Australia Urbex
Despite its relatively young age, Australia boasts a surprisingly extensive collection of abandoned buildings that entice urban explorers seeking adventure and unique photography opportunities.
However, it’s important to note that Australia maintains strict laws regarding trespassing, so urbex enthusiasts should exercise caution.
Throughout the four years I spent urbexing in Australia, I received a continuous stream of emails, calls, and even unexpected visits from the po-po.
The most memorable incident involved a random visit from the Western Australia Homicide Police Force, who came to my workplace to request the removal of photos taken at the abandoned Claremont serial killer’s residence (Bradley Edwards). But that tale is best saved for another time.
Where to Urbex in Australia?
There are lots of great abandoned places in Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane for those looking for a new urbex spot to photograph in Australia. Feel free to click on one of the links below to view photo galleries, read historical research, and get inspiration for where to explore next.
Remember, safety is paramount so don’t forget to check out our 15 golden rules of urbex.
Abandoned Moore River Camp for Aboriginals in Western Australia
In the heart of the Mogumber sand plain, nestled north of Perth, the Moore River Native Settlement stands as a chilling testament to a dark chapter in Australia’s history. For 30 years, this place served as a multifaceted institution, shifting between sanctuary, work camp, orphanage, prison, and rural haven. Initiated by the Chief Protector of Aborigines, A.O. Neville, this settlement was part of a controversial social experiment aimed at eradicating an entire race and culture. “Neville the Devil”, the former chief protector of Aborigines in WA. Supplied: Aboriginal History WA From its establishment in 1918 until 1951, the Moore River Native Settlement, located about 135km north of Perth, became infamous as one of the largest Aboriginal missions in Western Australia. A place where hundreds of Indigenous children from across the vast regions of the state were forcibly sent, often against their will and as young children, for so-called “integration” into Western society. Children gathered outside the Moore River chapel circa 1920. Photograph: State Library of Western Australia The horrors of Moore River were laid bare through a recent research project by the state’s Aboriginal History WA unit, which delved into the camp’s cemetery. The findings exposed the appalling conditions that
Abandoned Plant Nursery, Western Australia
An Abandoned Western Australian Plant Nursery This abandoned plant nursery in Western Australia barely resembled its former days of operation. The site had clearly been taken over by vandals and homeless people judging by the insane amount of rubbish, shit graffiti and crack corners I found. Enjoy the photo album below and don’t forget to follow Abandoned World Photography on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube! Swipe left or right on the slideshow below to view the photos! Previous Next Perth Urbex
Abandoned Hotham Valley Trains in Perth, Western Australia
The Hotham Valley Railway was born in 1974 as an idea by a small group of train enthusiasts who wanted to preserve the steam locomotives on the Pinjarra-Dwellingup railway line when the world was moving towards diesel engines. After purchasing a bunch of Mountain type W class locomotives and spending countless hours restoring the tracks, trains and depot buildings, the first steam train returned to the Hotham Valley in September 1976. Ever since, the Hotham Valley Railway volunteers have donated their time to preserve and expand the railway, getting hold of unique historical carriages such as an 1884 club car and a 1919 dining carriage. Enjoy the video and photography slideshow below and don’t forget to follow Abandoned World Photography for regular urbex updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. More Perth Urbex
Abandoned Alexander the Great Mansion in Perth, Western Australia
Tucked away in Perth’s lush green rolling hills, is a magnificent, abandoned mansion that has its own ferris wheel, waterslides, a weird cult-like church, life-size dollhouses, a full-size horse carousel, and lots of very fancy statues. Word is that owner still lives onsite in a building not far from the abandoned area. However, during the time we photographed this location, there was no sign of life, CCTV cameras or No Trespassing signs. This was over 2 years ago though so heads up as this might have changed! Enjoy the photography slideshow below and don’t forget to follow Abandoned World Photography for regular urbex updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Top 5 Abandoned Buildings in Perth for Urbex
