You've probably visited the CBD's Queen Victoria Building a few times. If you haven't wandered through it on the way to the train station, you've probably stopped by one of its many shops or champagne bars. But have you explored the depths of the QVB at night? And met Mei Quong Tart, the building's resident ghost? Probably not.
If you have a penchant for all things haunted and supernatural, you'll be happy to know that this month you can do just that. The QVB is hosting a series of after-dark ghost tours throughout August, that'll let you explore secret parts of the building with an old-school lantern in hand — and meet Quong Tart, of course, who had a teahouse in the building back in 1898, but was killed during a robbery. Tours will take place on August 8, 15, 22, 28 and 29 with tickets costing $80 — which include a whiskey highball or G&T at Esquire afterwards.
Throughout the month, the building will be hosting more after-dark activations, too, including an interactive Heart of the QVB installation — inviting visitors to fill a giant heart with ribbons of ideas — and a multi-level After Dark Live event on Thursday, August 22. For this one night, the 121-year-old building will come alive with performance art by Offerings, live music by Ginger & the Ghost and theatrical tours led by performance troop Twisted Elements. An Archie Rose bar will also pop-up in the building, so you can explore with a cocktail, too. Tickets to this event are free, but you'll need to reserve a spot between 6–9pm here.