Abandoned Theme Parks
Abandoned theme parks are always fun to explore, especially if you gain access into massive derelict sites like the Notre Dame Zoo in Sydney or El Caballo in Perth.
Often tucked away in the rolling countryside, you could easily miss them if you’re not paying attention, despite their huge size.
However, theme parks often have private owners which could land you in a lot of trouble if you’re caught photographing onsite. For this reason, it’s wise to perform research on a derelict theme park before making the trip. Social media forums might help with finding out the current ownership status and whether or not it’s wise to go.
Abandoned El Caballo Theme Park, Perth,
Update April 2024: Security is tightening on the property. Explore at your own risk. 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
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.
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.
