What’s Happening?
Redlands Ghost Tours creator Jack Sim is bringing local legends and ghost stories together in his latest book.
Known as Brisbane’s “man in black”, Sim is releasing Haunted Redlands: Legends & Ghosts of the Redlands Coast Volume 1, part of his Ghost Trails Series.
The collection draws on stories, urban legends and mysteries shared by local and former residents, including accounts connected to familiar locations.
To celebrate the release, Sim will host book launch events at Capalaba Library and Cleveland’s Grand View Hotel during Halloween week.
Why It Matters?
Local legends form part of the Redlands Coast’s history, reflecting memories and experiences passed through generations.
Through his research, Sim has gathered personal accounts that might otherwise disappear as longtime residents and communities change.
“They have kindly shared their wonderful and intriguing stories, urban legends and mysteries; which would have otherwise been lost and forgotten in time,” Sim said.
The collection also offers readers another perspective on familiar places, connecting local folklore with the people who remember it.
Local Impact
The book brings familiar landmarks and lesser-known stories into the spotlight. Many accounts centre on locations associated with ghost stories, while others reflect personal memories and longstanding community folklore.
The publication also builds on Sim’s revived Redlands Ghost Tours, giving locals another way to connect with the region’s past.
By The Numbers
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More than 70 people were interviewed during the book’s preparation, including current and former residents with longstanding Redlands connections.
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13 chapters were selected from the collected stories following a year of research, interviews and writing.
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The 1940s feature among the earliest accounts, showing how far back some of the region’s local legends extend.
Zoom In
Choosing which stories to publish proved difficult for Sim, particularly given the number of accounts residents shared.
“There were so many great stories, so many fascinating tales, it was difficult to pick and choose, and to condense it to 13 chapters… so I’ll have to write another volume,” Sim explained.
His research relied heavily on conversations with people who had lived in the region for many years.
Their memories helped shape the collection, bringing together personal experiences, unexplained mysteries and stories connected to the area’s history.
Zoom Out
Haunted Redlands joins Sim’s wider Ghost Trails Series, which explores ghost stories, mysteries and folklore associated with Australian locations.
Beyond the Redlands Coast, Sim also operates ghost tours in Brisbane, Ipswich and Charters Towers.
His latest publication adds to that work by preserving accounts from the Redlands Coast for readers interested in local history.
What To Look For Next?
Residents will have two opportunities to meet Sim and hear about the stories behind his latest book.
The first event takes place at Capalaba Library on Thursday, 29 October 2026, from 6 pm to 7 pm. Part of Redland City Council Libraries’ Star-Studded Spring author talks, the session is free, but bookings are required.
Doors will open at 5.30 pm, with Sim sharing the inspiration behind his collection of local ghost stories.
Residents can book through Redland City Council Libraries.
The celebrations continue on Saturday, 31 October 2026, from 2 pm to 4 pm, with a ticketed Halloween launch at the Grand View Hotel in Cleveland.
Sim will discuss his research and writing process, meet readers and sign copies of the book.
Tickets are available through Ghost Tours Australia, while the book can be pre-ordered at jacksim.com.au.
With more stories still to share, Sim’s suggestion of another volume could mean further Redlands legends will eventually make it into print.
