Owner Says Notorious Ghost Still Roams Queensland Hotel

While it has been the stuff of local urban legends, paranormal investigators are set to officially unlock the mystery behind Rosewood's notorious ghost.

Ipswich councillor David Pahlke, who co-owns the hotel where the mysterious sightings have been reported, said the supernatural story goes back 100 years to a fire at the Rosewood Hotel in 1914.

Cr Pahlke said according to local legend, the fire was started by the person whose spirit remains at the pub.

While he hasn't sighted the ghost, believed to be called 'Rusty', he said he had felt its presence.

“I have had doors open on me and in one instance water came off the veranda of the hotel when I came in,” Cr Pahlke said.

“We had a Gold Coast darts team staying here once and they complained about music at 3am, someone playing a piano. We don't have a piano.”

Water has also been said to drip from the ceiling on to the bar below.

Cleaners have also been said to notice damp bedding in the front bedroom.

On Saturday, June 27, Ghost Tours, in partnership with the Queensland Paranormal Investigators will host a ghost hunt at the Rosewood Hotel.

Managing director of Brisbane-based Ghost Tours Jack Sim said those on the tour would have the opportunity to do their own paranormal hunting.

“Customers are given the opportunity to use scientific methods such as EMF readings, or detecting disturbances in the electromagnetic field, and old fashioned methods like flour through to divining rods and spiritual boards,” Mr Sim said.

Tour guests are also encouraged to bring their own cameras (still and video) to aid in the investigation.

The self-proclaimed dark historian said he had spent a very eerie night at the hotel.

“The ghost stories seem to date back at least four decades,” Mr Sim said.

“Pubs are known for attracting great story telling and in the case of the Rosewood Hotel, it seems to focus around a particular room,” he said.

“On the night at the pub, we will try to find at least some proof of paranormal activity.”

Cr Pahlke said he hoped the hunt wouldn't scare 'Rusty' away.

“He is a friendly ghost. He lives here in harmony,” he said.
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Rosewood Hotel History

One of three pubs in the main st, hence the name "The Middle Pub

The original Rosewood Hotel which was one of four hotels in Rosewood in the early days, burnt down on the 7th January 1914. When the present Rosewood Hotel was rebuilt a ghost took residence, dubbed the Water Ghost due to the fact clothes hanging up are found mysteriously wet and sheets of water have been seen falling from the balcony with no one in site.

The present owner is local Ipswich Councillor David Pahlke and the today houses accommodation rooms on the second level.

"The earlier Rosewood Hotel and eight other buildings were destroyed in a huge fire in January 1914. The hotel was rebuilt shortly afterwards. It is a very handsome two-story building, with an interesting double veranda. There is an awning across the footpath, the entrance is approached across a small open veranda which is recessed from the footpath and surrounded by a decorative timber valance."