Jack Thompson And The Gearin’s Ghost!
Below: actor Jack Thompson
Anyone who knows me at all would know of the affinity that I have for the Blue Mountains area in NSW.
For the past little while I have taken groups of tourists and foreign students on tours of the Blue Mountains, concentrating mainly on areas around Katoomba and Jenolan caves.
As a surprise Christmas gift for my wife this year we traveled back to Katoomba together, and based ourselves at the Hotel Gearin.
The hotel is a local hub, and is owned by actor Jack Thompson.
Jack has appeared in a number of movies over the past four decades, including Wake in Fright, The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Breaker Morant, The Man from Snowy River, and more recently Australia, the 2008 Australian epic directed by Baz Luhrmann.
My wife and I sat and listened as the hotel’s manager, Stephen Smith told the story of Mrs Gearin, who had bought the hotel in 1910.
Mrs Gearin had a strict no alcohol policy, and operated the hotel as a guest house for women.
The establishment has seen a number of changes over the years. Today it is a typical Aussie pub located in a regional center not far from Sydney, NSW.
The Gearin’s Ghost?
It’s said that a ghost appears at about 3am each day, and that regardless of how warm the hotel is at the time, a chill descends over the whole building.
Several people have reportedly seen the figure of a woman walking around the hotel at different times, as well as an apparition resembling a young child.
The hotel was opened in 1881.
After we had settled into our room, I was informed by my business associate Mark Hartmann that our room was in the very area that the ghost is said to appear!
Image: The Hotel Gearin.
The Gearin is one of three hotels in Katoomba itself, the others being the Carrington and Family hotels.
Apart from hotels, the area is well serviced by motels and back packer accommodation.
There are many fine places to eat in Katoomba, and we had dinner at the ‘Three Sisters” Chinese restaurant, and also visited the Savoy Cafe where we had an excellent breakfast!
Another restaurant that I have to mention is the Paragon, where we had afternoon coffee and stocked up on a supply of hand made chocolates!
Katoomba is a thriving village, and apart from the natural beauty of the area, there is plenty to keep the visitor entertained for days at a time.
Live music, art and craft festivals, ghost tours and site seeing are features of the area.
Image: Chocolate Lovers’ Delight, at the Paragon!
Before leaving the area we visited the Edge, a cinema with a screen that is over six floors (stories) high.
A drive and a walk through the nearby village of Leura completed our stay.
As for the ghost, who is it? Is it really there?
I guess that the only way to find out is to come and see!
Image: A waterfall at Leura, near Katoomba.
Links: >Jack Thompson (Wikipedia) l Australia, the film! l The Hotel Gearin
Author’s Disclaimer: I am not connected with the Gearin Hotel, or Jack Thompson in any way, apart from having been a guest at the hotel.
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The Historic Hotel Gearin is now under the new management of Rob Dobson and Marnie Linton. Many locals will remember “Dobbo’s” previous connection with the hotel and have welcomed him back with partner Marnie and their 8 month-old daughter. Rob very much enjoyed working for Jack Thompson when he was the owner of Gearins and he and Marnie are now looking forward to gradually upgrading the facilities and restoring the grandeur of this amazing old hotel. Marnie is a great chef and administrator and is putting policies in place for the smooth running of the sadly neglected “Old Lady”. We had the Ghost Hunters in last week and the ghosts were relatively quiet and peaceful, compared to previous visits. The mediums believe they are happier and more settled of late (external opinions on that will no doubt vary). As time progresses many will be happy to see positive changes taking place. Congratulations to Marnie and Rob and good luck to them in their new venture.
It’s great to hear that things are on track at the Gearin, and that the ghosts have been peaceful. They were quiet last time I was there too.. I spent the night waiting for some sign of them, but to no avail!
The pub has always been good value and I am sure that it will be even better under new management.
All the best, and will see you next time I am travelling through Katoomba 🙂
Maybe those with special senses can see the ghost. That would make their stay at the Gearin more memorable. But for the normal ones, I’ll expect they’ll have all this question whether or not the ghost really does exist or not.
….my name is Daniel and i am at present staying in the Old World Charming.. “Gearin Hotel”..and am Feeling Very at home..Marnie and Rod have now created a Joy-filled and Wonderfully Welcoming Atmosphere for All Guest and Patrons to Enjoy ..i do Encourge You~All to Come and Experience the”Gearin Hotel” Charm, for yourself *****