Is this the most haunted house in Australia?

With spooky season upon us, and Halloween just around the corner, thoughts naturally turn to ghouls, ghosts and haunted houses. Despite being considered an American concept, Australians have taken to Halloween with aplomb in recent years with many neighbourhood streets decorated with pumpkins, skeletons and ghostly figures.

To celebrate all hallows' eve, here is a roundup of the most haunted houses in Australia.

Monte Cristo Homestead, New South Wales

According to its website, the Monte Cristo Homestead is the most haunted homestead in Australia. Located in Junee, the Victorian-style manor was built by Christopher William Crawley in 1885. The property was then the subject of many tragedies including suspicious deaths and murder. The house is rumoured to be haunted by the original owners, a caretaker, and a little boy who was kept locked in a cottage on the property.

Werribee Mansion, Victoria

The impressive Werribee Mansion was built by Scottish brothers Thomas and Andrew Chirnside in the 1870s. Despite now being a hotel, day spa, wedding venue and popular tourist attraction, the mansion is believed to contain a supernatural presence. After several tragic events, including the death of Thomas Chirnside onsite, ghostly figures including a little boy, gamekeeper and lady in Victorian clothing have been sighted at the mansion.

Point Cook Homestead, Victoria

Located at the end of a deserted country track is the historic colonial Point Cook Homestead. Built in 1887 for William and Mary Taylor and used as a family home, before tragedy struck. A racehorse named Newminster was poisoned on the property, which led to the blame of a young groom, Tommy. Tommy was later found hanging in the stables. Lantern Ghost Tours run tours around the property and have reported ghost sightings.

Wolston Farmhouse, Queensland

Wolston Farmhouse is a heritage-listed museum located in Wacol, Queensland. Built around 1852, the property has witnessed many tragedies and dark moments throughout its history. Paranormal tours are now offered at the homestead to see who might still be lurking in the shadows.

Whepstead House, Queensland

Built in 1889 by Patrick Horisk and designed by architect Claude William Chambers, Whepstead House is a heritage-listed property in Wellington Point. Previously a home to the Burnett family and then a hospital, the manor witnessed its fair share of death and tragedy. Former owners have claimed the property is haunted and have experienced many unexplainable events including hair-pulling and candles lighting up by themselves.

Patrick Taylor Cottage, Western Australia

Located in Albany, Patrick Taylor Cottage is thought to be the longest surviving dwelling in Western Australia. Built by the Morley brothers in 1832, the cottage is rumoured to be haunted by its former owner Major Frederick Ingoldby. Major Ingoldby is said to haunt the property every September around the anniversary of his death. Staff have reported hearing voices from empty rooms and items being moved or knocked over.

Franklin House, Tasmania

Franklin House is a historic house located in Launceston. Built in 1838 by Britton Jones - a former convict brewer and publican - the property went on to become a leading private boys school until 1866. After staff members reported unusual experiences in the home, Tas Ghost Hunting Society launched an investigation into the possibility of paranormal activity. In an ABC story, the ghost hunters confirmed that they had been in communication with spirits in the house.