Step into Ghost Festivals’ Murder Bar

HIDDEN IN THE VERY ROCKS THAT NAMED THE ROCKS, UNCOVER A CHILLING TALE OF GHOSTLY PATRONS AND FORGOTTEN CRIMES.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1 OCTOBER 2024 – This Halloween, the past comes to life in The Rocks, as Ghost Festival's Murder Bar opens its doors, offering a rare glimpse into Sydney’s haunted history. Hidden within the very rock formation that gave The Rocks its name, this abandoned hotel bar, seemingly frozen in time, invites you to step into a chilling murder mystery where every sip of your cocktail may bring you closer to the truth—or your untimely demise.

Opening for a limited time from 31 October to 3 November, The Murder Bar is set against the eerie, ancient backdrop of Sydney’s most haunted district, merging the glamour of the 1930s with the ominous aura of a forgotten past. With stories swirling of ghostly encounters, sinister secrets, and eerie apparitions, guests will find themselves in the heart of a mystery that spans decades.

A GHOSTLY STORY WRITTEN IN STONE

In the shadowy corners of The Rocks, where Sydney’s history began, there is a place few have dared to enter—a place where the rock formations themselves seem to whisper stories of the past. These stones, weathered by time and witness to centuries of secrets, now hold the foundation of The Murder Bar, an immersive cocktail experience steeped in dark intrigue.

As you cross the threshold into the bar, you leave behind the modern world and step into a long-forgotten era. The flickering light of vintage chandeliers casts haunting shadows across the walls, while the low, mournful notes of a piano fill the air, seemingly playing itself. Every detail of the bar tells a story—tales of guests who checked in but never left, of drinks served to shadows, and of secrets buried beneath the rock.

The deeper you explore, the more you realise this is no ordinary speakeasy. Somewhere within these walls, a murder was committed—a crime that has remained unsolved for decades. Now, it’s up to you to uncover the truth. Will you be able to piece together the clues, or will you fall victim to the same fate as those who came before you?

COCKTAILS THAT UNVEIL A STORY

The heart of The Murder Bar lies in its exclusive cocktail menu, where each drink is infused with mystery. The Phantom Fizz, for instance, shrouds itself in mist, the pale vapours hinting at ghostly presences that have yet to depart. Meanwhile, the Blood Moon Sour, its deep crimson hue almost too ominous to drink, tells the tale of a cursed moonlit night when an unspeakable crime was committed under its eerie glow.

The signature Ghost’s Kiss, a smoky mezcal-based concoction, offers a taste of the otherworldly, with every sip seeming to pull you deeper into the story. Each cocktail in the bar is not just a drink but a part of the unfolding narrative, a thread in the web of intrigue that binds the guests to the mysteries of the bar.

MURDER MYSTERIES: CAN YOU SURVIVE THE NIGHT?

For those daring enough, The Murder Bar holds an even darker secret—hidden murder mystery parties. Each night, a select group of 25 brave souls will be invited to partake in an exclusive, two-hour event where they must unravel one of three gruesome mysteries, each inspired by the chilling history of The Rocks.

Deadly Secrets takes you deep into the life of journalist Claire Matthews, who, while settling her grandmother’s estate, uncovers a series of unsolved crimes that stretch back to her family’s darkest secrets. As the clues mount and the truth becomes clearer, participants must work together to prevent the killer from claiming another victim.

In Whispers in the Dark, Detective Evelyn Harper investigates a murder in the seemingly tranquil town of Ashwood. But as participants dig deeper, they find themselves in the grip of an ancient curse that threatens to claim more lives if the mystery remains unsolved.

Finally, The Final Hour invites guests to a prestigious gala at the famed Waverly Estate, where the evening takes a deadly turn just before midnight. Trapped inside, participants must race against time to solve the crime before the killer strikes again—or worse, escapes.

As you navigate these immersive stories, remember: not everyone will survive the night. Some may fall victim to the very killer they are hunting, while others will become ensnared in the same web of intrigue that consumed the bar’s former guests.

WHERE HISTORY AND GHOST STORIES MEET

The true allure of The Murder Bar lies in its unique setting. Nestled within the very rocks that shaped Sydney’s oldest district, the bar stands as a testament to both the city’s rich history and its most terrifying legends. The Rocks themselves have witnessed countless secrets—smugglers, sailors, and settlers all left their mark on this land. And now, these stones will bear witness to your story.

The bar’s immersive design, blending historical authenticity with theatrical storytelling, offers an experience unlike any other. From the crumbling walls adorned with remnants of the past to the shadowy figures that flit in and out of sight, every moment at The Murder Bar is designed to leave you questioning what is real and what is just a figment of your imagination.

Step into the chilling Murder Bar at Ghost Festival set against the backdrop of The Rocks’ haunted past and the lingering presence of the supernatural. From October 31 to November 3, immerse yourself in a truly spine-tingling experience like no other.

For more details and to secure your tickets, visit www.ghostfestival.com.au.