2025 has become one of the most captivating years in Australian true crime history. From viral court cases to binge-worthy documentaries and top-charting podcasts, real-life crime stories have dominated national headlines and digital platforms alike. But what exactly makes these cases so gripping—and why are Australian audiences, and the world, so enthralled?
In this blog, we break down the most talked-about true crime stories of 2025 and the media firestorms they’ve sparked across the country.
1. Australia’s True Crime Podcast Boom
The audio world is bursting with true crime content in 2025, and Australians are leading the charge.
- Casefile True Crime remains a global juggernaut with millions of listeners worldwide, praised for its anonymous narrator and chillingly meticulous storytelling.
- Rising quickly is Mushroom Case Daily, a podcast dedicated to updates on Erin Patterson’s court proceedings and forensic deep dives.
- True Crime Australia and Dear Rachelle have also surged on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, covering crimes both past and unfolding with journalistic precision.
These podcasts don’t just retell stories—they shape them, fuel conversations, and even spark independent investigations.
2. Crime on Screen: Documentaries & Series That Sparked Nationwide Interest
True crime television is in high demand, and Australian stories are taking center stage.
- The highly anticipated documentary Death Cap promises a harrowing look inside the Erin Patterson case, with interviews from family members, experts, and law enforcement.
- A dramatized series titled Toxic is also in development, offering a fictionalized account inspired by the same tragedy.
- On the public service side, SBS’s 2.6 Seconds explores the fatal police shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, shedding light on systemic issues in remote communities.
Australia’s crime narratives are no longer niche—they’re going global, visual, and viral.
3. Headline Crimes of the Year
The Erin Patterson Mushroom Murders
Perhaps no case in 2025 has sparked more public outrage and fascination than that of Erin Patterson, now convicted of poisoning her ex in-laws with death cap mushrooms during a family lunch in Leongatha.
- The case garnered global headlines not just for its brutality, but for its layers of familial betrayal, rare female-led homicide, and intense media scrutiny.
- Patterson’s court trial became a media event in itself, with press from every major network and even discussions of juror privacy breaches.
- The crime’s gothic qualities—a domestic meal turned deadly—made it a case that audiences couldn’t turn away from.
The Pheobe Bishop Disappearance
In Bundaberg, 17-year-old Pheobe Bishop vanished under mysterious circumstances. Her body was later found in a national park, and her housemates were charged in connection.
- With new court developments each week and public interest skyrocketing, this case has become a symbol of youth vulnerability and the dangers hidden behind closed doors.
Other Cases Gaining Traction
- The Julian Story investigation in Port Lincoln, involving missing remains and complex forensic evidence, is unfolding into one of SA’s most intriguing cases.
4. Why These Cases Gripped the Nation
What makes these crimes especially gripping to the public?
- Media Access & Streaming: Never before have trials been covered in such real-time detail across platforms.
- Female Offenders: Cases like Patterson’s break societal expectations, driving more fascination.
- Narrative Power: Well-produced content—from courtroom podcasts to docu-dramas—pulls people into stories emotionally and psychologically.
- Public Relevance: These aren’t just distant stories—they reflect fears about family, safety, trust, and justice.
5. Culture, Crime & the Rise of Dark Tourism
Australia is seeing a surge in what’s known as dark tourism—travel to sites associated with tragedy or mystery.
- Towns like Leongatha and Bundaberg have experienced increased visitor interest due to their connection to high-profile cases.
- Similar to the global fascination with Jack the Ripper tours or the Jeffrey Dahmer neighborhood, Australians are now retracing the real paths of Patterson, Bishop, and others.
- For a modern public growing up on Netflix docuseries and viral TikTok breakdowns, this trend raises both ethical and cultural questions.
Conclusion
Whether it’s the twisted details of the Erin Patterson trial, the haunting disappearance of Pheobe Bishop, or the media coverage that turns these stories into cultural phenomena—2025 has proven that true crime is no longer just about solving mysteries. It’s about understanding human behavior, confronting fear, and exploring the societal threads that connect us all.
FAQs
Q: What are the most popular true crime podcasts in Australia in 2025?
A: Casefile True Crime, Mushroom Case Daily, True Crime Australia, and Dear Rachelle are leading the charts across Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Q: Why is the Erin Patterson case so famous?
A: Her poisoning of family members with death cap mushrooms is not only rare in Australian history but deeply emotional, leading to global media, documentaries, and a cultural fixation.
Q: What is dark tourism and is it growing in Australia?
A: Yes. Dark tourism involves visiting places tied to tragic or criminal events. Australian towns like Leongatha are seeing spikes in visitors following high-profile cases.