Compared to its international counterparts, Perth, Western Australia, doesn’t have a huge amount of derelict, historical buildings for urbex lovers to explore. The WA police are also very much on the ball, as are site managers, caretakers and supervisors of abandoned sites. Thus, it’s important to take precautionary measures when urbexing in Perth, such as checking for cameras, No Trespassing signs, and other signs of security. To help you satisfy your craving for an abandoned Perth adventure, here are derelict or vacant sites that you can explore or photograph safely with no legal repercussions (hopefully)! The abandoned buildings in Perth, WA, that we will cover in this blog include a derelict equine theme park, animal research laboratory, a refractory/quarry, underground factory tunnel, and a horseriding school. Abandoned Australia – The Abandoned El Caballo Theme Park, Great Eastern Highway, Wooroloo WA 6558, Australia El Caballo Theme Park, Perth ~ Abandoned World Photography The abandoned El Caballo Theme Park, Perth, sticks out like a sore thumb if you’re driving along the Great Eastern Highway. There is an active golfing centre on-site behind the derelict theme park site where you can park your car, just take the first left once you pass the El Caballo sign and follow
The Abandoned Duffy House, Wanneroo, Perth (Australia)
The abandoned Duffy House and dairy farm ruins are tucked away in the middle of a large golden field on the outskirts of Perth, Western Australia. This historical site tells the story of Irish immigrants and their significant involvement in Australia’s farming industry development dating back to the mid-1800’s. It was of great interest to me (being Irish and currently in Australia), so as soon as I read about it online, I immediately set out to photograph the site remains and dig more into the history of Duffy House. I first read about the house in a 2018 article published by a local WA newspaper who reported a kangaroo had been found hanging from a noose inside and the word “Satan” sprayed on the walls. The description of extreme disrepair was sadly quite the opposite of what the house was remembered for in its former days. The Historical Timeline of Duffy House According to the Australian State Heritage website, the history of Duffy House dates back to 1859 when Bernard and Sarah Duffy emigrated from Ireland to Perth on the Hamilla Mitchell ship. They had a son, Barney, and four daughters: Mary, Margaret, Sarah and Catherine, who all mucked in when the family settled initially
Best Abandoned Buildings in Sydney
For those captivated by the allure of urban decay and abandoned structures, Sydney holds a treasure trove waiting to be uncovered. In this urbex guide, we’ve carefully curated a list of the best abandoned building locations for urban explorers and photographers in New South Wales, Australia. These include: Callan Park Mental Asylum Macquarie Boys Tech School Notre Dame Zoo, Mulgoa Balmain Tigers League Club Asbestos Removal Facility Stay safe and happy urbexing! 1. The Abandoned Callan Park Mental Asylum | Sydney Urbex Locations The abandoned Callan Park Mental Asylum, an expansive and eerie site, stands out as one of the most remarkable abandoned locations to explore in 2022. Nestled within sprawling grounds, this derelict asylum offers an exploration of decaying wards and an abandoned mental institution. Visiting during the early morning or late at night is advisable due to its relatively public setting. Exploring this location during daylight is recommended due to its unstable and deteriorating structure. For those intrigued by ghostly tales, Callan Park has a reputation for giving off an unsettling vibe. Access to urbex within the mental institution is relatively straightforward once you locate the entry point. Callan Park Photos 2. Abandoned Macquarie Boys Tech School |
Abandoned Glen Iris Golf Course, Perth, WA
The abandoned Glen Iris Golf Course has been subject to much public outcry after news of huge development plans broke last year. According to a petition page, “the golf course is the home to not only people, families who love their homes, but of cockatoos, parrots, 28’s, ducks and swans. It is also home to the native Quenda which is now endangered and does not like being relocated.” After operating for 60 years as one of the most popular golf courses in Western Australia, local residents received a flyer through their letterboxes in March 2020 alerting them to the imminent sale of the course to WA-based development firm EastCourt Property Group. The group plans on building “premium housing” on the 25-hectare site. The settlement was said to be worth $30 million. As of now, the course is empty and quiet. The restaurant tables have been left set up and ready for service, and “we are closing down” leaflets are strewn about the place. The wildflowers and vegetation that the locals are worried about being destroyed are probably in the most flourished state they have ever been in, and the wild animals have over 2 acres of empty green land to
Abandoned El Caballo Theme Park, Perth, WA [VIDEO]
