Felton lived and died in his beloved hotel by the sea, although he wasn't the only one to transition here. Explore the ghosts of ecology and eras in an expansive and thorough story led by a curious truth seeker.

From pleasant seaside getaway to the boulevard of broken dreams, 'The Espy' has played host to its fair share of haunting and peculiar experiences. It became synonymous with supporting live music, dirty deeds and, 19th-century resident and art loving philanthropist Mr Alfred Felton..

Not your average ghost tour, this storytelling experience explores the ever-evolving Euro Yroke / St Kilda shoreline from pre-colonisation through to the current landscape where the grand dame Hotel Esplanade stands today. Over its 140 years The Espy's housed all manner of inhabitants, notorious incidents and former grand extensions now combined into a compelling storytelling hour while exploring what this iconic building has to offer.

How did businessman Mr M'Ewan meet his ultimate end? Why were patrons mysteriously losing their dogs? Where did the Eastern Tent Ballroom go? And what was that strange machine being built out the back? Join Dr Bo's entwined stories about the permeating walls of Australia's only 19th century resort style hotel on the shifting Euro Yroke and St Kilda shoreline.

Classified by the National Trust of Australia, the Hotel Esplanade is one of the earliest and most prominent 19th-century resort hotels in Victoria. From seaside resort to live music institution, these walls bare the hallmarks of ghostly potential. The hotel has housed and hosted many famous (and infamous) residents, visitors and musicians, none-the-least Alfred Felton; Australia's largest ever philanthropist to the arts, whose spirit still permeates the pub.

Led by charismatic local storyteller Bo Svoronos. A wordsmith, performer, researcher and fascinating mind, Bo weaves together insightful stories of mystery and intrigue with a touch of humour. Having lived and worked in St Kilda since the mid-nineties, Bo has independently produced and co-directed two St Kilda Writers' Festivals, numerous Yalukit Wilum Ngargee festivals for the City of Port Phillip (amongst many other hats) and spent his fair share of time frequenting The Espy.

TIMES: 4PM + 6PM
DURATION: 90 minutes
MEETING POINT: Please check in with the host on arrival to be shown to the meeting point.
MORE INFO AND ACCESSIBILITY ENQUIRIES: Please note this tour is through a busy working venue, involving walking and standing for much of the hour. If you require assistance, please email any accessibility requirements and questions through to arts@hotelesplanade.com.au and our staff can assist you.

U18's MUST be accompanied by a legal parent or guardian at all times

**Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of your tour. Unfortunately latecomers may not be able to join until a suitable point in the journey.**

We acknowledge the lands on which we present this work are the lands of the Yalak-ut Weelam people of the Kulin Nations. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.