Willow Court Historic Precinct
Explore the poignant history of Willow Court, a former colonial mental health facility offering historical and paranormal tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Explore interiors & history
Willow Court Historic Precinct
Best Time
Explore interiors & history
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the poignant history of Willow Court, a former colonial mental health facility offering historical and paranormal tours.
"An amazing look at Tasmania/Australia history, we did the paranormal tour and was both chilling and exciting."
Book Tours in Advance
:admission_tickets: Essential for interior access. Check schedules as they vary.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
:athletic_shoe: You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Asylum's Enduring Presence
Willow Court Asylum
Walk the grounds of this vast former mental health facility, a poignant reminder of Australia's colonial past.
Paranormal Tour Experience
Various locations within Willow Court
Delve into the chilling tales and alleged hauntings with a guided paranormal investigation.
Historic Courtyard
Central Courtyard
Admire the architecture surrounding the courtyard, a space that has hosted art exhibitions and performances.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Embrace the Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tours in Advance
:admission_tickets: Essential for interior access. Check schedules as they vary.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
:athletic_shoe: You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive grounds.
Any haunted places in Tasmania?
Prepare for the Atmosphere
It's a place with a heavy history; approach with respect and an open mind.
Check for Events
Sometimes art exhibitions or performances are held in the courtyard.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tours in Advance
:admission_tickets: Essential for interior access. Check schedules as they vary.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
:athletic_shoe: You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive grounds.
Prepare for the Atmosphere
It's a place with a heavy history; approach with respect and an open mind.
Check for Events
Sometimes art exhibitions or performances are held in the courtyard.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Willow Court Historic Precinct a compelling site for understanding Tasmania's colonial past, with many appreciating the historical architecture and the unique atmosphere. While some buildings are used for modern art, the grounds and the opportunity for guided historical or paranormal tours are frequently highlighted as the main draws. Some visitors express a desire to see more original furnishings, but the overall experience is often described as thought-provoking and worthwhile.
"Colonial Mental Health facility for convicts that turned into a 1000 bed State facility.....worth the visit."
Kenneth Kindness
"Nice place to walk around and look at the old asylum. We arrived too late to go inside, but it's worth a look even from the outside."
Bianca Arnold
"Historic buildings surrounding a courtyard area. We visited an art exhibition in one of the buildings and listened to a pop up choir singing in the courtyard. Their is slso an eatery which was being very well patronised. This place is well worth a visit."
Julie Lawless
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Willow Court is located in New Norfolk, Tasmania. It's accessible by car, approximately a 30-40 minute drive from Hobart. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the precinct, especially if you are attending a scheduled tour or event.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds is generally free, but access to specific buildings and guided tours, including paranormal tours, requires purchasing tickets. It's highly recommended to book these in advance.
The grounds are usually accessible during daylight hours. However, building access and tour times vary significantly. Always check the official schedule for tours and any special events.
Yes, Willow Court offers various tours, including historical tours that explore the asylum's past and paranormal tours for those interested in the supernatural. +1
You can walk around the exterior grounds and admire the historic buildings from the outside without a tour. However, to see the interiors and learn detailed history, a guided tour is necessary.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic asylum buildings from the outside, walk through the central courtyard, and participate in guided historical or paranormal tours. Some buildings may host temporary art exhibitions.
While the history is significant, the nature of the former asylum might be intense for very young children. The paranormal tours are generally not recommended for kids. Consider the historical context when deciding.
Willow Court was a colonial mental health facility that evolved into a large state-run institution. It has a complex and often somber history related to patient care and societal attitudes.
Photography is generally permitted on the grounds. However, specific rules might apply inside buildings or during tours, so it's best to check with your tour guide.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must as you'll be exploring the grounds. Dress in layers as Tasmanian weather can be unpredictable.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is an eatery on-site that is often well-patronised, offering refreshments. Alternatively, New Norfolk town has several cafes and restaurants nearby.
Picnicking on the grounds might be possible, but it's advisable to check for designated areas or any restrictions.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic architecture of the asylum buildings, the central courtyard, and the expansive grounds offer many photographic opportunities. The morgue also presents a unique, albeit somber, subject.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities or the precinct management before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the architectural aspects and the general history of the site. If visiting with older children or teenagers, a historical tour might be more appropriate than a paranormal one. Ensure they understand the sensitive nature of the location.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
Be prepared for a chilling experience. Many visitors report feeling a strong atmosphere and find the historical context of the hauntings particularly compelling. Booking in advance is crucial for these popular tours.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Willow Court
Visitors often remark on the profound sense of history that permeates the site. While some buildings may only display modern art, the original structures themselves are a powerful testament to the past. Understanding this context enhances the visitor experience, turning a simple walk around the grounds into a journey through social history.
For those interested in a deeper dive, the paranormal tours offer a unique perspective, blending historical accounts with alleged supernatural occurrences. These tours highlight the human stories and the emotional weight associated with such institutions.
Experiencing the Paranormal
Travelers who have taken these tours describe them as both 'chilling and exciting,' offering an experience that goes beyond typical historical sightseeing. The guides often share detailed stories and encourage participants to be open to the possibility of encountering the unexplained.
While the paranormal aspect is a significant draw, it's important to remember that the site's history is rooted in real human experiences. The tours aim to respect this history while exploring the more mysterious elements of Willow Court's past.
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