The abandoned El Caballo Blanco is a former Spanish equine theme park situated in Perth, Western Australia. It features grand showgrounds, a ‘Rampage’ aqua slide and pools, a small wildlife zoo, rollers coaster, lifestyle village, stables, VIP areas, bars, restaurants, a theatre and a championship golf course (still in use). During its peak time of operation in the 70’s and 80’s, over a quarter of a million people would visit every year to marvel at the white Andalusian stallions with rainbow manes and gemstone-clad riders perform tricks of all kinds. But what was once the prime spot for an exciting family day out, a wedding or even a weekend stay at a posh resort, is now deserted after being bought by an Australian Aboriginal trust to house homeless people. Just to give perspective on just how posh this place used to be, employees would allegedly drive around the paddocks in Rolls Royce’s to round up horses! Very fancy indeed. The History of El Caballo Equine Theme Park, WA In 1970, Australian born Ray Williams travelled the world looking for what he considered to be the perfect horse to breed and cross with Australian horses. He had fallen in love with
Abandoned 1920’s House in Perth, WA [VIDEO]
Abandoned 1920’s House in Perth, Western Australia This abandoned house caught my eye while I was driving around scouting for abandoned buildings in some of Perth’s most run-down areas. I’m not normally a fan of derelict houses, especially going into them alone, but something about this place drew me to it. From the outside, it looks like a witch’s house with its slanty roof, crumbling windows and moth-eaten curtains. A quick google of the address brings up little information other than the house was built in 1920. The stove in the kitchen, the old piano, the fireplaces, and even the wallpaper live up the house’s birth year. But strangely enough, the house has been sold seven times since 1998. Even weirder is that it sold in 1998, 1999 and 2001, three years in a row! It doesn’t feel like anyone has lived in it since the mid 1900s and the furniture that’s left behind is definitely not post-Millennium material. The only occupants of the house at the moment is a homeless dog and its owner(s) who I thankfully did not run into. Enjoy the photography slideshow below and don’t forget to follow Abandoned World Photography for regular urbex updates on
Abandoned Bowbilla Boarding Kennels, Perth, WA [VIDEO]
Bowbilla Boarding Kennels & Cattery was a pet accommodation centre in Wanneroo, Perth, Western Australia. The kennels were established by Dave & Betty Bowie in 1971. The site includes many buildings including houses, sheds, kennels, huge outdoor cages, grassy areas and workshops. In some of the larger kennels, there were doggie swimming pools and comfy couches. There were a few armchairs in some other kennels. I read a review online in which someone said their dog loved this place so much that they would try to jump out of the car as soon as they started turning down the road it was on! Enjoy the photography slideshow below and don’t forget to follow Abandoned World Photography for regular urbex updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGmmVp6PDOw Swipe left or right on the slideshow below to view the photos! Previous Next
Abandoned Western Australian Herbarium Garden
The Western Australian Herbarium was established in 1928 when Mr C A Gardner was appointed to the new position of Government Botanist and Curator of the State Herbarium. During this time, he also acquired control over a separate herbaria site belonging to the Department of Agriculture and the Forestry Department. The idea of amalgamating those two collections with that of the Western Australian Museum to produce a single State Herbarium was first suggested in 1923 and the concept was supported in 1926 by the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science and the Royal Botanic Gardens in the United Kingdom. The amalgamation of all three collections was completed in 1958, and the State Herbarium began its work. Between 1970 and 2010, the herbarium housed several unique collections of plants, an extensive research library and database. Not surprisingly, it has gained a historic reputation for its association with the long-established practise of collection and study of the plants of Western Australia and for its association with the unification of several significant collections of plant specimens in one place in a dedicated space. A government website states part of the hexagon (main) building is still being used for administration
Abandoned Miller’s Tyre Service, Perth, WA [VIDEO]
Miller’s Tyre Service was in the news headlines when a truck parked inside the warehouse caught fire in 2021. It was a deliberate arson attack that resulted in damages of over $10k. The inside of the warehouse is in pretty bad shape. I’ve never seen so many papers strewn across one floor and the machinery left behind is black and greasy. One of the office floors is also covered in a layer of black grease. Enjoy the video and photography slideshow below and don’t forget to follow Abandoned World Photography for regular urbex updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Swipe left or right on the slideshow below to view the photos! Previous Next
