Adelaide, known for its rich history and heritage buildings, is also home to several abandoned and forgotten places. From old asylums to crumbling factories, these locations provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and attract urban explorers looking for eerie and mysterious sites. Here are the top 5 abandoned places in Adelaide worth exploring.
1. Glenside Psychiatric Hospital
🏥 Built in the 19th century, Glenside Psychiatric Hospital was once one of Adelaide’s largest mental health facilities. While parts of the hospital have been repurposed, several buildings remain abandoned, with peeling paint, rusted hospital beds, and eerie corridors that hint at its dark history.
2. The Old Adelaide Gaol
⛓️ One of the oldest prisons in Australia, Adelaide Gaol operated for over 140 years before closing in 1988. Though now open for historical tours, much of the site remains untouched and decaying, with old cells, execution chambers, and underground tunnels adding to its chilling reputation.
3. Z Ward Asylum
🛑 Originally designed to house the criminally insane, Z Ward was once one of the most feared institutions in South Australia. Now abandoned, the rusting iron bars, empty cells, and stories of ghostly encounters make it one of the most infamous abandoned locations in Adelaide.
4. Torrens Island Quarantine Station
🚢 Established in the late 19th century, this quarantine station was used to isolate passengers arriving by sea who were suspected of carrying infectious diseases. Today, the crumbling buildings, abandoned dormitories, and overgrown pathways make it a hauntingly beautiful location.
5. Adelaide Refinery (Port Stanvac)
🏭 Once a key part of South Australia’s industrial sector, the Adelaide Refinery at Port Stanvac was closed in 2003 and has since become a ghostly industrial wasteland. The site features rusting pipelines, empty oil tanks, and derelict factory buildings, offering a glimpse into Adelaide’s industrial past.
Conclusion
Adelaide is filled with abandoned sites rich in history, each with its own stories of decay and forgotten pasts. Whether you’re drawn to haunted hospitals, decaying prisons, or deserted factories, these locations offer a unique experience for urban explorers. However, safety and legality should always come first.
