Prisoner of Melbourne: The Freak’s House

27 Howard Street, Box Hill: Trouble had a way of following Joan Ferguson home.

This house more closely resembles the one that fell on the witch in Oz than it does the hot bed of action where Shane Munroe hides out after running away from home, Joan catches girlfriend Terri Malone banging the boss, Joan is dosed on acid, the dogs are attacked, where Joan’s niece may or may not have hidden drugs for a frame job, and more. The house is actually burned twice. Once by mob boss Lionel Fellowes, played by Prisoneer 30th Anniversary attendee Will Deumer, and a second time by members of Rita’s bikey gang, who burn the place down.

The stairs at #27 appear to remain unaltered after nearly 30 years.

How we got there: From Flinders Street Station, take either the Lilydale or Belgrave train to Box HIll Station. Exit the Station on Station Street heading south. Walk four blocks, turn right on Howard Street.

Casa Joan: In Australia, the Freak is even more recognizable than the Fonz is in the United States.

While 2009 is the 30th anniversary of Prisoner, it is also the 27th anniversary of the Freak.