Abandoned Cattle Farm, Perth, Western Australia [VIDEO]
This unique abandoned site used to be a farm that traded under the name J Wade Grazing Co between 2000 and 2003. There are several buildings at this location, which were used for cattle ranching, agriculture, and forestry. It was run independently by a family who was big into their horses, which isn’t surprising because the site is located within one of Perth’s main horsie areas. The family owned a racehorse called Legerman, a thoroughbred born in Australia (1988). The buildings are extremely dilapidated, especially the main house which is the main feature in the video. The floorboards have been ripped up in some of the rooms, the ceilings have fallen in and graffiti is on every wall. Some of the graffiti is cool, especially in the outer buildings. Enjoy the video and photography slideshow below and don’t forget to follow Abandoned World Photography for regular urbex updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Swipe left or right on the slideshow below to view the photos! Previous Next
Abandoned Medina Animal Research Station, Perth, WA
The Medina Research Station was an Australian government initiative where both animals and vegetables were farmed and tested. Operations began in 1964 after which research was carried out on pigs, soil types, vegetables, insecticides and pesticides. The site is massive with over 20 abandoned buildings including animals pens, greenhouses, testing warehouses, storerooms and even residential houses. The site is currently unused other than the odd 4WD and motorcycle making use of the sandy trails that weave throughout the land. Enjoy the photography slideshow below and don’t forget to follow Abandoned World Photography for regular urbex updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Abandoned Australia
Abandoned Midway Taxi Rank, Perth, WA [VIDEO]
Insane graffiti, a room for the homeless with a flatscreen monitor, and a popular party hub for youngsters. The deserted Midway Taxi rank in Perth’s northwest has recently been sold to a local developer. It carried a price guide of more than $5 million when it hit the market. Spanning across 2914 square metres, the taxi management company was established in 1985 and ceased operation a few years ago. Enjoy the photography slideshow below and don’t forget to follow Abandoned World Photography for regular urbex updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyyGCLoujVo Swipe left or right on the slideshow below to view the photos! Previous Next Australia Urbex
Abandoned Marapana Wildlife Park, Perth, WA
Marapana Wildlife Park used to be a hotspot for families and children to enjoy nature, the outdoors and the exquisite animals that can be found in Western Australia. For any newcomer to Australia, like myself, this attraction would have been the perfect place to see animals such as camels, koalas, crocodiles, kangaroos and snakes up close. Many of the animals were in enclosures and others roamed freely, looking for cuddles and treats. Photoshoots and cuddles with koalas were at top favourite which people paid $20 a pop for. The park closed in 2012 due to an on sell to a sand mining company. Enjoy the photos and if anyone has memories or snaps of the park when it was operation please feel free to share them in the comments below! Enjoy the photography slideshow below and don’t forget to follow Abandoned World Photography for regular urbex updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Inside the Claremont Serial Killer’s Abandoned House, Perth, Australia
Have you ever wondered what you might find lurking in the private residence of a convicted serial killer? This abandoned house in Perth belongs to Bradley Edwards, one of the worst criminals Australia ever produced. When three young women were abducted and murdered in Perth during the ’90s, the unsolved crimes haunted the city for decades. Finally, following the most expensive police investigation in Australian history, the Claremont serial killer has been brought to justice. Enjoy the photography slideshow below and don’t forget to follow Abandoned World Photography for regular urbex updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Abandoned Soap Factory Tunnel, Perth, WA [VIDEO]
In 1905, the Burford Soap Factory was established in Fremantle, Perth. At the same time, a 96-metre tunnel was built, behind the factory. The original factory building has since been renovated into apartments, but the abandoned tunnel remains. At just 1.8 metres high and 1.4 metres wide, it’s a tight squeeze, and it gets a lot narrower as you walk in. It’s pitch black, full of cobwebs and my worst nightmare – cockroaches. Watch out for dead ends! I noticed a lot of metal pipes along the ground as I was exploring this tunnel and later found out that these were used to transport water pumped from the river to below the factory, where it was directed up the vertical trunk to the factory and then to the cooling tanks or to be heated into steam. As you go deeper into the Soap Factory Tunnel, you will find two vertical tunnels (trunks) that lead to storm drains on the street above. The first trunk is located at the first bend in the tunnel. It is a drywall construction and capped with angle iron, tin sheeting, and cement. The second trunk is lined in modern concrete with hand holds leading to
