Ghosts, Grave Yards and Dark Tourism

Above: Aerial view of Melbourne General Cemetery

Alicia Drew speaks to Jan Davidson co-founder of Melbourne Cemetery Tours, about ghosts, grave yards and dark tourism.


Photo albums full of grave stones may not be for everyone. But for Jan Davidson, co founder of Melbourne Cemetery Tours, it’s no different from any other hobby. “It’s like stamp collecting,” she chuckles, “why would anyone tear off the coloured corner of an envelope and stick it into a book? Though I am sure my children are going to have the albums burned as soon as I am gone.”

Jan, a social historian met Helen D. Harris, a genealogist, through a mothers group many years ago. “It was great to talk to someone else who didn’t turn pale when I mentioned my fascination with cemeteries.” She said, well aware of the topic’s affect on some people. Shortly after they discovered their mutual love of history, the pair dabbled in historical tours for various organisations, before going solo. Melbourne Cemetery Tours has now been running for over 25 years and is exemplary for other tours of its type.

“It’s the people. It’s all about the people. Many think they have taken their secrets to the grave,” she says with an ‘oh how silly can one be?’ tone. “But through much research, Helen and I dig up all their secrets and that’s what people come to hear, it’s just fascinating.” She tells me excitedly. “There’s no particular type of person that attends the tour, they can be international, interstate or local, but what they all have in common is that they’re all interested in the local history of Melbourne.”

For some, a leisurely walk through a graveyard may conjure up images of religious sacrifices, full moons and underworld creatures. After a comment about Dark Tourism, the game in Jan’s voice subdued and become more straight edge. “That’s not us,” she said strongly with confidence. Dark Tourism is the umbrella term for travelling to the sites, attractions or exhibitions surrounding great suffering or death. This includes Fright tourism, Grief tourism, Hardship tourism, Tragedy tourism, Warfare tourism and Genocide tourism. “We make little money from the tours. We do it because we love history. My children have always been around cemeteries; in fact we have had many-a-family-picnic in cemeteries. It is all about the people and how they lived. We’re just not a part of that.” She says.

It is what is written on the grave stones and the story behind it that interests Jan. “I have one photo of a man’s grave stone that dated 1866. The inscription on his grave read, “Victim of a fatalist and unfaithful wife,” and I just think “wow,” we could never do that today.” She says, clearly curious about the life of the man. “I also have photos of many famous peoples graves.”

Jan’s response to my query about the paranormal makes it clear that she and Helen have worked very hard to provide a professional, entertaining and educational, tour for history enthusiasts, “I’m not into ghosts,” she laughs. “Ghosts don’t come into my cemetery walks. It’s all about the people, how they lived, how they died, and the differences between our past and our present.” She giggles. “Nothing more than the occasional fox, and odd snake in summer has ever been seen.”

For more information about Melbourne Cemetery Tours, you can visit the website at: www.helendoxfordharris.com.au/melbourne-cemetery-tours or call Jan on 9872 5492.