Request a professional phone call.
Note: the email address below is the Corrections Victoria general email; the prison does not have its own general email address.
The below information is specific to Hopkins Correctional Centre.
A recent expansion of HCC has been completed, making HCC one of the first prisons in Victoria to combine community-style prison design with the Better Living Model, an innovative case management model for prisoner management.
These changes in design and custodial practice balance community protection with prisoner rehabilitation and the need to reduce reoffending. At HCC, all prisoners capable of work are employed full-time and are allocated to an industry area such as wooden products, screen printing, metal fabrication, number plates printing, laundry, kitchen and general maintenance.
The Project Summary (External link) provides an overview of the expansion project and its contractual and commercial aspects.
Please also refer to the general information about visiting a prisoner which is the same for all prisons in Victoria. This includes details of how to arrange to visit a prisoner for the first time, what identification you will need to take with you and what you cannot take into prisons.
Getting there
Hopkins Correctional Centre (HCC) is located 200 kilometres west of Melbourne in the Grampians region.
Car
From Melbourne, take the Western Highway A8 until you cross the railway line. Immediately after this you will come to a large roundabout where you need to go right onto High Street. Once through the roundabout take the first right into Alfred Street (go over the railway line). Turn right into Grano Street and travel approximately four kilometres. The prison is located on the right. Enter through Gate 3.
Note: Google Maps directs you to use Warrayatkin Road. This is not the preferred route as it is a dirt road and often unsafe.
From Ararat Railway Station, turn left onto Western Highway. After approximately 500m, turn left into Albert Street. Take the fourth exit through the roundabout onto Grano Street. Travel along Grano Street for approximately four kilometres. The prison is located on the right. Enter through Gate 3.
Parking
Visitor car parking can be accessed via Gate 3 and visitors are able to park in the carpark to the left once they have entered the gate. Past visitors to Hopkins Correctional Centre will notice that this has changed due to the expansion of the prison.
Public transport
Take the Melbourne to Ararat train from Southern Cross Station. Sometimes this train service changes to a coach at Ballarat, then continues onto Ararat. The Saturday 8.08am train and Sunday 8.28am train connect with a bus service to Hopkins Correctional Centre. Always confirm timetables with V/Line before you travel.
Visiting times
To visit a prisoner, you must be on their approved list (refer to Arranging a visit in the general information for prison visitors). Once you are on the list, you can visit during the times below.
It is recommended that you phone the prison before you visit.
Processing for visits commences at 9.00am.
Contact and non-contact visits
Visits are held in the HCC Visit Centre inside the prison on Saturdays and Sundays during the following times.
| Saturday | 9.00am - 3.15pm |
| Sunday | 9.00am - 3.15pm |
Child visits are held within the same time frame. Anyone unsure about visiting with children is advised to ring HCC for further information prior to attending the prison.
There are no visits on Melbourne Cup Day, Christmas Day or Good Friday. Visits on all other public holidays will be at the General Manager's discretion.
Prison profile
Security level
Medium protection prison
Operational capacity
762 (30 June 2019)
Accommodation
Hopkins provides medium security accommodation for prisoners with protection requirements, including a number of sex offenders and some remand prisoners. The prison includes single, double and triple-bed accommodation and cottage accommodation, a unit for aged, and medically infirm prisoners, as well as eight beds for offenders on continued detention.
History
Hopkins Correctional Centre (previously known as Ararat Prison) was opened in 1967, replacing the century-old Ballarat Gaol. Built at an initial cost of $1.25 million, an ongoing redevelopment program has included a new external security fence, new kitchen and mess room, major industries complex, new accommodation and program areas and a new Visit Centre. Hopkins Correctional Centre has recently undergone a major expansion which was officially opened by the Minister for Corrections on 15 October 2015.
Read Hopkins Correctional Centre Visitor Information.