Abandoned House in Clackline, Perth, WA
I found this tiny grubby bungalow whilst exploring the abandoned Clackline Refractory and Quarry. I have never seen so much wall writing in an abandoned building and it was all so bad and crude that I felt like I was in a museum of bad words. To make it even more unsightly, there was a dead kangaroo lying outside the open front door which I nearly stepped on. I have no history on this place, other than the assumption it was a residential house or store room connected to the refractory. Enjoy the photography slideshow below and don’t forget to follow Abandoned World Photography for regular urbex updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Abandoned Clackline Refractory, Perth, WA
The tiny, rural town of Clackline dates back to the late 1880s. Western Australia was expanding its railway network, and Clackline was smack bang in the centre of three of those lines. It was the perfect spot to set up an undisturbed industrial town in the middle of nowhere. By 1898, it was mostly railway workers residing in the town which by this stage consisted of a school, a Methodist Church, a hotel, and the WA Firebrick Company (a refractory and quarry). The WA Firebrick Company had been established by two men, John Ford and James Murray, who were searching for gold, but ended up discovering the fine quality clay that seemed suitable for fired bricks – a resource required to build the railways. By 1901, the clay and brick industry was so important to Western Australia, that the brick products from Clackline were used by multiple government departments, the Fremantle Gas Company, and many goldmines. Other users of the bricks included the Railway Department, the Perth Gas Company, the Fremantle smelter, and the Great Boulder Perseverance Company. After two years, the refractory changed hands and Bunnings took ownership. In 1903, “the Hunter family” owned it until the 1950s. In
Abandoned Fremantle Veterinary Hospital, Perth, WA
Constructed in 1906, this single-storey limestone and iron house is historically significant for its Australian Victorian-Georgian style of architecture, which can be seen by the symmetrical facades. This type of architecture is prominent in Fremantle, where this site is located. During the 1990s and early 2000s, the building was being used by the Fremantle Veterinary Hospital, which specialised in dentistry, radiography, and micro-chipping. All of the old cages can still be found inside and some equipment that would have been used for the treatment of sick animals. Enjoy the photography slideshow below and don’t forget to follow Abandoned World Photography for regular urbex updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Abandoned Byford Motel in Perth, WA [VIDEO]
This abandoned motel was a lovely find after I finished exploring the Greenacre Riding School in Wellard. It felt like old school urbex, you know, hopping over a fence and just straight away walking into the open arms of an abandoned building with not one window boarded up! Gone are those days for the most part, unfortunately! I’m not saying I don’t love the challenge of getting into a building with seemingly no way in, but it’s always so much more relaxing when there are fewer barriers. I was also pretty tired the day I did this motel. I had already done the riding school, an abandoned dance school, and the abandoned communications centre in Kwinana! Enjoy the photography slideshow below and don’t forget to follow Abandoned World Photography for regular urbex updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Abandoned Greenacre Riding School in Perth, WA
The Greenacre Riding School was built in the 1950s and was known by all who loved horses in Western Australia. Its owner, Vic Ferreira, was well-known and much-loved, which can be seen by his numerous awards for community involvement and achievement. Over a period of 30 years, hundreds of Australians and newcomers fell in love with Greenacre and formed strong relationships within the equine community. The ending for the Riding School came in 2008 when Ferreira was forced to close due to a spiralling public liability insurance crisis that saw his premiums rise by 350%. He died that same year. Many were devastated to hear of its closure, and lots of petitions were signed in the hope that the City of Kwinana or Mark McGowan (Premier of Western Australia) would step in and help. The historic riding school, situated in the remote bushland of Wellard, is now a sight for sore eyes. All of the walls, windows and doors of every building are smashed, the grounds are littered with rubbish and there is graffiti everywhere. It’s hard to imagine it in its glory days when it was bustling with life. Perhaps it’s this remoteness and state of disrepair that attracted
