J Ward, Prison museum in Ararat, Australia.
The J Ward complex contains stone cells, high walls, and iron doors that showcase the penitentiary architecture of the 1850s Victorian era.
Built in 1859 as a goldfields prison, the facility changed its purpose in 1887 to accommodate mentally ill patients who had committed criminal acts.
The museum exhibits display medical equipment, personal items, and documentation that reflect the evolution of mental health treatment in 19th century Australia.
Guided tours operate daily at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm, with special night tours available for groups by prior arrangement.
Charles Fossard, one of the facility's most notable patients, remained in custody at J Ward for 71 years until his death in 1974.
Location: Ararat
Inception: 1859
Official opening: October 10, 1861
Part of: Ararat Asylum
Address: Girdlestone Street Ararat VIC 3377
Phone: +61353523357
Email: jward@vic.chariot.net.au
Website: https://jward.org.au
GPS coordinates: -37.27880,142.93000
Latest update: May 13, 2025 00:42
Grampians National Park
47.6 km
Aradale Mental Hospital
134 m
Wimmera
46.5 km
Grampians
44 km
Halls Gap Zoo
35.7 km
Kara Kara National Park
56.2 km
Silverband Falls
37.3 km
Mount William
29.2 km
Ararat Gallery TAMA
510 m
Bull and Mouth Hotel
76.2 km
Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre
413 m
Lake Goldsmith Steam & Vintage Rally
50.4 km
Clunes Post Office
75.9 km
Clunes Town Hall and Court House
75.8 km
St Andrew's Presbyterian church
59.1 km
Methodist church
69.3 km
Central Park
28.2 km
St John's Uniting church, Streatham
46 km
Cobb and Co stables, Buangor
23.6 km
Maryborough Town Hall
76.1 km
Former Ararat Sub-Treasury and Post Office
632 m
Ararat Court House
666 m
Maryborough Court House
76.1 km
Club Hotel
75.9 km
ES&A Bank building, Clunes
75.8 km
Seppelts Champagne Cellars
15.1 km
Ararat Civic Precinct
565 m
Band Rotunda
43.4 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes