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Sunbury Historical Tours

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Sunbury, VIC
Sunbury Historical Tours

Tours are closed down and no longer running. Tours run for 120 mins (2 hours) in duration & operate on weekends only.

Discover what Institutional living was really like around the turn of the century for patients who had been incarcerated behind these walls one hundred years ago, find out the reasons why they were in here, the various roles medical staff had played, the processes involved with the admission of new patients, what happened with escapees and deaths, different medical treatments that were administere

d, the use of seclusion cells, padded cells, and other forms of restraints, and the eventual decommissioning of these buildings. These buildings really are quite beautiful architecturally, dating back to as early as 1864 to when it had first functioned as an Industrial School for Children, then in 1879 the children were boarded out, and the site was handed over to the Lunacy Department where it began operating as a Lunatic Asylum. In 1894 a women’s refractory compound was opened to accommodate refractory & difficult women who had been transferred out of the jail system. This is truly a ‘fascinating journey’ back through time as I walk you through the Admissions Office, Male Receiving Ward, Male Special Admissions Ward, Female Infirmary, Morgue and Women’s Refractory Prison. We will also explore various external buildings that include, Industrial School Hospital, Boiler House, Female Workers block, Staff Mess Rooms, New Hospital for the Insane, Kitchen, and Ha Ha Walls, as well as the institutional grounds, view 100 year old photographs of Patients on admission, original relics and various other displays. We hope to promote sympathy, compassion and a greater awareness for the ways in which we as a society, have treated and accepted those diagnosed with having Mental illness, and reflect on the advances that have since been made with the pioneering and introduction of more effective medications leading to better health results and the gradual discontinuation away from those less inhuman treatments of our past. All tickets $30.00

Bookings are Essential and can be made by phoning Monday through to Friday between the hours of 9.00am – 3.00pm.

22/08/2026

Well …… looks like these historic beautiful buildings are earmarked for future residential…… Ofcourse this was the plan all along !!!! I’m so glad we had the opportunity that we did at the time to run our tours 🙏❤️

10/08/2026

Hello Guys ........ Just an update about future tours. I have responded not giving up just yet!!!

Hi Julie
Apologies for the late reply.

Thank you for your interest in the former asylum at Jacksons Hill, Sunbury. As you would be aware, the buildings and grounds are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. Unfortunately, the buildings and grounds are not in a condition suitable for public access and tours of the site cannot be supported at this time. However, we will keep your contact details on our file, in the event that situation changes.

Thank you for raising this matter.
Manager Ministerial Land
Landholding and Sales | Land and Property | Land Services Victoria
Planning and Land Services
Department of Transport and Planning

I acknowledge all Traditional Owners across Victoria, their Elders past and present. I recognise their continued connection to the land and waters which the Victorian Transport and Planning systems operate on. I am committed to building genuine partnerships with Traditional Owners and the First Peoples community to progress and achieve their aspirations and meet their expectations.

19/07/2026

Community feedback on the Draft Hume Planning Scheme Amendment C283hume, which proposes the rezoning of 11 hectares at Jacksons Hill (the former Victoria University campus), has officially been extended.
We are asking for your support by taking a moment to share your feedback and vote in favour of preserving the history and heritage of Jacksons Hill in Sunbury through reinstating our much-loved Sunbury Historical Tours. Your support would mean so much. Every submission counts, and your voice can help protect and celebrate our local history for future generations.

To have your say, please visit the Engage Victoria Jacksons Hill Project portal: https://engage.vic.gov.au/draft-hume-planning-scheme-amendment-c283hume
Click the link above and let your support be heard.
Thank you so much for standing with us. 🙏🙏🙏♥️

Have your say on the proposed changes to the Hume Planning Scheme to rezone part of Jacksons Hill, Sunbury.

18/07/2026

An Important Update from Sunbury Historical Tours regarding the
Draft Hume Planning Scheme Amendment C283hume

I have formally made a submission to The Draft Hume Planning Scheme Amendment C283 hume, requesting that the future planning framework for the former Sunbury Mental Hospital site recognise the importance of heritage interpretation, community connection and opportunities for respectful public engagement.

As part of this submission, I have requested consideration for the reinstatement of Sunbury Historical Tours at Jacksons Hill through a carefully managed heritage tourism and interpretation programme.

For approximately seven years, Sunbury Historical Tours provided the community with the opportunity to learn about the remarkable and complex history of this significant site, sharing the stories of patients, families, nurses, healthcare workers, staff, and the many people whose lives were connected to the former hospital.

The response from the community since raising the possibility of bringing the tours back has been truly overwhelming. I have heard from former staff, healthcare workers, historians, local residents and many people who feel a strong connection to Jackson's Hill and believe these stories should continue to be shared with future generations.

We will responsibly return tours with appropriate approvals, safety requirements, insurance, and respect for the site's heritage significance.

I would like to thank everyone who has shared memories, encouragement and support. Your messages demonstrate how meaningful Jacksons Hill is to so many people.

I will continue to advocate for the preservation and respectful interpretation of this important part of Sunbury’s history and will keep you updated as this process progresses.

Draft Hume Planning Scheme Amendment C283hume
https://engage.vic.gov.au/project/draft-hume-planning-scheme-amendment-c283hume/participate
Click on the above link and have your say :) support for Sunbury Historical Tours to return would be so very much appreciated !!!!

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Julie Mills
Sunbury Historical Tours

01/06/2026

29/05/2026

Just to let you all know .....
I’m currently exploring the possibility of restarting my historical tours and am making enquiries. I’m hoping to regain access to the buildings, and if permission is granted, I plan to resume operations in the near future. Let me know if you would be interested in attending one ....... Watch this space ........ Julie Mills

Address

Circular Drive, Jackson's Hill
Sunbury, VIC
3429

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