j ward museum complex

908shellyb

We had originally planned to do a night ghost tour of aradale but because of time issues we went to j ward instead.I was not really keen to know anything about criminals so I have to say I was not really looking forward to enjoying the tour. Im glad we did go, and for anyone short of time or in town on a day when the ghost tours are not operating, this is a great alternative. there were just two of us with the guide on the morning of our tour which was early in the morning. im not sure if being the only ones there with our guide seemed to make it a little more creepy but we were glad we were not doing an evening tour! the volunteers have done an amazing job and it was so good to see this piece of history being preserved. the underground kitchen, smoke house was facinating. there is a lot to see and the two hours that we spent didnt even give us time to look in the cells or read about the inmates, so you could spend a long time here. well worth the visit.

708kyleer

Very informative history of J Ward in Ararat - great for the family with very informative tour guides - highly recommend!

734reneem

Stopped here on the way home from Halls Gap, and wanted to do a tour. Ken was our tour guide, who was both informative and full of character. Told us a lot of stories and facts about what happened on J ward. The tour was very detailed and we saw the entire place, including the downstairs kitchen and bathroom (which l am sure we never saw last time we were here). The tour went for about an hour and half, but both our 8 and 9 year old enjoyed it, and learnt a lot. Its great to see a place like this preserved so we can see the history, though very sad what the patients went through, it also shows how far we have come as a nation and how we deal with "mental" health now days. And not see the place left to ruin (sadly like Aradale) Would of have loved to spend more time here, and get more photos (love history and abandoned places) but had to get back home to Melbourne. Would def recommend.

Seekereleven

Our young guide was very knowledgeable about the history, stories and events of J ward. The tour was quite detailed and covered the entire facility. The issues my wife and I had were that the group was far too large. I figure there were about 24 guests herded around; including three loud drunk guys who commented on almost everything the guide said. We were under the impression that groups were limited to 16. But anyway it was well worth the trip up from Melbourne, especially when I was placed in a cell alone for about 20 minutes late at night. That was eerie.

SteveB486

Alex was a very knowledgeable guide who told us interesting stories and facts about J Ward. A fascinating stop on our way to the Grampians, thoroughly recommend it.

SallytFootscray

I arrived hoping for a quick tour and was a little dismayed to find that you cant simply wander around yourself, as we were just passing through on our way to Melbourne. However, the guided tour was well worth the time taken (a little under an hour I think). The whole place is run by extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers who give the experience a kind of folksy charm which contrasts with the sometimes gruesome stories of the place. I found the whole thing utterly fascinating and well worth it. My only word of warning is that its probably not appropriate for young kids. There were a couple on our tour and I suspect they will be having nightmares for weeks. Their parents ended up leaving early. I would suggest no younger than 10.

Bernstreet

J Ward is filled with history dating back to the early days of a jail up to the more recent history of a facility for Criminally Insane. A tour of J Ward is always different and filled with interesting facts that describe life in a prison and institution. Great displays and museum, well worth a visit

dreamtraveller15

Went on a rainy night and had a very interesting and informative time. Doors opened and closed by themselves and some of the group had experiences including being touched. Now we all want to do the Aradale tour too! Was well worth the visit.

BillDaly

On Melbourne Cup Day we visited J Ward in Ararat. Its a Victorian (in a geographical and period sense) penal complex for the criminally insane that was functioning until only 23 years ago. The entire complex is now a museum run by volunteers. We were greeted by a very amusing bloke who issued our very reasonably proceed entrance ticket. While waiting for the tour to start we wandered the grounds and browsed the fascinating museum pieces including various punitive, medical and restraining paraphernalia that were used on the inmates, as well as copies of files including the writings of inmates such as Gary David, for whom the Parliament of Victoria introduced special laws in the 1980's to prevent him being released. Then the tour started,. The guide was very relaxed and informative and told various fascinating anecdotes from the history of the place as we toured the buildings and grounds. I would strongly recommend this to anyone passing through Ararat with even a passing interest in the history of penology & psychiatry

Redondo27

Loved the very informative tour! Our guide Dave a fount of information, giving a vivid impression of life in an asylum .

BevleaR

J ward may be closed but its history and stories are kept alive by the loyal volunteers of J ward who run tours at a very reasonable price. Every tour is different (I have done two) as each guide has different stories and anecdotes to tell. History of the place is chilling but fascinating.

cheryl494995

This was an excellent tour to do. Our guide was Doug and he was friendly and had a stash of information. This was a gaol and an asylum. So many stories to tell us. If only those walls could talk!! The gardens there were very nice too.

chelleeee

Tour guide was so well informed and friendly. A wealth of information, he should write a book. My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

906leighh

Excellent guide, we got to carry around ghost equipment, but unfortunately not much was seen or felt. But interesting images found on some photos that were taken

WendyL297

Excellent tour done by local people who are very knowledgable about this institution. Well worth seeing.