Eynesbury Homestead Dark Tales & Ghostly Trails Dinner&Tour

Eynesbury Homestead Dark Tales & Ghostly Trails Dinner & Tour

If you’re looking for a blend of history, mystery, and a dash of the supernatural just outside Melbourne, the Eynesbury Homestead Dark Tales & Ghostly Trails offers a compelling evening. This tour, priced at $49 per person for about 3.5 hours, takes you through the grand yet eerily haunted Staughton family estate—an impressive 20,000-acre property full of stories and secrets. You’ll start with a delicious two-course meal in the historic homestead, then wander into the darkness on a ghost tour covering lakes, stables, and abandoned quarters.

What we love about this experience is how it balances history and storytelling—the guides bring the estate’s past to life with tales of secret affairs, curses, and murders—and the opportunity to enjoy a fully licensed restaurant onsite before heading into the night. The access to historic buildings adds authenticity, and the guided ghost tour turns what might be a normal evening into a memorable adventure.

One consideration is that this tour involves walking up to two hours along flat, accessible paths, so it’s not ideal for those with mobility issues or anyone seeking a very fast-paced night. Also, since drinks are purchased separately at bar prices, those expecting an all-inclusive experience might want to budget accordingly.

This tour fits best for history buffs, ghost-story enthusiasts, and curious travelers looking for a spooky yet cultural night out. If you’re intrigued by haunted tales and enjoy a good meal in a historic setting, this will suit you well.

Key Points

Historic Setting: The grand Eynesbury Homestead exudes British grandeur, adding an authentic feel to your ghostly night.
Haunted Stories: Expect chilling tales of curses, betrayals, and murders that have lingered over generations.
Gourmet Meal: The two-course dinner at Ms Peacock Kitchen & Bar provides a satisfying start and a chance to unwind before the scares.
Engaging Guides: Known for their knowledgeable hosts, the guides make the stories come alive with a lively, authentic tone.
Diverse Locations: Explore lakes, stables, and underground quarters, each with its own ghostly legend.
Outdoor & Indoor Access: The tour combines walking through outdoor paths and inside historic buildings, offering a varied experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

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The Setting: Eynesbury Homestead and Beyond

Just 40 minutes from Melbourne, Eynesbury Homestead is a remarkable property that combines historical charm with an undercurrent of mystery. As you approach the estate, the sprawling grounds and the stately building immediately evoke visions of British aristocratic grandeur—polished polo ponies in the fields, well-tended gardens, and stately verandas.

The tour begins outside, on the front porch overlooking the garden, setting the scene for an evening that promises more than just dinner and a walk. The beauty of the estate is undeniable, but beneath its polished veneer lurks stories of obsession, betrayal, and restless spirits.

The Meal at Ms Peacock Kitchen & Bar

Before the ghostly adventure begins, you’ll have a chance to enjoy a $30 gift certificate for food and drinks at the onsite restaurant. The two-course meal—which can be chosen from the menu on the night—serves as a perfect prelude to the spooky stories.

Guests have praised the quality of the food, with one reviewer noting, “Great dinner in the Homestead before the tour, the food was great.” The setting offers a cozy, elegant atmosphere, with the chance to relax and reflect on the estate’s history amid the clinking glasses and polished wood.

The Ghost Tour: Exploring the Haunted Grounds

As darkness falls, the tour kicks off. Led by a lively and enthusiastic ghost host, the 1.5-hour walk takes you through key sites:

The haunted lakes with their misty banks—where spectral sightings are said to occur.
The eerie stables, where ghostly hoofbeats and whispers have been reported.
The abandoned meat room, thick with silence but thick with stories.
The old servants’ quarters and bluestone men’s quarters, each revealing clues to the estate’s darker past.

The guides excel at weaving stories of passion, power, and paranormal activity, making each location feel alive with history and spectral energy. One reviewer shared, “The tour was very informative and the energy of the spirits was on fire that night,” highlighting that some nights feel especially charged.

More Great Tours Nearby

Venturing into the Grey Box Forest

For the brave, a walk into the surrounding Grey Box Forest is optional but highly recommended. This wooded area hugs the estate and adds an extra layer of suspense. It’s the kind of place where shadows seem to shift and every snap of a twig could be a ghostly visitor.

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Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Pace: The entire experience lasts about 3.5 hours, with a significant portion spent walking outdoors. The paths are flat and accessible, but you should be prepared for a leisurely pace over approximately two hours.
Clothing: Dress comfortably—think flat shoes and layers—because you’ll be outside and inside, and the weather can change quickly at night.
Group Size: While not explicitly stated, guided ghost tours tend to be intimate, ensuring a more personalized story experience.
Drinks & Extras: Drinks are purchased separately, so budget accordingly if you want a glass of wine or a beer to toast the ghosts.

Value and Overall Impression

For $49, the combination of history, storytelling, and a good meal offers excellent value, especially given the uniqueness of the setting and the quality of guides. The reviews reinforce this, with one traveler calling it a “very informative and energetic” tour, while another appreciated the “great dinner” beforehand.

If you’re a fan of history mixed with a supernatural twist, or simply after an entertaining evening that combines dining and storytelling, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy a dark, atmospheric environment and are prepared for some walking in the evening gloom.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for anyone interested in Australian heritage with a spooky edge, especially if you appreciate well-told stories and a medley of outdoor and indoor sights. It’s also a good choice if you want to combine a historic dinner with a ghostly adventure in a single evening.

Those seeking fast-paced action or extensive historical lectures might find it a bit light, but for most travelers, the blend of entertainment and atmosphere hits the right note. The guides’ enthusiasm and the scenic, eerie locations make it a memorable outing.

It’s also a wonderful option for small groups, couples, or curious solo travelers looking for something just a little different outside Melbourne.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is geared toward adults and older teens given the dark themes and walking involved.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are available for purchase at bar prices during your meal.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour outdoors?
Yes, a significant part of the tour takes place outdoors, especially in the forest and around lakes and stables.

Are the buildings accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour provides access to buildings and is wheelchair accessible.

How long do I need to walk during the tour?
You should be prepared to walk up to 2 hours at a leisurely pace.

What should I wear?
Dress in flat, comfortable shoes and layers suitable for outdoor and indoor environments.

Is it suitable for non-English speakers?
The tour is conducted in English, so fluency will help you enjoy the storytelling fully.

If you’re seeking an evening that combines history, mystery, and a taste of the supernatural in a stunning rural setting, the Eynesbury Homestead Dark Tales & Ghostly Trails offers an experience worth considering. It’s a chance to step back in time, enjoy a good meal, and walk among stories that continue to whisper from the shadows.