Explore the infamous J Ward Lunatic Asylum, one of Victoria’s most haunted properties.
Join a 2-hour tour led by an expert guide specializing in ghost tours.
Visit buildings not open to the public, offering a unique and chilling experience.

What you can expect

Prepare yourself for an evening of horror and history as you are taken back in time and through the doors of the infamous J Ward Division of the Ararat Mental Hospital. The J Ward began as a prison for the goldfields in 1859 and when the gold ran out in the 1880s it was taken over by the Lunacy Department to house the criminally insane. Over the following century it was home to some of the most dangerous men in Victoria.You will even be able to enter their cells if you dare.

Info

Inclusions

2 hour tour of the J Ward in the Ararat Mental Hospital
Professional, local tour guide
Access to the cells - if you dare!
Museum entry

Time

Tours depart every Friday and Saturday evening at 9.30pm from J Ward, Girdlestone St, Ararat
Please allow 2.5hrs drive from Melbourne

Operating Hours

This tour runs on regular dates throughout the year, please check availability

Duration

Please allow 2 hours for the duration of this experience

Departure Location

This experience departs from Ararat Train Station, Birdwood Ave, Ararat VIC 3377

What To Bring

Please wear comfortable walking shoes
Bring a torch, umbrella and your camera
Don't forget your booking confirmation

Terms And Conditions

Minimum age is 12 years old
This is a slow, walking tour so the ability to walk at a slow pace for 2 hours is required
Stairs included in this tour
There will be a maximum of 25 people on this tour

Cancellation Policy

Change your booking up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience
Changes are not permitted within 48 hours of your experience
Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience

Booking Information

Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the tour
For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction.

Location

Birdwood Avenue, Ararat, VIC 3377

Recent reviews

4.7/5

Based on 3 reviews

Chloe

almost 4 years ago

SO GOOD

I absolutely LOVED this ghost tour! Our night wasn’t overly active, however I definitely was okay with that! This also will happen with authentic ghost tours. I loved that it didn’t feel forced or fake, just so many interesting facts and stories with the addition of some spirits. I think if you really want to SEE something- take photos! Our guide was lovely and made us feel really safe. My FAVOURITE part of the guide was he put an emphasis on respecting the spirits and their purpose, making sure no one tried to hype them up. I really recommend this tour, even if you just go during the day to learn about how far we have come in the treatment and understand of the mentally ill- it is so important to experience what they had to endure. I will be coming back again with a friend as I just can’t recommend it enough!

Maddy B

almost 4 years ago

Great Guides - needs for time for leisure

Great tour guides. Would be much better if it wasn’t so rushed and we could take our time to read information boards etc.

Jack

almost 5 years ago

Informative and scary

Very informative tour guides and not for the faint hearted haha

From

$41.00

/ person

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