The Most Spookiest Abandoned House in Perth, WA [VIDEO]
The Most Spookiest Abandoned House in Perth, Western Australia There are very few buildings that I would deliberately go out of my way NOT to return to, and this house is definitely on that list. You know when you can’t shake a spooky feeling? The feeling that makes you want to run? Well, both times I visited this place, I wanted to run every second I spent inside. The interior and furniture were so old and creepy, although quite interesting as it was all from a different era. According to reports online, this house was built in the 1950s and my guess is it’s never been refurbished or upgraded ever since. The creepiest area of the house is the attic. There are so many rooms, old and stained mattresses, a porn wall, and about four tiny little cubby holes built into the walls that only a child could fit in. There was also a tiny door that led into the attic that again, only a child could fit through. The main door leading into the attic had a padlock on the outside and no lock on the inside (wtf?). There was also a huge cluster of bees which really didn’t
Abandoned Princess Margaret Children’s Hospital in Perth, WA, PMH [VIDEO]
Finding the abandoned Princess Margaret Hospital for Children (PMH) in Perth, Western Australia was a pure fluke. I had originally gone out with the intention of finding an abandoned hotel but whilst driving around the perimeter of the not-so-exciting looking hotel, this huge, formidable building with scaffolding caught my eye. “Princess Margaret Children’s Hospital” was in faded writing along the side of the building which could barely be made out. I almost crashed the car with excitement. I had heard about this hospital but had been under the impression it was demolished! I parked quickly because I knew if I kept driving and crashed, I’d be paying the rental car company a hefty fine (at least $3500). My coffee cup was still fairly full so I went for a stroll and to suss out an access point. I found one pretty quickly, down a quiet street, with very little traffic, and a fence that seemed doable. At least it had no spikes. It was first thing on a Sunday morning, so my motor skills hadn’t properly woken up yet. I drained the coffee cup as soon as I could manage, stuck my phone in my sports bra and very clumsily
The Abandoned Swan District Hospital in Perth, Western Australia
The abandoned Swan District Hospital and Asylum in Perth, Western Australia was under Australian media scrutiny in 2011 when a nurse allegedly threw a woman’s miscarried baby into the garbage alongside medical waste. The hospital, otherwise known as Swan Kalamunda Health Service, had previously been in the public eye in 2004 when a psychiatric patient assaulted two nurses, one of whom suffered from multiple skull fractures and was left fighting for her life. But perhaps the story that people recognise the most when they hear the name “Swan District Hospital”, was the mysterious missing case of Sarah Anne McMahon in 2000. Sarah had been missing for 12 days, police had no leads and were publishing information to the public in the hope of finding a lead. Her car was then found in the car park of the Swan District Hospital and it appeared to have been parked there for some days. Her phone was located later on Great Northern Highway near the Swan District Hospital. On the day she went missing, Sarah had received phone calls from a man named Donald Victor Morey (it took the WA police 12 years after her disappearance to find out this information). In 2003, 3 years
Abandoned Riverbank Prison in Perth, WA
The roots of Riverbank Prison, also known as Riverbank Maximum Security Centre, can be traced back to 1960 when the Western Australian Child Welfare Department envisioned a secure detention facility catering to male offenders between the ages of thirteen to eighteen. The History of Riverbank Prison, Caversham Riverbank’s establishment was initially based on looking after the welfare needs of young offenders and the reformation of their offending behaviour. But by 1979, its aims had been defined to include the care of child offenders, children on remand for alleged offenses or uncontrolled children. The CWD reported in 1968 (Signposts, p.439) that programs at Riverbank also sought to ‘teach more socially acceptable behaviour’ and commented on the ‘paradoxical situation’ of trying to do this while the boys were living in an isolated institution. A series of events that brought community members in for dances, sports, and social evenings was arranged. Socially-acceptable recreation options (such as weightlifting, photography, stamp collecting and badminton) were also introduced. Riverbank Prison Youth Camp in 1986 By 1970, the facility accommodated 43 boys and by 1979 over 1,000 boys had been placed at Riverbank with an average stay of nine months. Between 1975 and 1976, the number of
