Ghostly presence felt at historic homestead

"Many of the volunteers will tell you they have felt a presence, felt uneasy, or felt like they are being watched, and there have been some unexplained happenings," said Cr Fran Mann.

"Some of the volunteers even report seeing a ghostly figure on the premises."

Greenmount Homestead volunteer Rosemary Payne said some of the volunteers had indeed reported seeing a ghostly figure of a woman.

"We've wondered if it might be Althea, Tom Cook's late sister, but we are thinking it might be Mrs Cook," Ms Payne said.

"She's been seen a few times now and the sightings seem to be happening more lately.

"A few of us were there after a shift one evening, about to leave, when we noticed that Mrs Cook's bed was crumpled and appeared as if someone had been laying in it. The room had previously been immaculate and none of us had gone in there."

Those attending the first Greenmount After Dark event can decide for themselves.

Cr Mann said there were no promises those attending would have a supernatural experience. But the council could promise wine, cheese, crackers and a tour packed with local history.

"We will have a volunteer in every room to share stories about that room and the occupants," she said.

"It should be a really fun night, with a bit of history, some great stories and a little suspense."

The tour kicks off at 6.30pm on Saturday, May 25, and ends with wine and cheese about 8.30pm. Tours cost $10 and just 30 spaces are available.

Greenmount Homestead (five kilometres west of Walkerston) is one of Mackay's most valued historic attractions. The grounds contain a number of buildings, including a 1915 Queenslander homestead, which houses intact a collection of more than 20,000 historical items.

> To lock in your Greenmount After Dark spot, phone Robert Ryan on 4961 9451 or email robert.ryan@mackay.qld.gov.au, and then bring a torch and wear warm clothes