Updated: 14 September 2026
This page provides the latest updates, answers to common questions, and details about which areas of Aradale Asylum precinct remain open and accessible.
The safety of visitors and the community remains Melbourne Polytechnic's highest priority.
Following recent safety inspections, access to some areas of the precinct has been restricted while further assessments are undertaken. We are committed to keeping the community informed and exploring options for safe access where possible.
Melbourne Polytechnic is working directly with tour operators to explore options for safe access to external pathways and open areas around the former asylum.
| Area | Status |
| Golf Course | Open to the public |
| Cricket Ground | Open to the public |
| Aradale Asylum Historical Site: Buildings | Closed to the public |
| Aradale Asylum Historical Site: Grounds | Closed to the public |
| Bowls Club | Open to the public |
| Training Centre | Existing access arrangements continued |
| Winery | Existing access arrangement continued |
| Vineyard | Existing access arrangement continued |
| Residential Properties | 9 of 13 residences occupied |
Following recent safety inspections, Melbourne Polytechnic identified a number of building condition issues within the heritage buildings of the former Aradale Asylum that require further assessment.
To ensure the safety of visitors, staff and operators, access to these buildings has been restricted while this work is undertaken.
No. Access restrictions apply only to the affected section of the site.
Other areas of the broader Aradale precinct remain open and accessible, including the golf course, bowls club, cricket ground, winery and winemaking facilities.
Melbourne Polytechnic is committed to exploring all reasonable options to facilitate safe access to external pathways and open areas at Aradale.
We are working directly with affected tour operators to identify potential access routes and assess what measures may be required to support safe access.
Where suitable arrangements can be established, we will work with operators to implement them as quickly as possible.
At this stage Melbourne Polytechnic has not committed to any building remediation, scope of works or reopening timetable. Any proposals or estimates about works required for individual buildings should therefore not be regarded as confirmed until the assessment process is complete.
Work is now underway on an independent safety assessment of the heritage buildings.
Once complete, the assessment will provide a clearer understanding of their condition and help inform decisions about future access. Until the assessment is complete, it is not possible to provide a timeframe for access.
At this stage Melbourne Polytechnic has not committed to any building remediation, scope of works or reopening timetable. Any proposals or estimates about works required for individual buildings should therefore not be regarded as confirmed until the assessment process is complete.
Melbourne Polytechnic will continue to keep users informed as this work progresses.
Melbourne Polytechnic is progressing an independent assessment of the affected buildings and surrounding areas and is currently seeking quotes from suitably qualified experts to undertake this work.
The assessment will provide a clearer understanding of building condition, safety risks and any actions that may be required moving forward.
If you have further questions please contact media@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au.