Mount Gambier’s new local paranormal investigation service launches – and you can join in

Two lifelong paranormal enthusiasts are heading off to investigate some of Australia’s most haunted spots – and you can come along.

When two SA lifelong paranormal enthusiasts walked into the “haunted” Glenbarr Homestead in Strathalbyn, things began to happen.

Dolls and curtains moved on their own, unknown faces peered at them through windows, and when she walked into a bathroom, one of the women inexplicably began to experience nausea and dry retching.

It’s spooky experiences such as that Mount Gambier duo Gina Surth and Leanne Schmitt want to investigate across the Blue Lake city and nearby spots with their new paranormal tour service, Mount Paranormal.

The duo has a series of locations lined up to investigate, starting at Tantaloona Railway Station, followed by the Caledonian Hall – formerly Shadows nightclub.

Other sites for future investigations include the Old Mount Gambier Courthouse and the Bellum Hotel out at Mt Schank, with more coming.

Leanne Schmitt and Gina Surth of Mount Paranormal in the Caledonian Hall – the old Shadows nightclub. Picture: Frank Monger

Mount Paranormal will host paranormal investigations at sites located in Mount Gambier and other surrounding areas – such as the Tantanoola Railway Station.

The Caledonian Hall in Mount Gambier, where Mount Paranormal will investigate rumours of ghosts. Picture: Frank Monger

Ms Schmitt and Ms Surth formed Mount Paranormal after years of investigating paranormal activity at licensed ghost tours and on their own independent missions.

Together they will run interactive investigations, enhanced by their own equipment, and guests’ gear if they bring it.

“Some of the ghost tours and investigations we’ve been on hosted by other paranormal providers can be a bit limiting, as you’re just watching someone else use equipment and relaying information back,” Ms Schmitt said.

“But others you get given equipment – or you can bring your own and do your own investigating and discover your own findings.

“We want it to be inclusive, you’re paying to investigate so we’re going to make sure you get that first-hand experience.”

Their equipment detects nearby paranormal activity or energy – including a cat’s toy that lights up when touched.

They then ask any spirits in the room to touch it to make them aware of their presence.

Ms Surth said Mount Paranormal aimed to help new ghost-hunters get started when they weren’t sure how.

Gina Surth and Leanne Schmitt are launching a paranormal investigative service in Mount Gambier. Picture: Jessica Dempster

They’ll do the groundwork – research locations, contact owners and site supervisors, check out locations before investigations – so their guests can enjoy the ride.

Steps lead down underground at Glenbarr Station. Picture: Facebook.

First, they’re focusing on Mount Gambier sites, starting with an investigation at Tantanoola Railway Station in August.

Built in 1881, the station is one of the oldest such railway buildings in SA and was the site of several deaths, including the suicide of a man named Henry in 1906.

After Tantanoola, the duo will consider other sites, including those suggested by their growing Facebook community – such as Port MacDonnell Cemetery.

Ms Schmitt said the last time they were there with their equipment, they overheard children laughing running through the scrub nearby.

“We could hear the snapping of twigs as they stepped on them, so we decided to head back to the car to let them have their fun,” she said.

“But as we were walking back that way, we realised we couldn’t see any signs of the kids anywhere and that the surrounding scrub was way too thick and overgrown for anyone, even small children to be running though,” Ms Surth said.

A supposedly haunted venue on the Limestone Coast. Picture: Facebook.

Ms Schmitt said a paranormal investigation was equally exciting and scary.

“Most of the time you go into a site hoping something will happen, then you’ll see something or hear something and on one hand you’re excited and on the other hand you’re like … ‘uhhhhh, what was that?’ she said.

Describing herself as a “curious sceptic”, Ms Surth said she went into a site assuming nothing odd would happen.

“But on the inside I’m usually thinking, goodness if I hear or knock or see anything, I’ll be looking for the nearest exit.”

Ms Schmitt said the group was open to debunking because “that’s what investigating is all about”.

“If we’re at an investigation and something happens that someone thinks can be debunked, we absolutely welcome that, as long as it’s done respectfully,” she said.

“We’re always going into a site with the intention of being respectful of both the living and the dead. We’re looking for peaceful experiences and will always ensure the safety and wellbeing of everybody involved.”

More information about the group and their upcoming investigations (including bookings) can be found on their website.