Residents at Bushranger Parade in Calderwood have gone larger-than-life with Halloween decor this year – and it looks fantastic. Photo: Tegan Martins.
Families across the Illawarra have joined in the spirit of the season, and some spooktacular displays are on offer for those who plan to trick-or-treat this year.
Singing pumpkins, a creepy maze, giant skeletons and haunted dolls don’t come cheap, plus there’s the creative nous and hard work it takes to make a truly fear-filled experience.
Dapto’s Haidee Cheesewright began her family’s Halloween tradition about 20 years ago when they bought their home.
Over the years it has evolved from some cobwebs here and there to several large animated displays and one-of-a-kind pieces handmade by her husband, including a potion shelf for their witches’ den, a toxic waste barrell and a clown that chases visitors.
“This year he built a trike that Chucky rides on that will also be able to cruise around chasing children,” Haidee said.
“Each year we try and add something new and scary to keep it fresh.
“We love doing our display as I am a huge horror fan and it’s great to be able to share that with the community in a fun way.
“It’s always so great to perhaps ignite a passion for all things spooky in the many children that come and trick-or-treat at our home.
“I also like that I can have the outside of the house like the inside of the house – even if it’s only for one month a year.”
Holly Poole, from Flinders, began her Halloween display about six years ago after her daughter and friends expressed an interest in trick-or-treating.
There weren’t many options at the time, so they decided to make it a family affair and threw a Halloween party.
“My dad has always got really into events so he brought some things like hessian to put a maze out the front for the kids, and everyone loved it,” Holly said.
“I love anything you need to get in the spirit for – Halloween, Christmas; I just like to get back to that childhood wonder of when things are fun and carefree.
“I remember going around to look at the Christmas lights when I was a kid and that sense of magic, but you need people to make it happen.
“Everybody seems to enjoy themselves and it’s good to get out and forget your troubles.”
The display has grown, but a maze for the kids – big and small – is still a key part.
Holly hopes her family’s display this year might go some way towards easing another family’s troubles, too.
They’ve signed on for the Make A Wish Halloween fundraiser, Hallowish.
“We get a bit of a crowd each year and we thought maybe that can make a difference for someone,” Holly said.
“We’ll have a QR code for people who wish to donate and a little collection bucket.”
While donations are appreciated, they’re not required to take part in the fun. If you’d like to make a contribution, head here: Make-A-Wish Australia – Holly Poole (makeawish.org.au)
If you’re planning where to take your little ghouls for some Halloween fun, here are some of the scariest houses in the region.
Most of the big displays, like at Christmas, are south of Wollongong, so if you live in the northern suburbs it might be a good idea to plan a bit of a drive – or begin to plan your own decor for next year.
Carrying the torch for Wollongong and surrounds are 3 Louis Street, Corrimal, with an extensive light up display giving a Nightmare Before Christmas vibe, and at 3 Taronga Ave a singing pumpkin trio will perform from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.
108 Marshall Street and 10 Mawarra Avenue are carrying the torch for Dapto.
15 Culgoa Crescent, Koonawarra will be available for trick-or-treaters from 4 to 8 pm.
Head to 354 Northcliffe Drive, Lake Heights, for treats before 7 pm – on that, there are plenty of houses along Northcliffe Drive from Berkeley to Warrawong decorated.
At Warrawong, 37 First Avenue North is in the spooky spirit.
8 Esperance Drive, Albion Park has made a number of additions to their traditional display – check it out from 4 to 9 pm.
To check out Holly’s display head to Welbury Road in Flinders – while you’re in the suburb, 65 Jindabyne Road and Staff Road have also put on a show.
Several families have gone all out with larger-than-life decorations in Bushranger Parade at Calderwood.
Rosina Street, Stream Hill is another spot to watch.
Several houses on Ulster Avenue in Warilla are ready and waiting to share frights and lollies with kids.
Head to 373 Reddall Parade, Mount Warrigal to meet the famous Annabelle – and get a photo with her if you dare.
44 Loftus Drive, Barrack Heights is in their second year running Halloween decor, and has some new additions.
In Kiama, Darren Parlett’s home at 111 Hillview Circuit is ready to horrify visitors.
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