Who
  • MY ACCOUNT
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Style
  • Health
  • Beauty
  • The Travel List
  • Podcasts
  • Video
Who
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Style
  • Health
  • Beauty
  • The Travel List
  • Podcasts
  • Video
Subscribe
Niall Horan's three-year text message prank on Fitzy
Watch 1:41

Niall Horan's three-year text message prank on Fitzy

{headline}

{headline}

Exploring Perth’s Abandoned Places: 10 Must-See Locations

Exploring Perth’s Abandoned Places: 10 Must-See Locations

Where To Go Glamping In NSW

Where To Go Glamping In NSW

Channing Tatum's Magic Mike Live is coming to Australia!

Channing Tatum's Magic Mike Live is coming to Australia!

Best destinations to travel solo

Best destinations to travel solo

{headline}

{headline}

Six cool airport hotels

Six cool airport hotels

Awe-inspiring hotel pools

Awe-inspiring hotel pools

Good news for nervous flyers!

Good news for nervous flyers!

{headline}

{headline}

Australia has its first paddock-to-bottle rum distillery

Australia has its first paddock-to-bottle rum distillery

Good news for travelling families!

Good news for travelling families!

Inside Dubai's most expensive hotel suite!

Inside Dubai's most expensive hotel suite!

Five must-dos on Mykonos!

Five must-dos on Mykonos!

The travel test most Aussies fail

The travel test most Aussies fail

WHO visits the world's best tented camp

WHO visits the world's best tented camp

Aussies can now fly direct from Brisbane to these hip cities...

Aussies can now fly direct from Brisbane to these hip cities...

  1. Home
  2. Travel

Urban Exploration: The 10 Best Abandoned Locations in Brisbane

These abandoned locations in Brisbane will give you thrills and chills! - by Rhys McKay
  • 05 Dec 2019
Urban Exploration: The 10 Best Abandoned Locations in Brisbane

Nothing beats exploring the unknown! From abandoned places and old buildings to empty warehouses and haunted houses, urban explorers have seen it all. But why are these forbidden areas so popular in Australia? Let’s find out on our journey to the best abandoned places in Brisbane.

RELATED: Is this Brisbane’s healthiest hotel?

Why Is Urban Exploration So Popular?

Thanks to the Urbex community, Brisbane’s abandoned places have gone viral on the internet. Ever since, YouTubers, photographers, graffiti artists, and travellers have used the hidden gems to satisfy their thirst for adventure! It’s become a big deal for Aussies too, and you can find lots of cool posts about it on Abandoned Brisbane.

In an effort to protect the beloved landmarks, most locations aren’t revealed to the public. Details spread through word of mouth from one explorer to another on Urbex forums. In case you’re wondering, it isn’t illegal – but some hotspots have alerted authorities to charge a fine for those caught trespassing.

The 10 Best Abandoned Locations in Brisbane

They’re old, mysterious, and dangerous – but that hasn’t stopped brave souls from delving into their dusty depths! At this point, you’re probably wondering: “Where are the best abandoned places near me?”. Look no further as we step back in time and into the best abandoned spots in Brisbane!

1. Moira’s House

Location: Wooloowin, Queensland

Details: This eerie home is full of relics that date back to the 1930s and 1960s. You’ll find old letters, postcards, books, photos, and clothes – all of which belong to Moira Shannon and her husband George Cross. Since she died there in 2013, ghost hunters have reported sightings and strange voices during their visits.

Explore: You’ll have no luck finding an address, but there’s a Reddit thread where people discuss its whereabouts.

about.a.girl_x View Profile
16 likes - View Post on Instagram
I'm falling apart. . . . . . . . #Abandonded #UrbanPhotography #Urban #Urbanex #UrbanExploration #AbandonedBrisbane #Graffiti #AndroidPhotos #History #Memories #Explore #Wilderness #OverGrown #Adventure #Exploration #Brisbane #MoirasHouse #MoyrasHouse

2. Wacol Mental Asylum

Location: Wolston Park Road, Wacol, Queensland

Details: Built in 1865, it was the oldest mental institution in the country until it closed down in 2001. It was formerly known as the Brisbane Mental Hospital, Goodna Mental Asylum, and Wolston Park Asylum. To this day, it remains haunted by tragic stories of torture and violence, with over 200 bodies found in the graveyard.

Explore: You can’t miss the structure while driving down the park road. You’ll find a memorial for the victims outside the building.

pommykunt View Profile
20 likes - View Post on Instagram
Admitted 👀 #wongarounaticasylum #brisbaneabandoned #derelictedexplorers #grimelords #wacol

3. Queensland College of Art Seven Hills TAFE

Location: Griffith University, Morningside Campus, Queensland

Details: The abandoned arts college has been closed since 2001, explaining all the trashed hallways and ruined classrooms from vandals. School papers were scattered all over the place, complete with graffiti all over chalkboards and walls. Strangely enough, the aesthetic satisfies the inner rebel in all of us!