Abandoned Regis Aged Care Facility in Perth, WA [VIDEO]
The abandoned Regis Aged Care Facility in Perth, is situated in a remarkably interesting location. Dating back to 1905, the large site, bordered by Smyth/Monash/Karella and William Streets, was first acquired by the Salvation Army. Over the next century, it grew into an entire village of buildings that chopped and changed over time, which consisted of an orphanage, correctional facility, school, dementia hospital, residential cottages, and of course, an aged care facility. The abandoned area that I explored and photographed, was the trio of Wyvern Units, which was part of the Regis Hollywood Senior Citizen’s Village. At the other end of the site, facing Monash St, Regis is currently operating an active aged care facility. After exploring this vast area and the units themselves, I did some research online and discovered Regis is currently under major investigations for neglect, abuse and assault allegations raised by resident family members and a group of interns who worked there for a brief period of time recently. Historical Timeline of the Regis Hollywood Senior Citizen’s Village 905 – 1918: The Salvation Army began negotiations to acquire the land bordered by Smyth/Monash/Karella and William Streets, for the construction of a Prison Gate Farm to house men who
Abandoned Cooke Point Bowling Club in Port Hedland, Western Australia
I visited this abandoned bowling club in Western Australia whilst on a solo trip away from the rush of life and I loved it so much that I ended up visiting it two days in a row. It was huge, with so many rooms to explore. All the old bowling trophies were scattered everywhere on the floor, the dining tables were set and the kitchens were still stocked full of pans and pots and cooking oil. The History This abandoned bowling club and youth centre had been built in 1977. There had been a former youth centre situated on the site but it had been destroyed by Cyclone Joan in 1975. Anyone who has experienced a cyclone in WA knows how intense they can be! I myself witnessed Cyclone Damien last year (2019) and it was one of the coolest and scariest things I’ve ever seen/felt. It’s crazy when you can really feel the power of nature and how little control you have over what happens! Moving on. Back in its hey-day, the club had consisted of a two-storey building, which included a bar and function areas, dining rooms and gaming facilities. Outside, there were two tennis courts, a bowling
Abandoned Aboriginal Hospital in Port Hedland, Western Australia
From 1907 to 1919, over 1000 Aboriginal men and women suspected of having venereal diseases were rounded up from across Western Australia and marched, sometimes in chains, to Carnarvon, where they were transported to lock hospitals on the remote Bernier and Dorre Islands. When the island hospitals were shut down in 1919, The Port Hedland Lock Hospital was built to house the patients. The buildings remaining on the site comprise of: Former hostel converted to offices Powerhouse Former dormitories converted to offices Former isolation ward Former mortuary Garden shed; Former matron’s quarters Back in the day, the hospital had comprised of Matron’s Quarters; office; laundry, store; powerhouse; garage; 2 tanks; bitumen tennis court, clothes hoist, laundry, two WCs, staff quarters; fowl run; ablution block; isolation hut wards, recreation hut, the main hospital and medical doctor/surgery rooms. In 1975 the facility was upgraded after some structures had been demolished. By 1977, only three buildings remained from the Lock Hospital phase of the site’s history. The former Matron’s Quarters building (now Community Radio Station) was known as Boab House and was used as emergency accommodation for Aboriginal families. And the former Isolation Ward was in use as a drop-in nursing home and
Abandoned Notre Dame Zoo, Sydney, Australia
The History of Notre Dame Zoo, Sydney Emmanuel Margolin’s Notre Dame Zoo and French Chateau worth $27 million that was once coined “The Best House in the World” by the TV show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, is now a relic of its former self. Spread over 45 hectares deep in the mountains of Mulgoa, Sydney, the Margolin residence and abandoned Notre Dame zoo used to house endangered species such as panthers, pumas and jaguars. Nine species of monkeys, Spanish Andalusian stallions worth $1 million and other exotic animals and flora/fauna also thrived here back in the 80’ and 90’s. The animal cages, stables, gift shop and café are still intact although overcome by sprawling nature. Near to the cages, sits the chateau that the owner, Emmanuel Margolin lived in with his family and once filled it with antiques such as a mirror owned by Mary Queen of Scots and a Mazarin desk owned by Louis XIII. During an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald in 1995, Emmanuel told reporter, Daphne Guinness, he had 20 clocks to wind up each day, his most prized one is one that was given to Napolean when he captured the sphinx in Egypt.
