Horror shows are coming to Sydney this Halloween

Halloween is no longer an afterthought in Australia, with some world-class acts and tours set to dazzle and frighten the Harbour City. Here's our pick of the two best not-to-be-missed events.

Sydney is turning up the spook factor this Halloween, with Cockatoo Island adding a dash of horror to two of its most popular tours on October 27, 28 and 31. Families will be encouraged to put on their most ghoulish outfits when they sign up for the Spooktacular Package, which includes Cockatoo's Dark Past tour as well as food and drinks, while serious daredevils can opt for the adults-only Supernatural Package, which includes the island's heart-racing Ghost Tour.

Want to send even more shivers down your spine? Sydney Spiegeltent's new show Mansion (from October 25-November 19) marries gothic horror waltzes with hair-raising aerial stunts in a cabaret and circus theatre located in Sydney's Fox Studios precinct. cockatooisland.gov.au; sydneyspiegeltent.com