Monte Cristo Homestead in Junee, New South Wales, is widely regarded as the most haunted house in Australia. Built in 1885 by local pioneer Christopher William Crawley, the Victorian manor sits on a hill overlooking the town and was the site of at least seven deaths during the Crawley family's residence. A child was dropped down the stairs, a maid fell from the balcony, a stable boy burned to death in his bed, and a caretaker was found murdered on the property. Mrs. Crawley, who became a recluse after her husband's death in 1910, left the house only twice in the last 23 years of her life, and her domineering spirit is said to control the property even in death. The current owners, who have lived at Monte Cristo since 1963, have documented extensive paranormal activity including lights turning on and off, objects being thrown across rooms, and the persistent feeling of being watched from the upper balcony. Visitors have reported seeing a woman in Victorian black standing at the top of the staircase, and animals reportedly refuse to enter the house. The homestead has been featured on multiple Australian and international paranormal television programs, and it consistently ranks as the country's premier haunted destination.
