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J Ward Lunatic Asylum Ghost Tour

4.8 (17)

Ararat, AU

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Experience the chilling thrill of the J Ward Lunatic Asylum Ghost Tour, a spine-tingling adventure just two hours outside of Melbourne. Begin your evening by exploring the museum that now occupies this former home of the criminally insane. Then, embark on a 2-hour guided ghost tour that will introduce you to the notorious criminals who once resided here, including the infamous Chopper Read. As you wander through the grounds, be on the lookout for the lingering souls that still haunt this eerie place. Running every Friday and Saturday evening, this tour is not for the faint of heart. Live commentary from a local guide is included, but food, drinks, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not. Prepare to be captivated by the dark history of the J Ward Lunatic Asylum.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
Admission Included
Suitable for 1-15 Participants
Private Tour, Small Group Tour
Guided Experience

Highlights

Explore the museum of J Ward Lunatic Asylum
Guided ghost tour with notorious criminals
Discover the governor's bathroom and hangman's gallows
Search for lingering souls in the exercise yards
Learn about the trapped spirits within these walls

Included

Live commentary
Local guide

Not included

Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Step into the chilling past of Australia's criminal history with the J Ward Lunatic Asylum Ghost Tour. Located just two hours outside of Melbourne, this spine-tingling experience takes you to the former home of the criminally insane. Begin your journey by exploring the museum that now resides within the walls of this haunted establishment. Immerse yourself in the dark and eerie atmosphere as you prepare for the 2-hour guided ghost tour, where whispers of restless spirits await.

What to Expect

On this unforgettable tour, brace yourself for a captivating journey into the unknown. Discover the dark secrets that lie within the J Ward Lunatic Asylum as you walk through its chilling hallways. Unearth the stories of infamous inmates, including the notorious Chopper Read, Gary Webb, and William Wallace. As your experienced guide leads the way, you'll explore various locations within the asylum, such as the governor's bathroom, hangman's gallows, original kitchen, and exercise yards. Keep your senses heightened as you search for the unquiet souls that still wander these hallowed grounds.

Who is this for?

This ghost tour is perfect for thrill-seekers, history enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in the supernatural. Whether you're a local or a visitor to Australia, this immersive experience offers a unique perspective on the country's dark past. Feel the adrenaline rush as you delve into the eerie mysteries of the J Ward Lunatic Asylum. This tour welcomes individuals who seek to understand the minds of the criminally insane and enjoy the thrill of ghostly encounters.

Why Book This?

Embark on the J Ward Lunatic Asylum Ghost Tour for an unforgettable adventure that combines history, horror, and the supernatural. As you walk in the footsteps of notorious criminals, the atmosphere becomes charged with an otherworldly energy. The authenticity of the asylum's remaining structures and the haunting stories of its past inhabitants will leave you with a deep appreciation for the eerie beauty hidden within these walls. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this tour promises to ignite your imagination and send shivers down your spine.

Good to Know

During the J Ward Lunatic Asylum Ghost Tour, be prepared for a chilling sensory experience. The total duration of the tour is 120 minutes, providing ample time to explore the haunted grounds and soak in the eerie ambiance. The meeting point for this haunting adventure is JWard Old Gaol on Girdlestone Street in Ararat, Victoria. As you journey through the asylum, keep an eye out for the remnants of the past and the lingering spirits that may still roam the premises.

Reviews

Previous visitors of the J Ward Lunatic Asylum Ghost Tour have described it as an unforgettable and spine-tingling experience. Many have praised the knowledgeable guides who bring the history and stories of the asylum to life, enhancing the eerie atmosphere. Guests have marveled at the authenticity of the asylum's surroundings and the lingering sense of the supernatural. For those with an interest in the paranormal or a penchant for thrill-seeking, this tour is a must-do that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for Australia's haunted history.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

At least one adult or senior required per booking

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 12 years
Children 12 and over must be accompanied by a supervising adult ticket holder
Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended
The 2-hour tour is mostly indoors with moderate walking and some steps
Tours take place in wet weather; in the case of extreme weather, the local tour operator will contact you directly to offer alternative options

Reviews

(17)

4.8 (17)

619jeffry

J Ward was a psychiatric institution in Ararat. J Ward was mainly for the criminally insane. Since the inpatients were transferred to other institutions, J Ward has been opened up for ghost tours. This former "lunatic asylum" is a reminder of the ethical challenges involved in the mental health involved in this forensic mental hospital in Ararat. The ghost tour can be a bit alarming, but it arouses your interest and curiosity; it's definitely worthwhile.

P8085CYkimp

A great history lesson about the place and some people that were there, No scary stuff occurred while we were there but still it was a fun night

claytonp511

It was definitely an experience for the whole family to enjoy. The 2 hours night tour was very well paced for time. Watching the short video of actual inmates truely bought the moment to life. One of my group was fortunate to feel a spirit in the kitchen area.

deef690

Bought tickets, organised accommodation in Ararat, took time off work, drove from Melbourne, turned up early for tour, there was no one there. Tour had been cancelled and we weren’t informed. Really disappointed, rang on return to Melbourne, no one could help, no one would even refund my money!

900graemes

We had a great group of people and funny, informative and friendly guides. Very entertaining and informative night out.

bronm2018

Absolutely fantastic. Highly recommend you do this tour as well as Aradale. The history behind J-Ward and the inmates is something we should all learn about. Respect the history for the time it was open.

kond698

I loved learning about J Ward from a historical perspective. It's history and the role it has played in terms of housing the "criminally insane" is in itself both sad and compelling. I think that the preservation of the buildings, cells and surrounding structures is paramount to Ararat and it represents a key tourist attraction. I also felt that the building itself is both claustrophobic and disturbing, making the additional "ghost related" activities somewhat unnecessary. The use of diving rods and so on, was I felt a little gimicky and really didn't add to the experience at all. The hosts were fantastic, very knowledgeable and told the story beautifully. I also thought that the scariest person there was the lady who held the keys, didn't speak a word all night, just threw out the odd smile but didn't engage with anybody. Could this be the one and only true ghost at J Ward?

Nooshie2014

We enjoyed learning the very tragic history. Particularly the absurd treatment of the men who were sentenced. The girls who conducted the tour keep close to facts, and had all the tour intrigued with the incidents that have and still occur

Jodie_P

This tour was amazing. So much history. The tour guides were great at recalling the history of the Asylum. Had lots of experiences that I can not explain. Anyone likes history and paranormal experiences, this place is a must.

shannon_b

You could feel the energy through the hole place. Mr butcher in the kitchen was pretty out there. What a great night

Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners

2024-07-04 06:47