Did you know that the Sydney Opera House is said to be haunted by a ghost called Old Harry, who likes to play havoc with percussionist's instruments during performances? Or that St Vincent's Hospital is the home to the ghost of grey habited nun who still likes to do the rounds in Ward 14? Have you heard about the spirit that haunts the Rocks convict-built hotel, The Hero of Waterloo? The ghost is believed to be that of Anne Kirkman, who died in 1849 after being pushed down the stairs by her husband. These spooky tales are just some of the creepy and macabre stories you'll hear on Allan 'The Hearse Whisperer' Levinson's Weird Sydney Ghost and History Tour.

Your transport and tour guide for the evening is 'Elvira', a beautifully restored 1967 Cadillac Hearse, one of an estimated 45-65 of this model built. Originally owned by a funeral home in Pennsylvania, Elvira was then sold to the owners of the Eggan & Lance Mortuary of Santa Rosa, California. After 30 years of faithful service during which she carried thousands of people to their final resting place, she was deemed too old and imported by a dealer to Australia where she was converted to right hand drive.

In 1997, Allan Levinson came across an advertisement for the black Cadillac Hearse in a magazine. Already a Cadillac enthusiast, you could say it was love at first sight. Allan kept his eye on the rare car until finally, in October 1999, the price was right. Elvira had found her new owner. She was lovingly refurbished and fitted with plush burgundy velour seats, making room for eight passengers. In May 2001, she went to work for Destiny Tours.

The faces of passers-by say it all. Elvira captures everyone's eye and you'll certainly feel like the centre of attention on this tour. This is an exciting and unique way to learn about the dark and bizarre side of life in historic Sydney town. From the ghastly and terrifying to the sordid and secretive, this tour dares to go where no other has ventured. A great mix of spooky ghost stories and fascinating history will keep you entertained as you cruise through the busy main roads and dark back streets of the city.

Recently, Allan invited the Paranormal Australia Team along to experience the Weird Sydney Ghost and History Tour. So with digital, SLR and video cameras in hand, we headed off to enjoy a spooky evening with Elvira and 'the Hearse Whisperer'.

Elvira told us all about the sixteen men who died during the construction of the Harbour Bridge including Sydney Edward Addison, who fell from the arch in 1930 when his long handled spanner slipped as he was bolting up for the rivetters. A diver found his body standing upright in the mud at the bottom of the harbour.

We listened to stories of one of Sydney's most haunted locations, historic Hyde Park Barracks. Built between 1817 and 1819, the barracks once housed 900 convicts before becoming an Immigration Depot and an Asylum. Now a museum, the barracks is reputed to have quite a few resident ghosts, including a faceless woman in white and a group of menacing convicts.

As we drove past the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Double Bay, Elvira pointed out the balcony of the room where the body of musician Michael Hutchence was found on November 22, 1997. We listened to the corner's report from the inquest into his unusual and very controversial death.

We learnt about Alexander Green, the convict turned hangman who was responsible for seeing 409 offenders to their deaths. Not only was he filthy and incredibly ugly, he was often drunk and abusive when carrying out hangings and managed to botch more than one execution.

We drove past the old Darlinghurst Gaol where between 1841 and 1908, no fewer than 79 people were executed. Now the Sydney Institute of Technology, there have been many reports of ghostly encounters. Security guards have experienced an uneasy feeling and foul odour in a classroom that was once where prisoners were kept prior to hanging. Apparitions have been sighted on more than once occasion.

As a special treat, we were given the opportunity to stop and take photographs and video footage at several reportedly haunted locations including Hyde Park Barracks, Jubilee Park in Annandale and Tusculum House in Potts Point. While at Tusculum House, a psychic accompanying us on the tour said she could see a woman standing on the balcony. Later that night, security guards were sent to investigate the old mansion three times after movement was reported along the balcony.

One of the most fascinating stops of the evening was Mortuary Station in the inner city suburb of Chippendale. Once the departure point for the mortuary rail service to Rookwood Cemetery in Lidcombe, this gothic style station is reputed to be haunted by the ghost of a woman in a black lace veil. She has been sighted pushing an old Victorian pram along the platform where phantom footsteps have been heard late at night.

The Paranormal Australia team highly recommends the Weird Sydney Ghost and History Tour. If you're looking for a unusual tour that's fun, informative and full of laughs, then this is the tour for you.

Visit the Destiny Tours website for information on how to book.
We would like to say a big thank you to Allan Levinson for inviting the team on the tour. We are looking forward to working with him in the future.