Tasmania’s haunting past stepped into the digital world during COVID-19, bringing ghostly tales to life for audiences everywhere. Sharmaine from Tasmania’s Most Haunted live-streamed many ghost tours – giving viewers the chance to witness paranormal happenings in real time—without ever stepping foot inside a haunted location.
Broadcast through Tasmania’s Most Haunted Facebook page, this innovative experience takes ghost enthusiasts straight into the heart of one of Hobart’s historic venues – Hope and Anchor Tavern, one of the oldest pubs in Australia. Followers were able to tune in from the comfort of their loungeroom chairs and join a night of eerie storytelling, on-site investigations, and unexplained events as they unfold live.
Exploring Tasmania Through Tourism Tasmania’s #makeyourselfathome Campaign
As part of the Tourism Tasmania initiative, the team travelled across the state showcasing unique locations with ghostly histories. Each stop offers its own chilling tales—none more compelling than those emerging from the Hope & Anchor.
The pub’s licensee shared stories of strange activity caught on CCTV, including a figure sitting at the bar when no one else was inside, and another pouring a beer at the taps. Staff have also reported a fire reigniting after being extinguished, music switching back on despite the power being turned off, and a mysterious cupboard that repeatedly opens on its own.
A Site Rich in History
The Hope & Anchor is no stranger to colourful characters, including Isaac “Ikey” Solomon—believed to be the inspiration behind the character Fagin in Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. A regular in the tavern during the 1820s, his life was later chronicled in The First Fagin by Judith Sackville O’Connell.
With such a storied past, it’s no wonder this 218-year-old pub continues to be a hotspot for unexplained activity.
The Rise of Paranormal Livestreaming
The success of Tasmania’s Most Haunted live streams has been staggering. One broadcast from New Norfolk’s Bush Inn attracted 77,000 views, with paranormal activity captured within the first 24 hours.
“It felt amazing,” the team shared, admitting the response was far greater than expected.
The live format brings audiences closer to the investigation than ever before, allowing viewers to feel as though they’re right there in the moment as events unfold.
Growing Community Support
Since the rise of livestreaming—boosted in part by lockdowns—the Facebook page has expanded rapidly, with followers growing to around 33,000. This growing community proves there is a huge appetite for Tasmanian ghost stories, historical sites, and authentic paranormal encounters.
Experience It for Yourself
Whether you’re a believer or simply love a good mystery, Tasmania’s Most Haunted is opening a window into the unknown. With each livestream and investigation, new stories emerge and new questions are raised.
After all—when it comes to the paranormal, you never truly know what you’ll find until the moment you hit “live.”