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J Ward Museum Complex, Ararat

4.6
#1 of 16 in Things to do in Ararat
Must see · Specialty Museum · Museum
J Ward Museum Complex provides a historical glimpse at the Australian penal system. Starting in 1859 as a jail for miscreants of the local goldfields, J Ward started housing the criminally insane when the gold ran out less than three decades later. Today, you can tour the defunct prison and hear stories about its inmates from local volunteers. A visit provides a break on the Melbourne-Adelaide road, if you're passing between the two cities. Put J Ward Museum Complex at the forefront of your travel plans using our Ararat online trip builder.
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J Ward Museum Complex reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
236 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • By DrGreyhound
    Wonderful J Ward volunteer Beryl led us through complex. Rich history explained and stories shared. Fascinating and sad insights into community mental health changes across time. There but for the...  more »
  • By crunchypoint
    The fruit trees and landscaping inside was a beautiful surprise, prison "rubbed" warming wall and etching, local history, excellent guide with so much passion, local stories. Real life insights into.....  more »
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Google
  • By Ash Bubat
    Very informative tour. The staff are lovely. The building is beautiful and well maintained. Really worth the visit. The gift shop items are also fairly priced.
  • By Ciaran Crazy!
    After a brief trip to Ararat, we went to J Ward, to see what life was like in the 1800s, and share the people's stories with the group. Beautifully restored and cleaned just a amazing experience.
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