Built in 1861 as the Ararat County Gaol during the gold rush, the building later became a high-security psychiatric ward for the criminally insane. For over a century, it housed prisoners and patients under harsh conditions, reflecting the strict justice system and limited mental-health understanding of the time.

For Halloween, Cooper Johns and intern Pete headed to J Ward, a eerie former lunatic asylum in Ararat, Victoria, famous for its paranormal activity. Although they didn’t get along, their experience was fully chronicled, recording their night at the haunted site.

Ghosts vs. evil spirits: a quick, versatile guide to how memory, motive, and fear shape haunting tales—perfect for writers and folklore lovers.

In the quiet corridors of the J Ward Lunatic Asylum, curiosity collides with caution. Mystic Mums teamed up with Lantern Ghost Tours for an overnight exploration, inviting viewers to witness a night where history refuses to stay buried. The group—Mystic Mums, Cooper John, and intern Pete—steps into a world of echoing footsteps, damp air, and stories etched into stone.

Make your Halloween handouts legendary this year! While candy is a classic, offering a mix of sweet treats and spooky non-candy items ensures there’s something for every ghoul and goblin who knocks on your door.