The Ghosts of Hotel Kurrajong: A Historic and Haunted Landmark



Situated in the heart of Canberra, Hotel Kurrajong is an iconic landmark with a rich history that stretches back to the early 20th century. Known for its beautiful heritage design, elegant interiors, and serene surroundings, this hotel has long been a popular destination for both locals and travelers. However, beyond its charming facade and luxurious accommodations, Hotel Kurrajong has a dark side—one that involves ghostly apparitions, unexplained occurrences, and lingering spirits. Over the years, the hotel has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in the capital, drawing visitors and paranormal enthusiasts eager to uncover its supernatural mysteries.

A Historical Overview of Hotel Kurrajong

Hotel Kurrajong was built in 1926 and designed by the prominent architect John Smith Murdoch, who also worked on the development of Canberra's overall city plan. The hotel was originally intended to house the growing number of government officials and dignitaries visiting the newly established capital of Australia. Its location near Capital Hill and the Parliament House made it a convenient retreat for political figures and public servants.

The building itself is a beautiful example of Interwar Functionalist architecture, combining red-brick walls, timber accents, and grand facades. Over the years, Hotel Kurrajong has been witness to numerous political events, gatherings, and historical moments. It was a central meeting point for the Australian Labor Party and the site of many important political decisions, particularly during the years when the Australian government was transitioning to Canberra.

Despite its elegance and prestige, the hotel also carries with it a deep history filled with tragedy, loss, and scandal. This troubled past has contributed to its reputation as a haunted landmark.

The Haunted Reputation of Hotel Kurrajong

While Hotel Kurrajong’s history as a political hub is well documented, it is its paranormal reputation that has intrigued many people over the years. Guests, employees, and paranormal investigators alike have reported a wide variety of eerie experiences within the hotel’s walls. From the sounds of footsteps echoing through empty hallways to sightings of ghostly apparitions, Hotel Kurrajong has become a place that many believe is haunted by restless spirits. Here are some of the most famous ghostly legends surrounding the hotel.

The Ghost of Ben Chifley
One of the most famous ghosts linked to Hotel Kurrajong is that of Ben Chifley, the former Prime Minister of Australia. Chifley stayed at the hotel during his time in office, and it is believed that his spirit never truly left. Chifley’s connection to the hotel is strong, as he often stayed in the hotel’s room 27, which is known to be a hotspot for paranormal activity. According to several reports, his apparition has been seen standing in the corridors of the hotel, and some guests have even claimed to have seen him walking through walls or fading into thin air.

Those who have encountered the ghost of Ben Chifley often describe a gentle and calm presence, with many believing that his spirit is simply continuing his work, overseeing the political developments of the nation even from the afterlife. However, some visitors report a feeling of unease when in the room where he stayed, as though someone is watching them or lurking just out of sight.

The Shadowy Figure in the Hallways
Numerous hotel guests have reported encountering a shadowy figure that seems to move through the hotel’s hallways at night. Descriptions of the figure vary, but it is often described as a tall, dark shape, with a misty or ethereal quality. Some guests have claimed to feel a sudden drop in temperature as the figure approaches, while others say the presence feels heavy and ominous. There are even reports of doors mysteriously slamming shut or lights flickering on and off when this shadowy figure is near.

Many believe this ghostly presence is linked to a tragic event that occurred in the hotel during the mid-20th century, although the exact details remain unclear. It is speculated that the spirit could be the restless soul of an individual who met an untimely or violent death at the hotel.

The Lady in White
A classic ghostly figure that is frequently reported at Hotel Kurrajong is that of a lady in white. This apparition is often described as a tall, graceful woman dressed in an old-fashioned white gown, appearing near the staircase or the balcony. Several people have seen her standing silently in the hallway or disappearing as quickly as she appeared.

The identity of this mysterious woman remains unknown, but many locals believe she could be the ghost of a woman who stayed at the hotel long ago, perhaps a former guest or staff member who tragically passed away. Some believe the lady in white is still searching for something, perhaps someone, but the cause of her untimely death remains a mystery. Her ethereal presence, however, continues to linger within the hotel’s walls.

Disembodied Voices and Footsteps
Aside from visual apparitions, disembodied voices and footsteps are commonly reported at Hotel Kurrajong. Guests staying in rooms throughout the hotel have mentioned hearing whispers, laughter, and footsteps when no one is around. The sounds often seem to come from empty rooms or areas of the hotel that are otherwise quiet and abandoned.

It is believed that these sounds could be the result of residual hauntings, where the energy of past events continues to play out in an endless loop. The sounds of political conversations, discussions, and social gatherings from the past could be reverberating through the hotel, and the spirits of those who frequented the building may still be interacting with the environment long after their deaths.

A Popular Destination for Paranormal Enthusiasts

Despite its eerie reputation, Hotel Kurrajong remains an elegant and inviting place for visitors to stay. Its historical significance and rich political past make it a must-see for those interested in Australian history, while its paranormal legacy adds an extra layer of intrigue for those seeking to experience the supernatural.

The hotel’s ghost tours and paranormal investigations are incredibly popular, with many people hoping to catch a glimpse of the spirits that haunt the halls. Whether or not one believes in the paranormal, it is impossible to deny the strange and eerie atmosphere that permeates the hotel, leaving many guests wondering whether they are truly alone.

Hotel Kurrajong stands as a beautiful and historic testament to Australia’s political past, but beneath its elegant exterior lies a darker, supernatural side. The ghosts that haunt the hotel—whether they are the spirits of political figures like Ben Chifley or the lost souls of tragic events—have contributed to its reputation as one of Canberra’s most haunted locations.