Brisbane’s historic Toowong Cemetery has become the centre of renewed community fascination as local storytellers and social media users breathe new life into its supernatural folklore, blurring the lines between urban legends and a chilling true crime.
Modern Interest in Old Tales
A recent surge in online discussion, sparked by content creators like Aussie camper Marcus Sutherland, has brought the long-standing ghost stories of Toowong Cemetery to a new generation. Through platforms like TikTok, haunting rumours about the grounds are circulating widely, prompting Brisbane residents to share their own unsettling experiences.
Many have described the cemetery as an eerie and frightening place, particularly after dark, with some claiming to have seen mysterious figures or heard unexplained footsteps while visiting. This modern-day storytelling has ensured the cemetery’s reputation as a fixture of local gossip remains strong.
Enduring Folklore of the Grounds
At the heart of the community’s interest are several enduring legends. The most prominent is the tale of a 19th-century female vampire believed to be buried along Avenue 12. According to the folktale, her grave was once opened to reveal a body that had not decayed, and when touched, she supposedly opened her eyes.
Another well-known story involves Spook Hill, an area near the graves of two young women who died in a car accident. Local lore claims that a vehicle parked in neutral at the base of the small hill will appear to roll uphill, a phenomenon some visitors have claimed to witness firsthand. The Museum of Brisbane has acknowledged that these wild and wonderful tales have been a part of the city’s culture for years.
A Link to True Crime
While many of the stories are pure folklore, the cemetery’s dark reputation is also tied to the factual case of Tracey Wigginton, who was dubbed the “Lesbian Vampire Killer.” In the weeks leading up to a murder she committed in October 1989, it was documented that Wigginton and her friends would often visit Toowong Cemetery for night-time picnics.
During her trial, it was claimed she had an obsession with vampirism and had drunk her victim’s blood. Although Wigginton is not buried at the cemetery, her documented presence there has intertwined a gruesome true crime with the location’s supernatural legends in the public’s mind.
A Heritage Site of Stories
Officially opened in 1875, the heritage-listed Toowong Cemetery is the final resting place for many of Queensland’s prominent colonial-era figures. While it is now closed to new burials, it remains a significant landmark. For many in the Brisbane community, it continues to be known not only for its history but also for the restless spirits and chilling tales that are passed down from one generation to the next.
Published 1-November-2025
