Place: St. John’s Orphanage
Location: 52–56 Mundy Street, Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia
Phone: Not applicable
Hours: Not applicable
Admission: Not applicable
Website: Not applicable
History: St. John’s Orphanage, also known as the Goulburn Boys Orphanage, was established in 1912 under the direction of the Sisters of Mercy and the Catholic Church. The foundation stone was laid and blessed on 17 March 1912 by Bishop John Gallagher of Goulburn, and the building officially opened in late 1913.
Designed by architect E.C. Manfred, the two-storey Federation-style building was intended to accommodate 100 boys aged 5 to 16, but during World War II, its population peaked at over 200. The orphanage operated until 1978, after which it was rented to the Youth with a Mission Base until they vacated in 1994. The building then remained abandoned until its demolition in 2023.
Hauntings: Over the years, St. John’s Orphanage garnered a reputation for paranormal activity. Visitors and paranormal investigators have reported unexplained phenomena, including sudden temperature drops, disembodied voices, and sightings of shadowy figures.
Some accounts describe feelings of unease and the sensation of being watched while exploring the premises. These reports have contributed to the orphanage’s status as a notable haunted location in Australia.
Personal Experiences: Paranormal investigation groups, such as APPI Ghost Hunts & Tours, have conducted explorations of the orphanage. Participants have reported various unsettling experiences, including unexplained noises and eerie sensations. One investigator noted a pervasive sense of creepiness upon approaching the building, though they couldn’t pinpoint the exact cause.
Paranormal Activity Rating: Medium (Regular activity)
For a visual exploration of St. John’s Orphanage, you can watch the following video: