Frederick George James Fisher was born in London on 28 August 1772. On 26 July 1815, Fred was sentenced to 14 years transportation to Australia for forgery.

In 1825 Fred had an argument with a local carpenter and received a light prison sentence. Worried about his farm, Fred gave his neighbour, George Worrall, power of attorney during this sentence. After his release, on 17 June 1826, Fred Fisher mysteriously disappeared and George Worrall announced that Fred had sailed for England.

Almost four months after the mysterious disappearance of Fred, a strange occurrence took place in a local hotel. On that memorable night, a wealthy and respectable farmer, John Farley, stumbled into a local hotel in a state of shock. John claimed he had seen the ghost of Fred Fisher sitting on the rail of a bridge over a creek. The ghost pointed to a paddock down the creek, then faded away.

Namut, an Aboriginal tracker from Liverpool, assisted the local constable in searching the area, and the body of Fred Fisher was soon discovered in a paddock where the ghost had pointed. He was buried locally in St Peter’s Graveyard by his brother, however no headstone was erected.

On 17 September 1826, George Worrall was arrested on suspicion of Fred’s murder. During the trial George confessed – even though the tale of the ghostly sighting could not be told in court as stories of the supernatural were not permitted in a court of law.

In a strange twist of fate, George Worrall is now buried at one of Australia’s most popular locations overlooking Sydney Harbour at The Rocks.

Campbelltown City Festival of Fisher’s Ghost

Each November the award winning Festival of Fisher’s Ghost comes alive in Campbelltown. The Festival is steeped in history, dating back to 1956. It is named after Australia’s most famous ghost, Frederick Fisher.

Held over 10 days, Festival highlights include the spectacular Street Parade, the prestigious Fisher’s Ghost Art Award, the Annual Fisher’s Ghost Fun Run, a street fair, craft exhibitions, a heritage tour, nightly ghost tours and a giant carnival with fireworks. The entire Campbelltown community gets involved – join us in being a part of the legend and enjoy the many events on offer!

For further information on the legend of Fisher's Ghost and the annual Campbelltown Festival of Fisher's Ghost held each year in November, please visit www.fishersghost.com.au