A stretch of Wakehurst Parkway has locals rattled after years of eerie reports involving a mysterious woman said to appear inside cars, causing drivers to panic. Known for its winding road through bushland in Oxford Falls on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the parkway has become one of the most talked-about roads in New South Wales for paranormal encounters.
Chilling Encounters Behind The Wheel
For decades, drivers on Wakehurst Parkway have shared eerie encounters near Oxford Falls, where a ghostly figure that has come to be known as “Kelly” is said to appear without warning. She’s often spotted on the roadside or suddenly in the back seat, vanishing moments later.
Some motorists report headlights flickering, mirrors catching fleeting movement, or an icy chill filling the car. One woman said she was warned never to drive the road alone and once heard someone breathing behind her, despite being completely alone. Similar stories have been told by taxi and rideshare drivers, keeping the legend alive.
Real Crimes Deepen The Road’s Dark History
Adding weight to the superstitions are several tragic events along the Wakehurst Parkway. In 1995, the body of 21-year-old Frances Tizzone was found near the road. She had been strangled, and her ex-boyfriend was later convicted. In another case, Stephen Dempsey was killed in nearby Deep Creek Reserve in 1994, his remains hidden in a freezer before being dumped.
These events, while confirmed by police investigations, have added to the belief that the area holds a dark energy. Some locals feel the haunting is tied to these tragedies, while others believe it’s rooted in even older history connected to the nearby former quarantine stations.
Paranormal Groups And Filmmakers Investigate
Wakehurst Parkway’s haunted reputation has drawn interest from both filmmakers and paranormal researchers. Local filmmaker Bianca Biasi has explored the legend through several projects, highlighting repeated sightings of a woman in a nurse’s uniform or wedding dress.
Some believe she may be linked to former nurses from the Manly Quarantine Station. Ghost-hunting teams have investigated the Oxford Falls area using EMF meters and audio gear, reporting eerie voices and thrown objects. Still, no official evidence has confirmed anything supernatural.
A Community Caught Between Fear And Folklore
While many locals chalk the sightings up to coincidence or imagination, there’s no denying the unease that Wakehurst Parkway stirs. Drivers regularly share warnings online and within the community, especially for those unfamiliar with the area. Many say they choose alternate routes at night, especially alone.
The stories have also sparked discussions on road safety. The Parkway’s narrow lanes, poor lighting, and blind curves have been blamed for many accidents. Whether the cause is something paranormal or simply poor road design, it’s clear the stretch through Oxford Falls remains a source of concern and curiosity for the community.
Published 11-June-2025
