Tasmania, with its rich colonial history and rugged landscapes, is home to some of the most hauntingly beautiful abandoned places in Australia. From deserted convict settlements to decaying industrial sites and forgotten mansions, these locations offer a glimpse into the island’s past. Here are the top 5 abandoned places in Tasmania worth exploring.
1. Willow Court Asylum
🏥 Willow Court Asylum, located in New Norfolk, is one of Australia’s oldest mental institutions. It operated from the early 1800s until its closure in the 2000s. Many of its abandoned buildings remain, with rusting hospital beds, peeling paint, and eerie corridors that give it a chilling atmosphere. Stories of paranormal activity have made it a popular site for ghost hunters.
2. Port Arthur Convict Settlement
⛓️ Once a brutal penal colony, Port Arthur was home to some of the most notorious convicts of the 19th century. After the prison closed, much of the site fell into ruin, with crumbling stone buildings, abandoned cells, and ghostly ruins still standing today. It is one of the most haunted places in Australia, with many visitors claiming to have experienced unexplained phenomena.
3. The Abandoned Paper Mill (Boyer)
🏭 The Boyer Paper Mill, once a major industrial site, now stands in partial decay, with rusted machinery, overgrown buildings, and empty warehouses. Though parts of the mill remain operational, abandoned sections offer a glimpse into Tasmania’s industrial history.
4. The Forgotten Railway Tunnels
🚇 Throughout Tasmania’s old railway system, there are several abandoned tunnels that have been left to decay. These dark, damp passageways, with moss-covered stone walls and collapsed sections, create an eerie atmosphere. Some of the most well-known abandoned railway tunnels can be found near Lilydale and New Town.
5. Queenstown’s Abandoned Mines
⛏️ Once a booming mining town, Queenstown now has several abandoned mines and empty buildings scattered across the landscape. The rusting mining equipment, empty homes, and barren surroundings make parts of the area look like a ghost town, reflecting the harsh conditions of Tasmania’s mining history.
Conclusion
Tasmania is home to some of the most fascinating abandoned places in Australia, each offering a unique look into the island’s past. From haunted asylums to deserted convict settlements and forgotten tunnels, these locations provide a blend of history, mystery, and eerie beauty. However, exploring abandoned places requires caution and respect for private property laws.
