Yarra Bend Asylum was the first permanent institution established in Victoria that was devoted to the treatment of the mentally ill.

It was not officially called Yarra Bend Asylum until July 1851 when the Port Phillip District separated from the Colony of New South Wales.

This title emphasised its function as a place of refuge rather than a hospital which provided treatment for mentally ill people who could possibly be cured.

[3] The Government of Victoria originally intended that Yarra Bend would be closed once Kew, Ararat and Beechworth asylums were established.

Victorian Premier Sir Thomas Bent decided in 1905 that no more money was to be spent on Yarra Bend, and the buildings fell further into disrepair.

[5] After Fairhaven's closure, the gates, walls and infirmary were incorporated into Fairlea Women's Prison which was built on the site.

The only visible remaining structure is one of the 1860 gate pillars which was relocated to the opposite side of Yarra Bend Road, though some of the bluestone and brick foundation walls of the asylum still exist below ground level.