Explore: Unfortunately, they demolished the site in 2015 to make way for building Clearview Urban Village, but the cool photos live on forever!

ripmorningsidetafe View Profile
44 likes - View Post on Instagram
Photo credit: @urbanpicxie DM or tag us in your flicks & we'll post them up! #Brisbane #abandonedbrisbane #explorebrisbane #discoverbrisbane #morningside #morningsidecollege #qca #queenslandcollegeofart #graffiti #brisbanegraffiti #rooftop #photography #trashed #thrashed #oldschool #ironlak #abando #empty #lost #graff #montana #queensland

4. The Rocklea Spinning Mills

Location: Assembly Street, Salisbury, Queensland

Details: They built this textile factory between 1941 and 1943 during the WWII era, along with machine shops, a rolling mill, and other industrial facilities. Sadly, hundreds of workers lost their jobs when it closed down in 1992. Lots of Urbex enthusiasts visit to check out the lines of old school machinery and torn fabric. 

Explore: You’ll stumble across this large complex in the neighbourhood of Salisbury, where it’s become a part of the city’s list of historical heritage structures.


v.ortices View Profile
163 likes - View Post on Instagram
Its Like They Got Up And Left... #bandorebelz #rsa_preciousjunk #australia #trappingtones #abandonedafterdark #gramslayers #jj_urbex #shotzdelight #ozshotmag #way2ill #exploretocreate #ExploreEverything #abandon_seekers_ #thecreatorclass #fatalframes #abandonedcentral #agameoftones #artofvisuals #brisbaneabandoned #e_i_a #createexplore #everything_transport #visualarchitects #MKeXplore #moodygrams #somberexplore #urbex #abandonedbrisbane #moodygrams #artofvisuals #abandoned_junkies #visualambassadors

5. Red Hill Skate Arena

Location: 2-14 Enoggera Terrace, Red Hill, Queensland

Details: This hidden gem has gone through many transformations since the 1920s. It was once a state theatre, then a nightclub, and finally, a skating rink until it burned down in 2002. Famous for its amazing graffiti walls and street art, redevelopers recently spent $AUD10 million to restore it to its former glory and add a restaurant too!

Explore: They’re now open to the public and you can check out the renovated spot on their official Facebook page.

jiblett View Profile
47 likes - View Post on Instagram
Checked out this honey before she gets redeveloped 😘 #abandoned #urbex #urbanexploration #abandonedskaterink #redhillskaterink #urbexaus #urbexbris #urbexaustralia #urbanexplorationbrisbane #urbanexplorationbris #urbanexplorer #derelict

6. Burford’s Batcave

Location: Kangaroo point

Details: The creepy location has earned the name ‘Hell Junction’ for its intersecting tunnels and manholes that make up Brisbane’s drainage system. There’s lots of whimsical graffiti art on the brick walls, while others create light-paintings for photos. You’ll find a few bats flying around, too!

Explore: You can locate the entrance near the bottom of the cliff-diving spot by Kangaroo point. So, only go during low tide!

danglindemann View Profile
26 likes - View Post on Instagram
#FBF exploring the #LeopardStreetTunnel #BurfordsBatcave way back when I was young and stupid @jstrakertroublemaker hit me up if you go back down! #UrbEx #TMNT #CaveClan #Brisbane

7. Terranora Lakes Country Club

Location: Bilambil Heights, New South Wales

Details: The 80s golf club looks drastically different from its luxurious heydays in 1975. It filed for bankruptcy in 1996 and went from rags to riches over the years. It was a well-known place for Urbex lovers, but it’s getting demolished since receiving a billion-dollar investment to build over it this year.

Explore: Visiting the place won’t be easy, considering security has tightened for its impending doom.

mulanino View Profile
40 likes - View Post on Instagram
2/9 previously looking photos of this place I was amazed by the stairs, but a little disappointed by it, but still a pretty cool spot. every wall had some sort of graffiti on it, hard to find one without it.

8. Broadway Hotel

Location: 93 Logan Road, Woolloongabba

Details: Declared a Queensland Heritage site in 1992, the hotel rose in 1889, but a fire destroyed it in 2010. It has remained derelict ever since, but the beautiful architecture is in the process of restoration. The city issued three orders to protect the structure from demolition as the owners work to repair the site.

Explore: It isn’t hard to spot this three-storey building in the inner South area of Brisbane!

kellysoutheeartist View Profile
39 likes - View Post on Instagram
Broadway Hotel Series: Number 1 - This site is part of a 26 story redevelopment proposal adjoining the late 1800's structure. With little heritage from this era left in Woollongabba it's a contentious project. Locals are campaigning against what's planned. I want to show this lovely building. Alas it's become derelict in the past seven years. #broadwayhotelbrisbane #broadwayhotel #woolloongabba #brisbanelife #brisbanepubs #brisbaneanyday #kellysoutheeartist @kellysoutheeartist

9. Ernest Junction Railway Tunnel

Location: Molendinar, Gold Coast

Details: Constructed in 1988, the railway tunnels stopped operations in 1964 when the South Coast railway closed down. Bikers, filmmakers, artists, and explorers have used the tunnel for creative purposes. Be warned: ghost hunters have heard some spooky sounds down there!

