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.
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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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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