Aradale Historical Day Tour

Take a guided tour of the institution that housed Victoria's mentally ill for over 120 years. Aradale Asylum was an Australian Psychiatric hospital, located in Ararat, a rural city in Victoria, Australia.

Aradale, also known as the Ararat Lunatic Asylum and the Ararat Hospital for the Insane, together with its two sister asylums at Kew and Beechworth, were commissioned to accommodate a growing number of "lunatics" in the colony of Victoria. Construction began in 1865 and was opened for patients in 1867. It was closed as an asylum in 1993. At its height, Aradale provided a secure treatment facility housing over 1000 patients.  A large complex consisting of 65 heritage listed buildings on a 5 acre site, Aradale sits on 665 acres and was at one stage a fully self supporting 'city' within a 'city'.

Walk through the cavernous wards and halls of the institution that treated and housed the mentally ill of Victoria. Visitors will gain a greater understanding of the history of the Victorian Mental Health System.

Friends of J Ward volunteers conduct tours each Sunday and Wednesday at 10am.  Group bookings can be made by special arrangement.  Due to the walking involved, parental discretion is advised when taking young children, or those with restricted mobility.

Approximate Duration: 2 hours 

Venue: Indoors and Outdoors

Terrain: Moderate walking, some steps and stairs

Accessibility:  Due to unevenness of the terrain, and stairways, there is no wheelchair access.

Toilets: Available during the tour

Photos: Visitors are permitted to take photos (no filming)

There are no refunds for change of mind. You can change the date of your tour with a minimum of 24 hours notice. A new date must be chosen at the time of re-schedule. Your order is voided by non-attendance and late cancellation.