The Abandoned Wacol Mental Asylum, Brisbane, Australia
On the same day that I explored and photographed the abandoned Broadway Hotel in Brisbane, I almost managed to document the Wacol Mental Asylum in Brisbane, Australia. I had my head underneath the wired fence when a policeman drove up to the building and told me that not only was I trespassing, but rapists and murderers were wandering around and might kill me. But I couldn’t accept defeat so quickly. After all, it is one of the oldest mental asylum in Australia and one of the most protected abandoned buildings in the country. I wanted to know why. I walked the perimeter of the site again looking for any other way in that didn’t involve me breaking through the fence surrounding the ruins. I knew there was a basement section, so I tried snooping around for a tunnel or underground entrance, but the policeman was back in flash, this time driving onto the grass right up to me. As you can see in the photo below, I was being stalked by the police AND kangaroos! Unfortunately, I had to accept defeat and say I’d try again another day. The History of Wacol Mental Asylum The abandoned Wacol Mental Asylum was founded
Abandoned Broadway Hotel, Brisbane, Australia
The abandoned Broadway Hotel in Brisbane has been protected by the Queensland Heritage Register since 1992, but that hasn’t deterred arsonists, graffiti artists, squatters and urban exploring photographers like me! :) Sadly, the building has been destroyed by three fires and much of the structure, walls and ceilings are totally dilapidated. The ground floor is still mostly intact whereas the upper floor required a lot of caution. Due to the fires, many of the upstairs rooms and corridors end abruptly with a gaping, charred hole leading straight down to the ash-covered ground floor. Broadway Hotel, located in Brisbane’s inner-south, was designed by John Hall & Son and built from 1889 to c. 1942 by Wooley & Whyte. Its architecture and interior, or what is left of it, is interesting and beautiful to photograph. I only wish more of the building was still intact! The hotel was the third building I tried to photograph in one day and I was delighted to find a way in, as the first two buildings didn’t work out. The first attempt was the abandoned Wolston Park Hospital (otherwise known as Wacol Lunatic Mental Asylum, Woogaroo Lunatic Asylum or Goodna Mental Health Hospital) and the second was the
Abandoned Balmain Tigers League Club, Sydney, Australia
The Abandoned Balmain Tigers League Club, Sydney, Australia The Balmain Tigers League Club was built in 1957 and valued at $22 million. The building now sits abandoned, open to many squatters and is in very bad condition. In one of the dark basement rooms, there are about 7 dirty mattresses lying in a row from one end of the room to the other. The labyrinthine rooms and passages are completely covered in graffiti, walls are smashed in and rubble covers the floor everywhere. The sheer size of this place is not obvious to the outside eye. Step inside and you find yourself in a fascinating maze of offices, bars, shower rooms and secret corridors leading to different basement sections. Access into this building is very easy via the car park. For that reason, many of the rooms are taken over by squatters. However, I came across no one while I was there. Finally, I would like to ask “Fairapy” to stop the vandalism of abandoned buildings in Sydney. I went into every room of the Balmain Tigers League Club and the following “graffiti” was plastered on nearly every wall, especially in the basement: Fairapy, Facebook, and YouTube. I googled “Fairapy”
Inside the Abandoned Callan Park Mental Asylum, Sydney
Delve into the haunting history of the Callan Park Mental Asylum, a sprawling complex that once held the afflicted. Explore its eerie corridors and learn about the architects and legacy of this asylum. Witness the past through captivating photography and discover the asylum’s present-day transformation.
Abandoned Asbestos Chemical Lab, Sydney, Australia
I came across these small labs walking down by Redfern train station. I had intended to get into a much bigger derelict building down the road from the station but there was a concert on right beside it so security was too high to pass. So, I went for a wander and instead found a few labs where asbestos used to be collected, tested and gotten rid of. The facilities were trashed with very little lab material left and I didn’t stay too long just in case there was still asbestos lying around (which there probably was). There was a fair bit of security around these portacabins and when I was the leaving I found that the gate I’d entered, now had a huge bloody chain around it. I panicked for a minute before walking the perimeter a bit and found a break in the wire fence where I could crawl through a bush and out onto the road – much to the confusion of some concert goers! Enjoy the photography slideshow below and don’t forget to follow Abandoned World Photography for regular urbex updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.