Pumpkins on porches aren’t standard here, but door-knocks on 31 October definitely are. Warm evenings, excited kids, and a street full of costumes - perfect conditions for a bit of harmless spook and some practical lighting that keeps everyone moving safely.
Below are three short "PG spooky" moments to share, then a tight checklist for lighting and power so the night runs smoothly - whether you’re handing out lollies at home or doing a lap with the crew.
Three tiny Halloween tales (PG, promise)
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The Extra Knock
We counted three kids at the door, but heard four sets of footsteps on the path. Mystery solved when the sensor light triggered and revealed the “fourth”: a plastic skeleton hand stuck in the hedge, tapping a nearby tree in the breeze! -
The Phantom Ziplock
Halfway down the street, an unmistakable "zip-zip-zip" had everyone looking around. Not a ghost - just a treat bag rubbing against a jacket zip every second step. Once we clipped the bag to a belt loop, the "haunting" stopped and the sugar hunt resumed! -
Eyes by the Wheelie Bin
Two bright points stared from the driveway until we switched a headlamp to red mode. Ten more "eyes" appeared. Dew on bin lids and car windows reflecting back. Mystery solved, photos taken, on we went.
If you’re staying home: make it easy to find you
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Path lighting that doesn’t blind
Hang a lantern just above eye level or bounce light off a wall so visitors can see steps without copping glare. Warm colour light feels friendlier and attracts fewer bugs than stark white. -
Mark the trip hazards
Reflective tape on the bottom stair, a low-output stake light by the garden edge, and a small beacon near hoses or toys. Two minutes of prep prevents most scrapes. -
Keep a grab torch at the door
A compact torch on a hook next to the door saves fumbling. Add spare AA/AAA batteries to the bowl near the lollies - future you will be very pleased. -
Quiet cues for participation
If you’re in, light the path and prop the gate. If you’re out or not participating, switch off the front lights and pop a friendly note at the letterbox. Easy.
If you’re walking the kids: see and be seen
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One light per human
Headlamps are hands-free for crossing roads and rummaging in treat bags. Red mode preserves night vision and is kinder on the eyes when you look up mid-conversation. -
Reflective = respect
A strip on the back of costumes or carry bags makes a huge difference to visibility near driveways and quiet side streets. -
Phone lights aren’t a plan
They’re slippery, bright in the wrong direction, and dead by 9pm. Use a small torch or headlamp and keep a power bank in the pram pocket for phones and wearables. -
Street-safe driving light etiquette
If you’re hopping between suburbs, let your driving lights work for you - but dip early around pedestrians and watch for excited kids crossing off-pattern. Signs, bins and wet roads kick light back at odd angles.
Simple checklist: 10 minutes before sundown
For the house
- Switch on a lantern or porch light and check your path light is set to low.
- Tape the bottom step or place a small marker light where the path narrows.
- Put a torch and spare batteries by the door.
For the walk
- One headlamp or small torch per person, plus a spare set of batteries.
- Add reflective tape or a clip-on flasher to at least one bag per group.
- Pack a compact power bank and cable; phones do the photos, not the lighting.
Wrap-up
Halloween here is simple: a friendly street, a bit of make-believe, and enough light to keep the fun flowing. Mark the paths, carry your own light, and save the jump scares for the costumes. That’s Australia’s version - neighbourly, low-fuss, and best enjoyed with a bowl of lollies and a spare set of batteries ;)
