of the dark"
With a five course meal served in between shows.Fancy dress encouraged.
http://www.halloween-australia.com/content/vampire-stories-halloween-rebirth
Concord - TRICK OR TREAT LOCATION
Gallipoli Street in Concord will be another kid friendly location for trick or treating on Halloween night.
http://www.halloween-australia.com/content/trick-or-treat-location-gallipoli-street-concord
Forestville - TRICK OR TREAT LOCATION
Get the kids dressed up and make your way down to Cook Street and Canons Parade. Look for houses with orange and black balloons.
http://www.halloween-australia.com/content/kids-costume-are-welcome-trick-or-treat
QUEENSLAND
Molendinar - TRICK OR TREAT LOCATION
Panache St will be another child friendly trick or treat location in Queensland.
http://www.halloween-australia.com/content/trick-or-treat-panache-st-molendinar-gold-coast
Southbank - FREE CLASSIC HORROR FILMS
The State Library of Queensland in Stanley Place, Southbank will be screening free horror films throughout the month of October including The Shining, Nosferatu the Vampyre, The Thing, The Evil Dead, Suspiria and Psycho. No bookings required.
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/calevents/general/films/halloween
Ipswich City - HALLOWEEN FUNDAY
A child friendly, Harry Potter themed day with performances, prizes and trick of treating
http://australia.shopsafe.com.au/queensland_events/ipswich_area_events/ipswich_city/halloween_funday-festivals_celebrations.htm
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Old Tailem - HALLOWEEN AT OLD TAILEM TOWN PIONEER VILLAGE
Two night tours including a ghost tour and a paranormal investigation tour.
http://www.halloween-australia.com/content/halloween-old-tailem-town-pioneer-village
Adelaide - HALLOWEEN AT ADELAIDE GAOL
Tours at the Adelaide Gaol with prizes for best costume.
http://www.halloween-australia.com/content/halloween-adelaide-gaol
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Perth - VILLA NIGHTCLUB HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA
Creepy tracks, horror movies, kooky cocktails, ghoulish games and live bands at the Villa Nightclub
http://www.villanightclub.com.au/index.php/20111027258/oh-snap-halloween-extravaganza.html
Fremantle - FREMANTLE PRISON TOURS
"There is no escape… Over three spinechilling and blood-curdling nights, there will be terror behind the Prison walls! Join our experienced tour guides and visit cells protected by the spirit of lost souls, encounter ghostly shadows, an escape-proof cell and the gallows - where 44 people were hanged!"
http://www.fremantleprison.com.au/whatson/events/halloween/Pages/default.aspx
ACT
Canberra - HALLOWEEN BLACK PARTY
Dusk til dawn Halloween party at Moosehead's Pub and Nightclub. UV lighting, giveaways, fancy dress and tricks and treats for everybody.
http://www.mooseheads.com.au/Events.html
TASMANIA
Hobart - TASPRIDE HALLOWEEN PARTY
Tasmania's biggest Halloween party for the gay, lesbian, intersex, bisexual, transgender and queer community
http://www.taspride.com/halloween2011
I haven't listed every event, and in fact you can browse more at HalloweenAustralia.com
I'll add more events if I can find them.
Also make sure to check your local area for events. Nightclubs usually have special Halloween events, and if you have any places where ghost tours are conducted they usually have Halloween specials as well.
Or you can always hold your own Halloween party :D
I didn't realize that you were Australian. I am, too! Well done compiling this list. I never would have guessed there was this much on. Apparently there's even a zombie walk happening in Melbourne on October 30th.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Halloween is beginning to take off here, but it'll still be takeaway and horror movies for me on the night. I am excited that Coles have Halloween pumpkins available for $4.00 this year. Last year my pumpkin cost $17.00... and that was on sale!!!
Oh you're from Melbourne? I used to live there years ago, my fiance and I are thinking about moving back down that way soon. Wow pumpkins for $4.00? I'm pretty sure I bought one last year for about $12.00. I'll have to go grab a few this year definitely. I really had no idea there were this many Halloween events here either.
ReplyDeleteI went to the US last year in September and they were already getting into the Halloween spirit, it was amazing. I'm going to try and make it to The Astor for the Dead trilogy, but if I don't it's always good just to have a few friends over and watch movies.
Thanks for the heads up on that Melbourne Zombie Shuffle, I'll add it to the list. :D
ReplyDeleteSorry guys but the pumpkins are $4 a kg.So it will still cost you up to $20.
ReplyDeleteSo good to see Halloween is really picking up here especially in Sydney.
It's lot's of fun for young and old.
Thanks for the listing!
Luna Park (Sydney) has a few events as well.
ReplyDeleteOh no! $4.00 a kg?!! I haven't bought one yet, but our Coles just has a big sign saying "$4.00". Damn... premature pumpkin rejoicing. Thanks for the heads-up, Anonymous!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I saw that sign at Coles too. Didn't realize it was $4 per kilo. Damn, well I might only get one this year then. Thanks for the Sydney info, I'll check it out and add it to the list.
ReplyDeleteNo worries! They do mark them down a few days before Halloween.
ReplyDeleteSome great events on this year.
We have an annual party,
I can't wait to decorate the front lawn.