Cascade Gardens: The Shadowless Ghost of Ned Harper

Cascade Gardens

Cascade Gardens is a perfectly manicured waterfront park that holds a dark secret. The park exists in Surfers paradise, one of the most visited areas of Queensland, Australia. Cascade Gardens is well-known for its war memorials, as a habitat for bats and for containing the grave of a well-respected man, whom some believe now haunts the area.

The Ghost of Ned Harper

Ned Harper lived from 1828 to 1896. During his life, he became respected within the local community for the work he did to establish a wharf that serviced the Nerang River. He was also influential for living and working alongside Indigenous Australians of the area he is now buried within the Cascade Gardens.

His grave is marked by a large stone and plaque atop a hill looking over this picturesque park. Many people believe that the spirit of Ned Harper has remained within the park since his death and interment. This belief came about after many visitors to the area had witnessed an elderly man working out in the afternoon sun. This wouldn’t normally be a suspect sight in a beautiful public park, except for the fact that this man didn’t cast a shadow, donned 19th-century clothing and seemed to always disappear into thin air.

It remains unclear as to whether this is an intelligent haunting or a residual one. Could Ned still be continuing his evening routine, in a place he so obviously felt a strong connection to in his life?

Visiting the Haunted Cascade Gardens

The Cascade Gardens is open daily, though gates restrict vehicles during the evening. Ned’s grave can be located on the top of a steep grassy hill in the center of the park. It is denoted by a large stone and a plaque honoring his memory.

If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about other haunted places in Queensland, I highly recommend the Ernest Junction Tunnel.

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