UrbEx enthusiasts are drawn to deserted spaces for many reasons – a fascination with history, photography opportunities, and sometimes – simply chasing a unique experience. Photo: Supplied.
Did you even grow up in Canberra if you haven’t once visited the old Yarralumla Brickworks after-hours armed with a sense of adventure (and maybe a few Vodka Cruisers)?
Once an act of teenage rebellion, “urban exploration” has evolved into a more sophisticated adult hobby.
Enthusiasts of “UrbEx” form an adventurous community online, sharing videos of their escapades, as well as prospective locations and tales from their adventures – often under cover of anonymity.
And there are surprisingly strict codes of conduct.
From deserted zoos inhabited only by peacocks to entire neighbourhoods where abandoned houses become time capsules, I spoke anonymously to members of the local UrbEx community to discover what they’ve discovered – and why.
“There is something special about being in a space no one has been to in years, or maintained,” one explorer summarises.
“It’s not just an empty building, but a place with so many memories trapped in the walls.”
UrbEx hinges on historical research and documentary-style photography, and – contrary to first impressions – they say personal safety and respect for property are actually core values.
Like many, Alex* was first drawn into abandoned buildings as a teenager.
Following in the footsteps of YouTube UrbEx royalty like Sam and Colby (16.3m followers) and Exploringwithjosh (4.8m followers), these escapades eventually grew into a serious hobby.
Seeking an edgy photoshoot locale, they first ventured into a dilapidated Dickson church.
“The building was half burnt down, so it was a bit dangerous structure-wise, but it was absolutely beautiful and fascinating to explore.”
Seeking a safer experience, research uncovered a well-known locale among Canberra’s UrbEx community: The old PCYC in Turner.
“This place was a favourite of mine to revisit multiple times,” they said. “It was an amazing building with a massive basketball court, multiple levels and rooms to explore, and some amazing murals done by local artists.
“Knowing the history makes exploring a place way more fascinating to me – what it used to be, the day-to-day experiences that would have happened while the building was operating and looking at old photos.
“I think that’s the reason people are drawn to the content online too.
“They’re interested in the history and the state of these buildings, so they watch content online instead of going out there themselves, due to the risks.”
Of course, venturing off the beaten track comes with its hairy moments.
Exploring a deserted homestead in rural NSW, Alex and their band of explorers were just about to call it a night when they heard a mysterious ruckus and discovered a distressed sheep stuck in the derelict swimming pool.
“It took all three of us to pull her out of the pool, and the poor thing was exhausted, but it ran off back into the field safe and sound. I think about the timing of that almost daily.”
Some encounters are more harrowing.
“Hearing unexplained voices is definitely the creepiest thing for me.
“In an abandoned house where an old lady used to live, we heard an old-sounding voice call “Hello?” … we all assumed it was the neighbours coming to tell us to leave, but when we looked there was no one there.”
But ghostly encounters are clearly not the biggest risk UrbExers face.
Derelict buildings can present hazards that aren’t immediately obvious, such as unstable structures, falls and hazardous materials – making UrbEx inherently risky business.
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“We try to do as much research as possible to try and be as informed as we can about the history, state of the buildings and the risks. For example, we wear masks to protect against bad air quality and mould.
“A line we don’t cross is actually breaking into places.”
Less easily managed is the risk of unexpected encounters – with vandals, squatters and of course – security.
But the UrbEx approach is: “Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints”.
“Vandalising is actually a really big problem in the UrbEx community, as it’s led to the destruction of some amazing places,” said Alex.
“When people – usually teens – use these buildings as a break room, smashing walls and windows, setting off fire extinguishers and vandalising.
“We don’t regard them as “urban explorers” or part of this community, which is built around appreciation of these places, adventure, photography and documenting places before they’re gone forever.”
In fact, none of the explorers I spoke to were keen to disclose site locations – to protect these UrbEx favourites from prospective vandals.
Both of Alex’s original haunts – the Dickson church and PCYC Turner – have since been demolished.
And while these buildings had fallen into advanced disrepair, Alex feels others could easily be given new life.
“So many of these places would be worth repurposing and saving. It’s honestly so sad to see some of these amazing and beautiful buildings left to rot.
“In Canberra, it has been heartbreaking to see how many houses have been left abandoned and are usually still in very good, livable conditions.”
For Alex, it’s the sound of approaching bulldozers that makes documenting these forgotten spaces – by creating content – feel all the more important.
*Name changed.