Explore: Aussie Bushwalking has posted directions to guide you through your journey to the tunnel.

kj_kochner View Profile
94 likes - View Post on Instagram
Pic 3 of 3. I found this behind work when I went for a walk on my lunch break so thought I'd better get a few phone snaps. Yes I walked through it alone and yes it was a little creepy but worth it. #ernestjunction #traintunnel #graffiti #abandonedplaces #ernestjunctiontunnel #historic #goldcoast #igersgoldcoast #iphonephotography #loveyouqueensland #migoldcoast #thisisqueensland #discoverqueensland #hello_bluey #wow_australia2017 #moregoldcoast #ig_myshot #ig_australia #visitgoldcoast #visitqueensland #goldcoastgallery #ourgoldcoast

10. Tennyson Power Station

Location: Tennyson, Queensland

Details: Established in 1953, this coal power station ended operations in 1986. They left it untouched because of the large amount of asbestos in the building until it got demolished in 2005. Now, all that’s left are a few brick walls, old equipment, and empty railroads.

Explore: The old structure is no longer there, but you can still find bits and pieces of the building around the Tennis Centre.

snmclkgrgn View Profile
View Post on Instagram
#brisbanepowerstation

Lost But Not Forgotten

There’s always an adventure around the corner! These abandoned places show us moments frozen in time, reminding us to go out and explore the world before they’re gone forever.

RELATED: Four top shopping streets in Brisbane

Rhys McKay

JUST $6 for 6 issues!-SAVE 81%

Subscribe to Who today

Subscribe Now
JUST $6 for 6 issues!

JUST $6 for 6 issues!-SAVE 81%

Subscribe to Who today

Subscribe Now
JUST $6 for 6 issues!

Recommended to you

Niall Horan's three-year text message prank on Fitzy
Watch 1:41

Niall Horan's three-year text message prank on Fitzy

{headline}

{headline}

Exploring Perth’s Abandoned Places: 10 Must-See Locations

Exploring Perth’s Abandoned Places: 10 Must-See Locations

Where To Go Glamping In NSW

Where To Go Glamping In NSW

Channing Tatum's Magic Mike Live is coming to Australia!

Channing Tatum's Magic Mike Live is coming to Australia!

Best destinations to travel solo

Best destinations to travel solo

{headline}

{headline}

Six cool airport hotels

Six cool airport hotels

Awe-inspiring hotel pools

Awe-inspiring hotel pools

Good news for nervous flyers!

Good news for nervous flyers!

{headline}

{headline}

Australia has its first paddock-to-bottle rum distillery

Australia has its first paddock-to-bottle rum distillery

Good news for travelling families!

Good news for travelling families!

Inside Dubai's most expensive hotel suite!

Inside Dubai's most expensive hotel suite!

Five must-dos on Mykonos!

Five must-dos on Mykonos!

The travel test most Aussies fail

The travel test most Aussies fail

WHO visits the world's best tented camp

WHO visits the world's best tented camp

Aussies can now fly direct from Brisbane to these hip cities...

Aussies can now fly direct from Brisbane to these hip cities...

Who
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Pacific Magazines
  • Partners
  • 7Plus
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms
Who Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Pacific Magazines
  • Partners
  • 7Plus
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Instyle
  • marie claire
  • Women's Health

Pacific Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Men’s Health
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • All Recipes
  • Practical Parenting
© 2019 Pacific Magazines
Get more from Who

Magazine Subscription Offer

JUST $6 for 6 issues!-SAVE 81%

Shop This Offer
JUST $6 for 6 issues!
NewIdea

Access your account

Personalise the newsletters you receive and gain access to competitions and offers

By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Statement .
Login Error

Oops!
Something went wrong, we were unable to log you in using that account.
Please try again later.

Confirm your details

By continuing, you agree to our
Terms of Service and Privacy Statement .
Login Successful

Thanks!
Logging you in now.

Login Error

Oops!
Something went wrong, Please try again later.

New users register and returning users login, it's as easy as that

Login to your account by email

  • Registration
  • Login

By continuing, you agree to our
Terms of Service and Privacy Statement.

Forgot your password?
By continuing, you agree to our
Terms of Service and Privacy Statement.
Login Error

Oops!
Something went wrong, Please try again later.

Forgot your password? Enter your email address below.

By continuing, you agree to our
Terms of Service and Privacy Statement.
Login Successful

Thanks!
You should be receiving an email shortly to reset your password

Login Error

Oops!
Something went wrong, we were unable to reset your password.
Please try again later.

Create a new password

By continuing, you agree to our
Terms of Service and Privacy Statement.
Reset Successful

Thanks!
Your password has been successfully updated.

Reset Error

Oops!
Something went wrong, we were unable to reset your password.
Please try again later.