We’ve all dreamt of exploring abandoned places and haunted houses! It’s exciting to think about climbing fences, discovering secrets, and getting intimate glimpses into the lives of long-dead strangers. What is it about old buildings and deserted places that fascinate us?
For urban explorers, it’s a window to the past that helps us understand what it means to grow old. If you’re wondering: “where are the best spots near me?”, we’ve got you covered! All it takes is a little hunting to uncover Perth’s hidden gems, and we’ll show you how to find them.
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The 10 Best Abandoned Places in Perth
Now you can experience urban exploration without leaving the comfort of your home! Let’s enjoy some of Perth’s best abandoned spots.
1. South Fremantle Power Station
Where: McTaggart Cove, North Coogee
History: The power station opened back in 1951 and stopped operations in 1985. There are rumours that this graffiti-covered skate spot is haunted by the ghost of someone that died there a few years ago. The structure is popular for its large windows with a lovely view of the ocean.
Visit: There are currently redevelopment plans to give it new life for the community. You can spot this massive complex not too far from the seaside, but beware of security guards patrolling the compound!
2. Swanbourne Hospital
Where: Mount Claremont, Western Australia
History: The asylum served as a replacement for the old Fremantle Lunatic Asylum. Previously known as the Claremont Asylum, the wards operated from 1903 to 1986. Now, it’s full of empty beds, tagged walls, and haunting interiors.
Visit: You can find it on top of a hill at Mount Claremont, but they’ve boarded it up since announcing they would restore the complex as an aged care facility.
3. Castle Fun Park
Where: Halls Head, Mandurah
History: They built the miniature castles in 1979 and it was quite popular among kids until it closed in the 2000s. A fire broke out in 2007 which caused some of the buildings to char, but it only adds to the mysterious look!
Visit: This is relatively easy to access, with an entrance point on Leisure Way. Just watch out for snakes in overgrown bushes!
4. Mosman Mansion
Where: Morella Road, Mosman
History: The Parer family built the majestic mansion in 1939, but their son abandoned it after their deaths in 2001. One of the grandest mansions in the neighbourhood became a hotspot for vandals and squatters. Eventually, someone bought it for a whopping $AUD6.6 million.
Visit: The home used to be accessible from Chowder Bay and Bradleys Head Walk until they sold it at an auction. Chances are they’ve sealed off the entrances and locked the side gates to prepare for demolition.
5. Kanga Wooden Toy Factory
Where: O’Connor, Western Australia
History: There’s an eerie feeling in this factory, reminding us how fast time passes by. It’s uncertain how long it’s been there, but considering the toys were all wooden, it must have been quite a long time ago.
Visit: Unfortunately, the city demolished it in 2010 to make room for new establishments.
6. Atlantis Marine Theme Park
Where: 10 Enterprise Avenue, Two Rocks
History: Just like the myth of Atlantis, this story of this water park will live on forever. It opened in 1981 but closed in 1990 because of financial problems. You’ll find King Poseidon’s newly renovated statue along with statues and sculptures around the park.
Visit: If you want to see Atlantis for yourself, King Neptune will be your guide. He’s so enormous, you can’t miss him!
7. College TAFE Campus of Death
Where: Carine, Walcott St.
History: The engineering college was built in the early 1900s. Architecture students visited the place often to appreciate the library and interior designs. Sadly, it was totally demolished in 2009.
Visit: They destroyed the building to make way for apartments.
8. Taj Mahal On The Swan
Where: Peppermint Grove
History: The Oswals built a mansion inspired by India’s Taj Mahal, but construction stopped in 2010. Their business failed and they left it vacant for years, attracting vandals and explorers to break in.
Visit: They put it up for sale and demolished it in 2018 to make way for a modern luxury mansion. Residents watched eagerly as construction workers bulldozed the most famous block of land in Perth.
9. The Fremantle Gaol
Where: Fremantle, Western Australia
History: Built by convicts in 1855, this stands as one of the oldest prisons in Australia. The facility incarcerated notorious criminals and escape artists until the jail closed in 1991. You can still find some personal items in the cells: old books, letters, and personal photos.
Visit: If you’ve always wanted to see what it’s like behind bars, you can book a tour to this infamous prison!
10. The Menzies Gold Mines
Where: Menzies, Goldfields Highway
History: There are over 10,000 gold mines in Perth, and Menzies was thriving during the gold rush in 1894. While some mines are still operational, others are unused and sought out by relic hunters and thrill-seekers.
Visit: The community has a Menzies Visitor Centre for anyone who wants a tour around their small town.
Lost And Found
Sometimes, decay can be beautiful. If you’ve ever wanted to turn back time for a few moments, these abandoned places in Perth is the closest you’ll ever get!
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