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Explore J Ward Lunatic Asylum Ghost Tour in Ballarat, Victoria
Step into the chilling history of J Ward Lunatic Asylum just outside Melbourne and about two hours from Ballarat, Victoria, where you can explore the on-site museum before a 2-hour guided ghost tour; during the evening experience you’ll learn about notorious criminals who once resided in the ward, including Chopper Read, as you and your group search the grounds for lingering souls - tours run every Friday and Saturday evening, making this a memorable Ballarat, Victoria activity to book through Varoom.
About this activity in Ballarat
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Explore the historic J Ward Lunatic Asylum in Ballarat on an atmospheric evening ghost tour that digs into the site's criminal history and notorious residents.
- Begin with access to the onsite museum before a 2-hour guided experience led by a local guide with live commentary.
- Hear true stories about infamous inmates, including Chopper Read, while you walk the grounds in search of lingering spirits.
- Tours run Friday and Saturday evenings, offering a focused, after-dark look at one of the region’s most talked-about historic sites.
Important Information
- The experience includes live commentary from an expert local guide; food, drinks and hotel transfers are not provided.
- The 2-hour tour is mostly indoors with moderate walking and some steps - flat, comfortable shoes and a moderate level of fitness are recommended.
- Minimum age is 12; children aged 12 and over must be accompanied by a supervising adult ticket holder. Infants and small children may remain in prams or strollers.
- Tours proceed in wet weather; in cases of extreme conditions the local operator will contact you with alternative arrangements.
Meeting Point
Meet at the main entrance to the J Ward museum in Ballarat-please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled Friday or Saturday evening tour to check in with your guide.
Includes
- You’ll enjoy live commentary from an experienced local guide, giving you context and insider stories about the area as you explore Ballarat and its surroundings.
- A local guide leads the experience, so you can ask questions and get tailored recommendations for the region during the tour.
Excludes
- Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly if you need refreshments during your visit.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided, so you should arrange your own transport to the meeting point.
Other
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, making this activity family-friendly for young ones.
- Public transportation options are available nearby, helping you reach the meeting point using regional buses or trains.
- You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, as the experience involves walking and some steps.
- The minimum age is 12 years; this activity is suitable for older children and adults.
- Children aged 12 and over must be accompanied by a supervising adult ticket holder at all times.
- Wear flat, comfortable shoes recommended for indoor walking and steps throughout the experience.
- The 2-hour tour is mostly indoors with moderate walking and a few steps, so plan clothing and footwear accordingly.
- Tours proceed in wet weather; in cases of extreme weather, the local tour operator will contact you directly to arrange alternative options.
Customer Reviews
9/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
You get an amazing insight to what heard and its occupants were really about. The history was awesome to hear. The museum had some really awesome items as well.
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Summary:
Excellent night. The tour guides were really informative and fun. The stories are interesting and lots of activity while ghost hunting.
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Summary:
Great tour, great group. Cool to have ghost detection devices as they really worked. Our guides were amazing and were very passionate about the Goal/Asylum so the stories that were told were very interesting. You could imagine what it would have been like. I highly recommend the tour. Thanks guys for the cool experience.
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Know more about Ballarat
You’ll start by exploring the museum that now sits at the former asylum, then join a 2-hour guided ghost tour that introduces you to notorious criminals who once lived in the ward, including Chopper Read, as you search the grounds for lingering souls.
Children aged 12 and over can join but must be accompanied by a supervising adult ticket holder; the experience is designed for families with older kids rather than very young children.
The tour includes live commentary from a local guide and access to the museum before the guided ghost walk; food, drinks, and hotel pickup or drop-off are not included.
Tours run every Friday and Saturday evening and last approximately two hours, beginning after you’ve had time to visit the on-site museum.
You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness-expect moderate walking and some steps-and wear flat, comfortable shoes since the 2-hour tour is mostly indoors with some standing and walking.
Tours take place in wet weather; in the case of extreme weather the local tour operator will contact you directly to offer alternative options so you won’t miss the experience.
