J Ward heritage tour

Join us for a guided tour of J Ward, one of Australia’s most significant mental health heritage sites.

Built in the late 1860’s, J Ward at the former Ararat Lunatic Asylum is a place of rich history and powerful stories. Your guide will share the experiences of those who lived, died and worked here, and explain how treatment and care have changed over time.

• Explore the heritage buildings,
• learn about the asylum’s dark history,
• its role in the community, and;
• hear stories that honour the resilience and contributions of so many.

The tour includes time to enjoy the beautiful gardens and grounds.

Tour itinerary:

• Participants travelling from Melbourne can access the Victorian Seniors Festival free travel offer and catch the V-Line train departing Melbourne's Southern Cross Station at 7:53am. You will arrive at Ararat Railway Station at 10:22am.
• 10:30am Board the bus at the Ararat Railway Station
• 11:00am – 12:30pm Guided tour of J Ward
• 12:45pm Drop off at the Ararat Town Hall: enjoy free time to explore the town centre, visit local shops, stroll through Alexandra Gardens, or purchase lunch at one of Ararat’s cafes and eateries (lunch at own expense)
• 2:00pm Pick up at Ararat Town Hall
• 2:10pm Drop off at Ararat Railway Station
• Participants returning to Melbourne can catch the following V/Line service: 2:28pm departure from Ararat Railway Station, arriving Melbourne's Southern Cross Station at 5:17pm.

The tour includes bus transport from the Ararat Railway Station to J Ward and museum entry. This tour is not accessible.