Add CategoryNot afraid of ghosts? Then buying a home in Australia’s most haunted town surely won’t have you spooked.
Located just over an hour’s drive north of Adelaide, Kapunda frequently comes up in google searches as being Australia’s most haunted town – partially because of a paranormal documentary by Warwick Moss, which saw hundreds of ghost-hunters rush to the ruins of St John’s Reformatory.
The reformatory was used for orphan girls from 1897 until 1909, when it was left to fall into ruin.
It is said that many of the girls tried to escape, but unfortunately two dorms were turned into virtual cells.
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The story goes that a girl called Ruby Bland, who was 18 and pregnant, died under suspicious circumstances and her ghost now haunts the cemetery, looking for her baby.
Meanwhile, Rev Martin – the head of the reformatory – was reportedly mentally unstable and unsupervised by his superiors.
The doco was based on a story that in 1980, 15 students from Kapunda saw a marble slab move back from one the graves at the cemetery, and then a semitransparent girl carrying a hurricane lantern that had a yellowish glow moving through the cemetery.
People have also since described the feeling of being watched while taking photos in the cemetery.
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![14/02/2002 PIRATE: D/I
SA woman Ruby Bland, who died in 1909 in Kapunda. A TV program claimed her ghost haunted the St John's Reformatory ruins. johns historical](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 800 450"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
An image of Ruby Bland, who died in 1909 in Kapunda. A TV program claimed her ghost haunts the St John's Reformatory ruins.
It also wasn’t long after the doco aired that the reformatory was demolished by the Catholic Church, citing safety concerns. It is now the cemetery that’s reputedly haunted.
But the town’s spooky tales don’t stop here.
First opened in 1849, The North Kapunda Hotel, which starred on the international hit television show ‘Haunting: Australia’ some years ago, has played an important part in the town’s history which, no doubt, contributed to the many reports of paranormal activity within the pub.
The North Kapunda Hotel is said to be a hotspot for ghosts. Picture Dean Martin
Legend has it that two young girls haunt the upstairs former accommodation rooms.
One of these girls, Emily, is commonly seen sitting on a windowsill of a room overlooking the pub’s courtyard, while seven-year old Sarah has her own room upstairs.
While not much is known about Emily’s death, Sarah is rumoured to have been pushed off the pub’s balcony and she saw her saw her murderer as she fell to her death.
Another ghostly resident is Matthew Henry Smyth Blood, better known as Dr Blood.
The town’s first general practitioner, Dr Blood was rumoured to have performed strange human experiments in life and mystery continues to surround him in death.
Not afraid of ghosts and ready for a tree change? Here are five of Kapunda’s top listings on realestate.com.au
You can also see the list of Australia’s most haunted regions here.
ALL ABOARD!
19 Railway Parade, Kapunda
Once frequented by the likes of Prince Albert, Mary MacKillop and Sir Sidney Kidman, the old Kapunda Railway Stations has been reinvigorated into one of the Barossa’s most sought-after tourism accommodation that could now be yours.
Built in 1860, the property includes a ready-made business, consisting of seven hotel-like bedrooms, spacious reception areas, a chef’s kitchen, as well as a nearly 100m long platform to host wedding receptions for up to 100 guests.
The historic station is believed to be the last horse shunting station in Australia, with the remains of Wills and Burke – the famous explorers – brought here after they were found, to be transported back by train to Victoria.
Prince Alfred was also at the station in 1887, while other frequent travellers included Sir Sidney Kidman and Mary MacKillop, who had a reformery in Kapunda.
While the property is being offered without a price guide, a price filter search on realestate.com.au indicates its vendor could be chasing somewhere between $2m and $2.25m.
The property is for sale through Homburg Real Estate - Tanunda.
The old Kapunda Railway Station has undergone and breathtaking transformation.
ENJOY THE CONVENIENCE
78-78a Main St, Kapunda
Seize the rare chance to own a distinctive 1920s-built house with an attached shop, perfectly located on Kapunda’s Main Street.
The two-storey residence offers four generously-sized bedrooms, with a main bathroom thoughtfully positioned to serve them all. The home also features a well-appointed lounge and kitchen with ample benchspace and storage, complemented by two split systems for year-round comfort. Adding to the property’s appeal is a separate granny flat or teenager’s retreat, which includes two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a large open-plan kitchen and meals area. The property offers exciting potential with front and rear access, allowing for the possibility (STCC) to sell off a portion of the land or build an additional dwelling.
The property has a price guide of $749,000 to $799,000 and is for sale through Homburg Real Estate - Tanunda.
Want to start a home business? Then this 1920s-built property could help fulfill your dream.
IF WALLS COULD TALK
37 Kapunda Street, Kapunda
Completely renovated and remodelled, this late 1800s stone cottage will delight buyers looking for a character-filled home in the heart of Kapunda.
The residence offers a flexible floorplan with four bedrooms and three living areas that provide ample room for relaxation and entertainment.
The large 2330sqm block offers plenty of room for a shed, a bush-like garden setting and an expansive outdoor entertaining area – the ideal spot for alfresco dining.
The home has a price guide of $870,000 to $899,000 and is for sale through Elders Real Estate - Barossa Sales.
This character stone cottage has been given a top-to-bottom renovation.
BIG BLOCK WITH PLENTY OF POTENTIAL
10A Gawler St, Kapunda
If you have been looking for the perfect low-maintenance home in Kapunda, this could be the one for you. Located on a large corner block of around 846sqm, with access to the rear yard via double access gates, there is plenty of scope here to build your shed or caravan shelter in an easily accessible location.
Currently tenanted until the end of March 2025, this property comes with an outstanding tenant who has taken good care of the home. With the tenant expressing a strong interest in continuing their stay if purchased by an investor, this is a chance to secure a property that not only offers a comfortable living space but also a reliable stream of rental income.
The property has a price guide of $498,000 to $528,000 and is for sale through Homburg Real Estate - Tanunda.
The perfect investment does exist.
TWO HOMES, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
194 Bethel Road, Kapunda
Nestled on a beautifully updated 1.01ha allotment in Kapunda, this remarkable property offers two homes, perfect for extended families or multi-generational living.
The main home features four bedrooms, a modern kitchen and a cozy lounge room. Outside, the full-length decked veranda offers an ideal space to unwind or entertain, with sweeping views across the tranquil grounds and a solar-heated in-ground fibreglass pool. A self-contained two-bedroom granny flat provides independent living with its own updated kitchen and bathroom, a cozy lounge with wood heating, and a semi-enclosed front veranda. The property includes ample shedding, including a double garage and high-clearance carport which complements the outdoor space. Along with a large man cave/storage room, fruit trees, and rainwater tanks.
Expression of interest close November 22 at 5pm, unless sold prior. The property is on the market with Homburg Real Estate - Tanunda.
This rural property outside Kapunda offers plenty of room for the whole family.